The DVD intro for this episode talks about how there’s some classic spy stuff going on, and it’s not wrong. I couldn’t help but grin at Jack and Gwen’s ruse to obtain Nicholas Frumkin’s biometrics. I always enjoy stuff like that.
Yet this small scene gave me a look into Frumkin’s character – plus the fact that he has a wife and baby – so when he was attacked later on, I really felt for him. Indeed, this whole episode is packed with character moments. Even something as small as Gwen’s rejection of high heels shows she’s not interesting in being glamorous – just practical. Esther could learn a thing or two from her.
When Esther is alone with Rex, their contrast is just so apparent, especially after their respective family dramas. I can’t help wondering if they’re meant to be an American version of Jack and Gwen, especially since both Esther and Gwen jeopardised operations by contacting their families. I have to admit that I wondered what Esther was thinking calling child services – did she really think, with the world in a state of panic, that the authorities would be patient enough to deal with her sister?
Meanwhile, Rex’s trouble is with his dad, who no doubt has had some influence on him growing up to be such a hard man. But was his dad always hard himself, or has he just grown that way over the years? What more went on in their history? I’m intrigued.
Another notable partnership is that of Oswald and Jilly. I admired Jilly’s frankness when she admitted her dislike for Oswald due to his crimes. I personally think Jilly is not totally amoral (she knows what's right and wrong), but her morals are outweighed by her opportunistic side. She sees the chaos created by the Miracle and thrives on the PR opportunities created by it. Of course that's not a good thing, but to me it's more interesting, and more ambiguous, than a character who's just plain evil.
At the same time, Oswald was able to show his resourcefulness, attempting to track down the people behind Phicorp using the skills he learned as a criminal. And when he makes his speech to the undead, it seems he’s really picked up on Jilly’s PR tips. At that moment, I understood why the people of this world would find him inspirational.
With all the social and ethical issues this story is dealing with, it was perhaps inevitable to introduce the Tea Party and their perspective on the situation. I liked that this was brought up but perhaps would have liked to see Ellis Munroe last a bit longer, to see how she copes in this world, as opposed to only lasting one episode. I suppose since the introduction of the overflow camps will have everyone leaning to the right anyway, she wouldn’t really have much more to do.
I look forward to seeing more on the overflow camps next time. Pity about the trailer which just copied Children of Earth, though.
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