... in which friends from Henry’s past arrive to demonstrate an indestructible force field body armor prototype for the military. Meanwhile, Carter and others begin to experience moments of lost time.Another episode built around an incredibly disturbing abuse of science and spouses. What Jason did to Kim was just heinous. As she noted, “He took a lot more than 20 minutes of my memory. He took my life!” Hearing her list all things he may have erased from her mind, I just wanted to scream and cry on her behalf. How the hell do you that to a person you claim to love? Jason said he just wanted what she and Henry had, and that he gave her a good life, but he has no idea what that even means. He’s just another selfish, twisted bastard from the Walter Perkins School of Marriage. I wouldn’t have blamed Kim one bit if she had set Jason up to be killed during the armor demonstration, but I was glad she didn’t. “Even though you stole my life, I couldn’t take yours.” The view from the moral high ground is much sweeter.
Tamlyn Tomita was fantastic as Kim. I was absolutely charmed by her easy chemistry with Henry, moved by her sad confusion over what happened between them, and righteously outraged when she confronted Jason. My heart just broke for her when she and Henry couldn’t remember why they’d split or if they’d ever even kissed. I’m so glad that she’s considering Stark’s offer and that they might get another chance. Henry is a great character, and it makes me smile to see him happy. I hope we see more of this partnership.
Other Thoughts
Ah, the “proleptic cold open” as Josie calls it. That story-telling device has definitely gotten old.
Allison: “You think agents of a foreign government would be after your underwear?”
Carter: “Maybe. I can pretty up when I want to.”
I could have done without the Zoe subplot. It was kind of fun to see Carter trying to bond with his estranged daughter, but Putnam and his futuristic vision of A Midsummer Night’s Dream were just insane. Visionary, my ass.
Why can’t Beverly and Jason be seen together? Are he or his stolen device tied to her evil plans?
After seeming so charming in the last episode, Stark largely came off as a humorless hardass in this one. He wasn’t nearly as bad as Jason though. Arrogant jackass.
Jo: “Believe it or not, Carter, I didn’t have childhood dreams of becoming a commando.”
I’m glad they seem to have gotten rid of the “Jo is obsessed with finding a man” thing from the pilot. I like her better simply as the confident, capable, kickass deputy. Who has fond memories of her mother making her drama costumes when she was a kid.
Final Analysis: Very good episode. The dark tone of this season is starting to grow on me. The stories have been disturbing, but they’ve also given me some meaty ideas to ponder.
Jess Lynde is a highly engaged television viewer. Probably a bit too engaged.
The women in this world don't fare too well, do they? Removing your spouse's memory is very, very disturbing on so many levels.
ReplyDeleteI liked the Zoe plot as it is showing me that Carter is remembering what is important in spite of all the insanity going on around him.