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Eureka: Primal

... in which Taggart’s nanotechnology combines with Fargo’s neural interface technology and Stark’s subconscious to wreak havoc at Global Dynamics.

Although I enjoyed checking in on the status of Stark and Allison’s relationship, and it was somewhat fun to explore Stark’s subconscious, ‘Primal’ still felt kind of meh. My biggest complaint is that, after several episodes demonstrating that there is a lot more to Nathan Stark than ego and a relentless thirst for power, this episode tried to backtrack a little, suggesting that Stark’s subconscious desires all center around power, success, fame, and world domination. Obviously, ego and power are one part of his personality, but we know that he’s also got a more caring and soulful side. Didn’t we just learn that he opted to destroy his work rather than sell out his “son” to attain power and fame? That’s hardly the act of an egomaniacal power fiend.

I’d be more pissed about the whole thing, if the episode hadn’t also included several scenes that highlighted Stark’s softer side. When Allison brought the divorce papers, Stark was clearly stung, even though he tried to cover by acting as though it was a “little thing” that had gotten lost in the shuffle. He plainly wants to get back together, despite cutting off her “unless you think that ...” opening. The man has his (foolish) pride, I suppose. Nonetheless, it is painfully obvious that he still loves her. Later in the episode, when Carter was dancing with Allison and telling her how amazing, smart, and beautiful she is, instead of flying into a jealous rage, Stark just sat there staring at Allison with this look of total agreement, like “Yeah. Allison really is a wonderful, amazing woman.” He looked like a man in love, and perhaps a little sad at what he’d let slip away.

So, long story, short: still rooting for Stark, who is not an “egomaniacal sack of crap.” I don’t want Carter to be miserable and lonely, mind you, but I was really happy to see Stark and Allison dancing and smiling together at the end. Like I said last week, Stark needs her more than Carter does. Without Allison, Stark’s got nothing except work and his Artifact obsession. Carter at least has his daughter and his friends; he’ll be OK without her.

Other Thoughts

My second biggest complaint with this episode was the horde of Starks marching through the town. Good grief, what an entirely unconvincing visual! I appreciate what they were going for, but the only dark-haired dude in a French Blue oxford that looked like Nathan Stark was Ed Quinn.

We got a mention of Carl Carlson from ‘Invincible’ when Taggart noted that his cellular regeneration research was the starting point for the nanoids. It got me thinking: what’s up with the Artifact and the Consortium? We haven’t see anything on that front since Carl walked into the light four episodes ago.

Stark: “So you’ve equipped me with a very expensive mood ring.”

Lojack is the result of a GD research project and he has a 130 IQ. Interesting.

Stark’s non-reaction to Larry’s joke about the Lorena Bobbitt virus was way funnier than the joke, which was rather lame.

Fargo’s subconscious desires involve Buffy fan sites. Tee hee!

Henry (re: Lise Meitner): “Tonight’s dance is a tribute to her ingenuity, not what others chose to do with it. Her passion for exploration, her commitment to bettering the world is the ideal Eureka is meant to strive to meet. That’s what we’re celebrating.”
Henry is so idealistic.

Carter: “Why replicate Stark? Why not Larry, or the IT worker, or Lojack?”
Taggart: “Well, they found the perfect specimen. You don’t go back to dogs after that.”
Carter: “But he’s not perfect.”
Taggart: “Have you seen his abs? Damn close.”

Carter: “You dream about world domination?”
Stark (defensive): “Not all the time.”

Carter: “You are a stupid, selfish, egomaniacal sack of crap, and I am astonished that you’ve gotten as far as you have.”
Stark: “Coming from you, that’s a compliment.”

Taggart and Jo surprised me. When I initially heard they had a romantic past, I was a bit skeezed out. But I now find myself buying into their mutual attraction. Thus far, it doesn’t strike me as creepy at all; they are actually kind of cute together.

Carter finally took off the wedding ring. I liked that he and Zoe had a chat about the situation before he was really ready to move on.

Final Analysis: Some enjoyable stuff, some aggravating stuff. Not one of my favorites.

Jess Lynde is a highly engaged television viewer. Probably a bit too engaged.

2 comments:

  1. This one didn't do much for me, either. I do love the geek stuff in this show, though, and I loved the Buffy mention. And I completely agree about Taggart and Jo. The thought of it creeped me out at first, but I quickly started seeing them as couple to be quite cute.

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  2. I was surprised that Carter took off his wedding ring the way he did. For me, and for many I have talked to, removing one's wedding ring is the final step. It is the acknowledgment that the marriage is really over and it is not done lightly. The act is often accompanied by floods of tears and large glasses of adult beverages.

    Or, maybe Carter is further along in his acceptance of the end of the marriage than he realized until he danced with Allison...

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