Writers: Scott M. Gimple and Ian Goldberg
Grade: B+
I liked some aspects of this episode, but there were also quite a few flaws. For one thing, the violence was too graphic and excessive. For another, it’s annoying that Abdi’s vision ended up being meaningless because he died, although it was annoying even before that. The guy was a sheep! “I’m going to be a bloodthirsty warlord because that’s what I think my flash-forward meant. Oh, you mean I’m supposed to bring people together peacefully? Sounds great!”
I also thought that getting bested so easily made the FBI look incompetent. I understand that they were trying to maintain their cover, but sheesh, it was frustrating to watch trained FBI agents rely on outside help to defend themselves.
Overall, despite all the “exciting” violence, I could barely even pay attention to the Somalia part of the storyline, except for the part where Dem offered to be Janis’ baby daddy. Cho and Woods had lovely chemistry in that scene—the laughter and affection felt incredibly real. I know Dem offering to knock her up is probably a touchy subject for some, but I wasn’t bothered by it. Yes, there’s an unavoidable sexual component, but what’s wrong with a lesbian having the child of male friend/colleague that she likes and respects? Especially when that friend might be dead soon. I’m a little unclear on whether Janis actually took him up on the offer, though, because her refusal seemed a little less firm after he pointed out that he’s probably going to die, and it seemed like the scene cut away before the conversation was really over. By the time we saw Dem again, he was poking around under the tower re-watching the Dyson Frost video. Not that I wanted to see Janis and Demetri get it on—because ew, it’s not like either of them would particularly enjoy it—but I’m not sure whether I’m supposed to assume she ultimately turned him down or whether the writers are being deliberately coy about whether or not they did the deed after all.
I didn’t like the corner the writers painted Olivia into in this episode. Having her demand that Mark choose between working on the case with the FBI and moving to Denver not only felt like a sexist cliché, but it also made her look even more selfish and stupid than Mark usually is. Wanting to save your family is understandable, but considering that a) there’s supposedly going to be another blackout, and b) Mark’s flash-forward seemingly contains vital information about both investigating the catastrophe that already happened and preventing the next one… what the hell does she think she’s gaining by issuing ultimatums? The next blackout is going to fuck over everyone in the world except them, because she talked Mark into giving up and running away? Stupid.
Luckily, Bryce and Nicole continue to be adorable. Even more adorable than usual, in fact. List and Knighton have an effortlessly warm chemistry between them. I don’t have anything against Keiko, but I don’t particularly want to see her with Bryce when he already has such nice chemistry with Nicole.
Other Stuff
-I hope I’m not supposed to think that Vogel is the mole based on Charlie’s vision, because I’m pretty sure the FBI had a mole before he even showed up.
-Minor nitpick, but what was up with the skinless, hairless corpses in the bowels of the tower? After 30 years underground, they should still have had dried skin, nails, and hair, not to mention clothing. Unless they were somehow incinerated.
-On the plus side, I don’t know which writer was responsible for the snappy dialogue in this episode, but the aforementioned exchanges between Dem/Janis and Bryce/Nicole were both fabulous and are the reason this episode gets a B+ instead of a B. In fact, I loved the dialogue so much that I transcribed it below!
Quotes
Bryce: “Dr. Kirby. It’s got a nice ring to it.”
Nicole: “Mmm hmm, that’s very funny, thank you.”
Bryce: “No, seriously, that’s the most difficult thing about becoming a doctor—picking the right name. I mean, take me, for instance. My real name is Martin Goathead.”
Nicole: “You’re an idiot.”
Bryce: “Really? Martin Goathead.”
Nicole: “Yeah, I think I like Bryce Varley better.”
Bryce: “Yeah, of course you do. It sounds rugged. It’s like a guy that eats protein bars and climbs mountains. Doctor. Bryce. Varley.”
Janis: “It’s so stupid. I just saw a mass grave, and all I can think about is a mythical baby.”
Demetri: “The grave, the baby, you’re having a circle of life moment, right? … You know, the weekend’s not over.” *significant look*
Janis: *stare followed by snorting laughter*
Demetri: “I’m just saying, if it’s baby-making you need, I will take one for the team.”
Janis: *dies laughing* “Okay, first of all, no offense, but that’s kind of gross. And second of all, that’s like a thousand percent wrong.”
Demetri: “Desperate times!”
Janis: “I’m gay.”
No comments:
Post a Comment