I’m so confused, which isn’t really a bad thing when it comes to shows like Teen Wolf. Mind games are part of their shtick, so finishing an episode and wondering where the hell the last 40 minutes went means something is going very right. On top of the usual twists, 'Restraint' was wall-to-wall crazy, with a hell of a lot of screaming, and even more people being blown about like dust bunnies. I’ll tell you one thing; this show is anything but boring.
As far as episode titles go, 'Restraint' couldn’t have been more misleading. Any ounce of self-control the writers have exhibited in the past was dropped, just as that snake came pouring out of Jackson’s eye socket. All this sounds like it’s heading somewhere negative, but it’s not. In fact, I’d go so far as to say that Teen Wolf has officially proven that it’s got what it takes to compete on the same level as its fall-spring counterparts. I could easily settle into a week of blood guzzling in Mystic Falls on one end, and shifting and howling on Beacon Hills on the other, wouldn’t you?
The stories themselves were still strong, despite all the craziness overshadowing them a little. Lydia’s bore the creepiest of revelations, even if it’s one that’s a little confusing. From what I could gather, Peter’s bite created some sort of link with Lydia, meaning he can use her to finish what he started, or maybe even use her to resurrect him from wolf hell. I’m not sure which path the show will take, ‘cause either one would be great, or if they’ll turn this whole thing on its ass with some crazy ass twist, very likely, but I’m pretty excited for it to finally go somewhere beyond Lydia having weird visions.
One of my favourite parts of this episode was seeing Erica a bit more. I mentioned in my review of 'Ice Pick' that I like new characters’ introductions to be staggered, it makes their integration into the fold a lot easier to take. Here, Erica was given a few more layers, but it was done in a way that didn’t undermine anyone else. It’s ensemble writing at its best, really. I like that she confessed to having feelings for Stiles, too; maybe this will give him a shot at actually competing with Scott’s very active love-life. That was quite a box of condoms he and Allison tore through.
That brings me to the only down side of this episode; Scott and Allison. I’ve been a fan of the whole secret love affair thing, it’s teen gold, but there were a few moments in this episode that just felt so forced and staged. Was it really that big of a deal for Allison to stay behind and help Matt? I didn’t think so, but Scott sure did. What I did like, was seeing Mrs Argent scare the living crap out of Scott at the front desk. That woman is plain batty.
'Restraint' was still top notch, and almost every aspect of this series is in overdrive right now. It kind of makes me nervous about how quickly this show could fall apart. Maybe I’m just being too pessimistic, though.
4 out of 5 smashed sinks
Plus
I really liked Stiles and Erica’s bonding over that little Batman reference. Nerd love is the best.
The Kanima’s targets at the beginning of this episode definitely hint at some greater plan.
Jackson’s parents arrived DOA at the hospital a day before he was born. Not really sure what that means.
According to Lydia’s translation, a Kanima can’t become a werewolf until it resolves its past issues that are preventing it from turning.
How creepy was Kanima-Jackson writing on that board?
He Said, She Said
Erica: “Stiles, you make a good Batman.”
Jackson: “What are you gonna do, Allison, when your stupid bitch of a boyfriend turns on you?!”
Paul: “If there’s one thing I’ve learned in life, it’s to always have a backup.”
Mrs. Argent: “I was under the impression they were no longer dating.”
Melissa: “Me too, it looks like they are...and more. A lot more.”
Mrs. Argent: "How do you know it’s not some other impressionable young girl with severely low standards.”
Allison: “Trust me [Lydia] was very confused.”
Scott: “What did you tell her?”
Allison: “That we were part of an online gaming community that battles mythical creatures.”
Stiles: “I am part of an online gaming community that battles mythical creatures.”
Stiles: representing wordy geeks since 2011.
Previously posted at PandaTV.
Stiles in general is gold! He's the "normal" guy who throws himself in there for his friends, even though he has no "powers" to really help, or even keep himself from getting killed! And he always has a sharp quip ready. Reminds me of Xander. :o)
ReplyDeleteMrs Argent... *shudder*
(and yeah, I could totally deal with a dose of this after an evening in mystic Falls!)