Invasion 1.9: "The Dredge"
Written by Reed Steiner and Jill Blotevogel
Directed by Michael Nankin
In which the discovery of a contaminated pond leads Russell to a violent decision, which prompts Larkin to investigate his past, while Mariel finds an unlikely ally in her search for answers…
A lot of people are searching for answers in this episode, and characters are given depth in terms of how they answer those questions. I found that each moment of truth became more and more compelling. Quite against my expectations, despite my relative lack of enthusiasm, I found myself enjoying this installment. Now that the characters are established and the lines are blurring, the complexity is beginning to emerge.
I really liked the focus on Dave. The fact is, Dave serves as something of a voice for the audience. He makes the same kind of assumptions based on “evidence” that he either works out for himself or discovers, and he seems to be more right than wrong. In essence, he’s doing exactly what Larkin seems to think she’s doing, but with far more success. At least, that was the case until this episode: now he’s stepped directly into the firing line.
He may think that the Pod People are buying his act, but why wouldn’t they be equally interested in how much he’s uncovered and who else knows? He’s letting his enthusiasm overcome his judgment, which seems in line with what has been revealed about him thus far. But if the goal of the “aliens” is not malevolent, if there is a deeper purpose to it all, perhaps they would find value in his perspective. He certainly seems to be helping Mariel.
Mariel, of course, is the other side of the equation. She seems to be a lot more conflicted than the other Pod People, and she wants to find answers outside of their little prayer circle. At first, her association with Dave seemed forced, but as the episode wore on, it actually began to make sense. They are the only people who really have no reason to expect anything from each other within the family dynamic.
Russell’s past, in relation to current events, will likely play a role in future plot progression. If Underlay begins to see Russell as a threat to whatever is happening, he could use Russell’s indiscretion against him. In fact, that probably would have happened, if Underlay didn’t think that throwing Mariel off the trail was more important. Underlay’s denial is going to get him into serious trouble, especially with his wife, because sense of purpose has clearly been a source of confidence. Without that assurance, how will he react?
The overall mystery deepens. Just what did the alligator eat? Was it one of the “aliens”, or was it a Pod Person? Was it something else entirely? Perhaps there is a by-product of the Pod process which results in the chemical breakdown. Or is the acidity related to the “alien” biology, ala the “Alien” films? Whatever the case, this discovery is sure to play a major role in the next few episodes.
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4
Final Rating: 8/10
Directed by Michael Nankin
In which the discovery of a contaminated pond leads Russell to a violent decision, which prompts Larkin to investigate his past, while Mariel finds an unlikely ally in her search for answers…
A lot of people are searching for answers in this episode, and characters are given depth in terms of how they answer those questions. I found that each moment of truth became more and more compelling. Quite against my expectations, despite my relative lack of enthusiasm, I found myself enjoying this installment. Now that the characters are established and the lines are blurring, the complexity is beginning to emerge.
I really liked the focus on Dave. The fact is, Dave serves as something of a voice for the audience. He makes the same kind of assumptions based on “evidence” that he either works out for himself or discovers, and he seems to be more right than wrong. In essence, he’s doing exactly what Larkin seems to think she’s doing, but with far more success. At least, that was the case until this episode: now he’s stepped directly into the firing line.
He may think that the Pod People are buying his act, but why wouldn’t they be equally interested in how much he’s uncovered and who else knows? He’s letting his enthusiasm overcome his judgment, which seems in line with what has been revealed about him thus far. But if the goal of the “aliens” is not malevolent, if there is a deeper purpose to it all, perhaps they would find value in his perspective. He certainly seems to be helping Mariel.
Mariel, of course, is the other side of the equation. She seems to be a lot more conflicted than the other Pod People, and she wants to find answers outside of their little prayer circle. At first, her association with Dave seemed forced, but as the episode wore on, it actually began to make sense. They are the only people who really have no reason to expect anything from each other within the family dynamic.
Russell’s past, in relation to current events, will likely play a role in future plot progression. If Underlay begins to see Russell as a threat to whatever is happening, he could use Russell’s indiscretion against him. In fact, that probably would have happened, if Underlay didn’t think that throwing Mariel off the trail was more important. Underlay’s denial is going to get him into serious trouble, especially with his wife, because sense of purpose has clearly been a source of confidence. Without that assurance, how will he react?
The overall mystery deepens. Just what did the alligator eat? Was it one of the “aliens”, or was it a Pod Person? Was it something else entirely? Perhaps there is a by-product of the Pod process which results in the chemical breakdown. Or is the acidity related to the “alien” biology, ala the “Alien” films? Whatever the case, this discovery is sure to play a major role in the next few episodes.
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4
Final Rating: 8/10
posted by John Keegan | 19:27
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