Axiom’s Edge Science Fiction and Fantasy

By John J. Joex

(THESE REVIEWS CONTAINS SPOILERS)

Heroes (“Cold Wars”) – Well, I would almost say this episode represented a return to the quality levels of Season 1.  Matt, Suresh, and Peter capture HRG and Matt takes a look into his mind to see why the government has decided to capture and detain people with abilities.  The episode was slightly reminiscent of Season 1’s “Company Man” as it showed flashbacks relating to HRG’s involvement in the plan and how he is working things to his own ends.  This was a good, focused episode that did not get derailed with too many diverging plotlines.  We did find out that Daphne is still alive, but not because of  some tomfoolery like time travel.  The bullet wounds just didn’t kill her, though she is currently in critical condition.  Now the reason I said this episode almost represented a return to form is that they had to end it with Matt drawing an apocalyptic vision using his prophetic abilities.  This makes Volume 4 the fourth story arc in a row involved with averting dire future events and it’s just not needed.  The current story line already has enough intrigue to keep us coming back, why do they have to revert to that worn-out device once again?  Still, apart from that, this was an excellent episode and shows promise for the future.

Lost (“316”) – Back in the saddle again!  The Oceanic Six are back on the island (minus one child, plus one Ben).  I have to admit that I was a bit annoyed that Jack didn’t show much concern over the fate of the other passengers on flight 316.  However, if you think about it from a logistics standpoint, imagine what would happen if he did try to warn the authorities (or anybody for that matter) about the potential fate of flight 316 (but perhaps they could have called in a bomb threat to cancel the flight and charted another flight to follow the exact same route).  At least Hurley made a valiant attempt to keep as many people off the plane as possible.  And I assume that they got caught up in the time travel affect, thus the reason we did not see the crashed plane on the island (maybe it and the rest of the passengers made it through okay).  Now that they are back, I assume that we will return to the flashback sequences to fill us in on some of the gaps in the events leading up to that point (what exactly happened with Locke, why was Sayid in custody, etc.).  All in all a great episode, Lost is really showing its strengths this season. 

Dollhouse (“The Target”) – This episode was not quite as good as the first and I found my head spinning trying to keep up with what was going on and whether we were seeing flashbacks or current events.  I found Langton’s derisive attitude toward Echo when he first came onboard as her handler a bit curious and annoying.  But then perhaps the handlers have to adopt such a stance so that they do not get too emotionally attached to their actives.  I hope they explore this more in upcoming episodes.  Also, Agent Ballard’s presence adds little to the show.  I have to wonder if his inclusion might have come from the notorious tinkering that FOX did with the show.

Life on Mars (“Home is Where You Hang Your Holster”) – Yet another episode teasing us with a possible a explanation to Sam’s predicament but leaving us at the end with no real answers.  Still, it left Sam with a little more information to move forward with.  I have to admit that I enjoy the procedural aspects of the show as much as the sci fi elements.  Such morally ambiguous characters as Lt. Hunt and Detective Carling present some interesting story possibilities in the direction of The Sopranos on the other side of the law.  Unfortunately, with the show’s dismal ratings, it will likely not get this opportunity.

Legend of the Seeker (“Home”) – A clips flashback show at this point?  This might have made sense as the first episode of Season 2 (the renewal was announced a few weeks ago) to get new viewers up to speed, but it seems out of place this early in the first season.  I’m guessing they were facing budget overruns and used this as a cheap way to pad out their full commitment of episodes.  If you haven’t been watching the series, you can catch this episode on Hulu.com as a good jumping on point.

Battlestar Galactica (“Deadlock”) – What’s going on here guys?  This episode hardly moved anything forward.  And with only five more hours to go, they still have plenty of questions needing answers. 

Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles (“Desert Cantos”) – Does anybody know what’s going on in the show?  Anyone at all?  It seems completely off course as it diverges into multiple mysteries and conundrums.  My interest is waning quickly, and so are the show’s ratings.

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