By Max Bosshart
The Tomorrow People's second episode is about Stephen and , as you'd expect from the enigmatic title, the choices he made in the first episode. These choices have put him into a predicament that he has never seen before. His choices force him to question his ethics and his motives.
The episode begins with Stephen battling it out with a another Homo Superior on a rooftop. We later find out its a new “break-out” named Curt. For those who don’t know - A break-out is when one of the mutants begins manifesting their powers.
The Tomorrow People's second episode is about Stephen and , as you'd expect from the enigmatic title, the choices he made in the first episode. These choices have put him into a predicament that he has never seen before. His choices force him to question his ethics and his motives.
The episode begins with Stephen battling it out with a another Homo Superior on a rooftop. We later find out its a new “break-out” named Curt. For those who don’t know - A break-out is when one of the mutants begins manifesting their powers.
We then go back three days to see what led up to the battle on the rooftop. The episode spends a significant amount of time showcasing Stephen's lack of training. In a voice-over he points out how sometimes his powers work as planned and other times not so, as he teleports into a broom closet with his foot in a mop bucket. For the most part these moments serve as comic relief rather than plot device.
The other main theme of the episode is Stephen trying to balance working with the Tomorrow People and Ultra, as well as keep a healthy relationship with his family and friends. For the most part this is well done and utilized in a good manner.
The other main theme of the episode is Stephen trying to balance working with the Tomorrow People and Ultra, as well as keep a healthy relationship with his family and friends. For the most part this is well done and utilized in a good manner.
The biggest problem with having Stephen create a balance between the Tomorrow People and Ultra is it really makes the audience believe Stephen isn't very bright. Its clear that Jedikiah doesn't trust Stephen. He makes it clear that he is using Stephen to get to the Tomorrow People. Yet it isn't made clear that Stephen may know, or at least believe this.
Its clear there going for a theme in which Stephen slowly grows stronger and becomes wiser, but there is only a certain level of disbelief one has going into a sci-fi show. Mutant powers is one thing but having the lead appear to be out of his league and not intelligent to act as if the enemy knows his plan is another. Granted Stephen is an angst ridden high school student.
Its clear there going for a theme in which Stephen slowly grows stronger and becomes wiser, but there is only a certain level of disbelief one has going into a sci-fi show. Mutant powers is one thing but having the lead appear to be out of his league and not intelligent to act as if the enemy knows his plan is another. Granted Stephen is an angst ridden high school student.
Another development seen within the episode is the progression of the Tomorrow People. John is determined to put the safety of the current members of their underground home first, sacrificing others if necessary. The beginning of the episode John is adamant that Stephen is a liability and should not be let in. Stephen's case, and that of the young Curt, it pled by Cara and Russell. To which John concedes.
The thing about this is the character development, even the development of the series is progressing at a high pace. In an hour's time span we go from John not trusting Stephen and wanting nothing to do with him, to at least saying that he trusts him. First he doesn't want to help Curt, then he does.
Not only with John does it seem to be moving quickly, but with Stephen as well. He struggles in the beginning with his powers and at the end, not so much. His personal life seems to take a tumble towards the beginning then, before you know it, it's fine once again.
The thing about this is the character development, even the development of the series is progressing at a high pace. In an hour's time span we go from John not trusting Stephen and wanting nothing to do with him, to at least saying that he trusts him. First he doesn't want to help Curt, then he does.
Not only with John does it seem to be moving quickly, but with Stephen as well. He struggles in the beginning with his powers and at the end, not so much. His personal life seems to take a tumble towards the beginning then, before you know it, it's fine once again.
Currently the show's biggest problem is its lack of consistency and steady development. Specifically the steady development of all the major characters. Cara, Russell, and Jedikiah, three of the other main cast are left with not much going on, no development.
Not only that but the episode's main story, Curt and his break-out, is merely a backdrop. Its hard to tell what's important in this episode beyond what we already knew was important. Is Curt going to stick around within the context of the story? If not, the show did a poor job of at least giving that part of the story is just dues.
In Too Deep didn't feel as fun as the premiere. It felt rushed in its development and lacked a certain flavor. It was a good enough episode, held together by an incredible cast. The writing was off balance and the pacing was too quick. Give the story time to mature, don't rush it.
Not only that but the episode's main story, Curt and his break-out, is merely a backdrop. Its hard to tell what's important in this episode beyond what we already knew was important. Is Curt going to stick around within the context of the story? If not, the show did a poor job of at least giving that part of the story is just dues.
In Too Deep didn't feel as fun as the premiere. It felt rushed in its development and lacked a certain flavor. It was a good enough episode, held together by an incredible cast. The writing was off balance and the pacing was too quick. Give the story time to mature, don't rush it.
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