The net tightens around Jennifer and Khalil. But doesn’t quite close. Yet…

On one level this episode runs in place. Very little happens that didn’t happen last week. Khalil and Jennifer are still on the run, Tobias still wants Khalil dead. There’s no further exploration of the possibility Jefferson’s cover is blown. Lynn has a very weird plot that doesn’t actually go anywhere.

But.

While this episode does run in place a lot, there’s a lot to enjoy. China Anne McClain is flat out brilliant as Jennifer, one of the two overlooked Pierces, as she not only grows into her powers but into her new life. The moment where she lets herself be terrified that Khalil is going to die is shatteringly good. The moment later on, when she finds herself in a dreamscape talking to two other aspects of herself is entirely different and just as good. The vague ‘Jennifer is massively powerful’ thing looked like it was going to be left hanging. Instead, here she is taking charge, making choices and surviving without her family’s help. And, it must be said, torturing someone without a second thought. Jen may have some issues to work through but if so it’s going to be interesting to see her do it.

Christine Adams is the other least well utilized cast member and she doesn’t fare anywhere near as well. At least at first. Her plot ultimately dead ends but does so in a really interesting way. While it puts some vital information in the world it also serves to ground the investigation. Sometimes cases are weird and janky and don’t unfold easily. The fact that happens here cleverly ups the jeopardy and keeps the show very much on the street. That’s really smart writing. Unfortunately it’s also the only thing Lynn has had to do for two episodes besides cry.

The other Pierces are also underserved this week but Tobias has a high old time. New best friend and scientist Todd is a promising addition and clearly part of Tobias’ larger plan. There’s some good set up there and the fact that the situation remains unresolved at the end of the episode again speaks to the brave nature of the show.

It is unsatisfying though. Whether that’s because of our expectations rather than what we get here isn’t entirely clear but this does seem oddly muted. Admittedly its four stablemates have variously finished their first runs of the year with:

Dimension hopping

Reality altering

Time being frozen

A really cute cat

But still flying against the house style like this is admirable, necessary and for this time at least not quite a welcome surprise.

Verdict: Still, overall this is a good episode in a very strong half season that sets up a Hell of a back half. 8/10

Alasdair Stuart