POINT 3x02 - "A State of Mind"

[indy42]

POINT
3x02
"A State of Mind"

READ HERE

Starring
Michelle Rodriguez as Alex Weiss
Jeremy Davies as Derek Shan
Adrian Lester as Harding
Ken Leung as Wells
Michelle Monaghan as Sophie
Christoph Waltz as C.O.
Alexandra Daddario as Molly
with
John Leguizamo as Scott Cereghino

Guest Starring
Karl Urban as Jasper Aaronson
Alan Tudyk as Theo Gorman

[Dale]

3x02 – “A State of Mind”

The opening scene to “A State of Mind” was both good and bad. On one hand I like the tension between Black and C.O, it’s like they’re constantly playing this game of trying to prove they’re better than the other. I also liked C.O’s little talk of why Black wants him to run the mission. On the other hand, it was very contradictory. Black agrees with C.O that he gets results, which is why C.O is in charge. But then says “I hope you get results ... time” implying C.O hasn’t in the past. So which is it exactly? Does he get “results” or doesn’t he? The point you were trying to get across was fine and I enjoyed the tension in the scene, just the execution was a little bit flawed and threw me off.

The scene with Derek at the Airport was interesting. I think we all knew the Security Guard named Simon wasn’t really security. So it was nice real surprise when we discovered this. I liked the threat though, with Simon pulling out two pictures; one of Derek’s dead wife and the other of Sophie. Derek’s reaction was well done and I liked Shan getting bad ass and stabbing Simon in the neck. Derek’s line as Simon died was a good moment for Derek too, even if it did seem more like something Alex should be doing.

Alex with her dying assailants was a mixed bag of a scene. Alex’s dialogue was funny and totally Alex which was cool, I like that she’d just leave them there to die. Alex’s attempted interrogation would have been fine and I dig the idea of the man not being able to talk after being shot in the neck. The fact he’d keep directions to the rendezvous point on him is a little ridiculous though and kind of lost me. But I did enjoy Alex shooting him immediately after finding them.

The stuff at the campaign office was well done. I enjoyed the fact the Interns were all excited to meet Aaronson, and how smug Aaronson was when he actually got there; offering Molly a job and whatnot. He just seems to fake and slimy and I like it. C.O’s arrival was handled well and I look Molly being suspicious. The “C” brand being so visible could be questionable but I’m sure you did it for a reason.

The start of Act Two provided a very good scene with Wells and Sophie wondering what happened to Derek. Derek’s arrival was well executed with him not exactly being upfront about what happened. I did enjoy the fact Wells saw right through Derek’s excuses. Derek showing concern for Sophie as they prepare to meet the contact Gregory followed up nicely on the Airport scene earlier and not only that, gut all of Derek’s reasoning was logical, made sense and was totally believable. Which is a plus.

Theo Gorman being revealed as the contact ... I didn’t see that coming. Gorman was an interesting character in Season One, having some good interaction with Alex. I hoped he’d stick around so I’m glad to see him back. Gorman’s conversation with the gang was good stuff; I liked his explanation of where he’s been and how far the bad guys organisation goes. Obviously we know they’re trying to put someone in the white house but it’s nice to see the characters being put on the right track. I liked the little nod to “4:42” which provided an amusing and not to mention intriguing moment.

I liked the moment between Sophie and Derek later on as she asks him why he rushed in at the bus stop. I felt the reveal on Derek’s part was a little premature and the scene could have been extended a little. But it was a nice moment nevertheless and it shows how much Derek cares for Sophie.

Wells’ conversation with Molly at the end felt too much too soon. Molly was only introduced earlier in the episode and only just got offered the job by Aaronson. And I’m not so sure Wells should be so up front with the people in close proximity to Aaronson. I mean, surely Wells, Derek and Sophie’s best method of attack is surprise. Here, they’re practically hanging a banner on Aaronson’s doorstep telling them they’re coming for him which is only gonna make him more cautious.

Overall, “A State of Mind” was a good follow up to the opening episode of Season Three. I like that you’re wasting no time in getting down to business. This episode also allowed for some good character stuff whilst developing the plot at the same time. Derek’s protectiveness of Sophie provided several good scenes and just makes Sophie and integral part of the group, which I don’t think she really got to me in the earlier parts of Season Two. The stuff with Alex and Harding has been entertaining so far, and the reveal of the dead bodies at the end of the episode was a good shocking moment that raises some questions. Whilst not blow away by any means, this is the type of “Point” episode I like; everything has a purpose, everything makes some kind of sense, it’s inoffensive good fun.

Overall: 7.8/10