Fragments 1x08 "Dark Days Ahead"

[Dale]

Presents:

"Dark Days Ahead"

Plot
John awakes to find himself a Police Officer. Along with Lieutenant Ford and Officer Garza who return, John investigates a burglary of a very familiar persons house. Black and Cereghino's scheme deepens as Marc Fretwell returns to active duty, much to Retrievers' Medic Maxine Carter's dismay.

Season Regulars
Joseph Fiennes --- John Smith
Rick Schroder --- Christopher Wallace
Maggie Grace --- Lyra Liddell
James Marsters --- Doe/The Watcher
Michael Imperioli --- Alan Cereghino
Roger Cross --- Kevin Black

Special Guest Stars
Reiko Aylesworth --- Maxine Carter
James Frain --- Marc Fretwell

Guest Star
Olivia Wilde --- Rebecca Rowley
Alan Tudyk --- Boss

[Casablanca]

I must say that this newest episode, the fifth, may just be my favorite one yet released, and this is for a multitude of reasons. First off, there was quite a bit more mystery, motive, and story elements to it. You had Black and Cereghino's betrayal, Lyra and Wallace’s inner conflict, John trying to piece together what he knows, and, delightfully, a nice sub-plot involving Fretwell returning to action; all of it so seamlessly intertwined. The second reason I find this episode so enjoyable is because of how cinematic it is, how well a story is told through so much different levels that, while complex, it has a nice weaving of threads that is enjoyable to sift through. I loved how it kept a building suspense while also letting the audience occasionally break for a moment or two of interesting, and intelligent, pondering of all we have been dealt so far.

There are a good many scenes which I consider “high points” in the show, thus, far; almost a good too many to mention, though a few in particular: Lyra quitting the job, the wonderfully mysterious moment where Black informs John he brought him to the location he did for a reason, Wallace searching for John…there are plenty, alongside the characters all at their peaks, even down to the most minor, I do believe everyone is in top form in this specific showing.

I think this may be the most thrilling television has been in ages, and as close to mirroring a movie, as well. There are few moments where I grow convinced television has defeated the Cini-Plex, and this is one of them, not due to quality or anything, but because it is so cinematic in execution, I am surprised at how each episode has held up, and how continuance has, as well. I admit, I was leery of the plot when the show started, but it has held through magnificently, and this here, is the fist episode that really proves that point right, and really thrusts the show into the realms of spectacle.

Seeing Rebecca, and, something I never thought of, but all the things that re-appear create a nice story line, and I am very curious if John is or is not on to something. Doe’s, as usually, marvelously, appearance, added deeply to that curiosity. A more complex then apparent plot seems to be cropping up, and the show is taking a direction which makes each episode an improvement on the previous; I wonder how long that will hold up, and how great the episodes will get. All I know is that, going at this rate, the finale is cropping up to really be something special; and I am darn glad I started following the show from the beginning, as that will make the finale really a treat to viewers.

I repeat something I have said before, and will say so again, it is a shame not more people are viewing this show; it really is. This is a show that has just as deep amount of mystery and easy-going entertainment, and would be a joy to discuss and plot out. However, maybe some people have yet to get to it. Either way, those who do view are left with a thrilling journey, Daz’s sprawling epic, that may just well stand at the forefront of his work (with “Brunch” as an exception).

But, a nice episode that has a more thoughtful, inter-weaved, and well-organized structure then many films do, let alone episodes. It is to the point where these viewings are something to anticipate with high order, and quickly the show is becoming one that I can see, not only winning awards of the highest prestige, but filling the gap between TV and movies; almost to the point where the two grow indeterminable.

[iamthebatman]

Great ending. I love the tiny cliff-hanger that it includes. Another thing I'm happy about is John making the list of connections.

[larah]

it's the most satisfying episode to date Daz. inspires me.