I became a full Sanctuary convert this summer. In fact, after watching season two, season one, and the webisodes back-to-back, I immediately pitched reviewing Season two DVD to Keith (forgetting Ruby had already done so). Although I find myself stepping into Ruby’s rather large slippers, there are two things I have consistently enjoyed about the show: the writing and the relationships. Although my favorite is the Will-Magnus connection, this episode explained why Magnus continuously forgives Tesla while adding a new relationship to the pouch: the Big Guy and Kate.
Writing-wise, this episode was on. Season two proved better than season one, but season three seems better than both. I also like they’re balancing double mysteries now while breaking up the typical partnerships. Plus, the allusion to Tesla and Druitt’s anti-Cabal raids post-Ashley maintained continuity. In fact, Tapping stated she pitched an Ashley episode for season three. They way they’re improving Kate this season, if Ashley returned, the two could probably co-exist without mirroring each other.
While I live in hope of a Will-Magnus fanfic-worthy match-up, I loved watching Will and Henry bust Tesla’s chops about his “hidden agendas” (“everytime!”). Who doesn’t enjoy watching Henry spread fanboy-love over Tesla’s technical prowess? I’m glad the writers showed why Magnus continues to forgive Tesla (and even Druitt), outside of shared experiences or longevity. Why? Because he “never bores his audience.” Even desecrating Ashley’s memory for source blood didn’t shake Helen’s eventual forgiveness.
On the new relationship front, I loved watching Kate and the Big Guy bond over “Operation: Paranormal” (which could reference any of SyFy’s paranormal, ghost hunting shows). I already squealed at watching the two munch popcorn while rocking slippers, but I totally orgasmed when they teamed up. So, the Big Guy joined Sanctuary in the early nineteen fifties? Awesome.
Does anyone miss vampire Tesla? I don’t. Vampire Tesla was showy, over the top, and hyper-dramatic. While I loved his relationship with Helen, I never bought Jonathon Young at his star-popping, ego-crazy, flashiest. Sure, electromagnetic Tesla is a “human with benefits,” but he also spent more time detailing technical knowledge. Hearing him tech-snow Henry, without just hauling out the miraculous weapon of the week, made me believe this Tesla actually worked on a multi-phased rotating magnetic field.
What do you think of this week’s big bad (who will clearly become the season’s main baddie)? Am I the only one who suspected Father Clark and the cloaked dark man were the same?
On a side note, I’m currently obsessed with all things steampunk, so I loved Tesla’s S.O.S. autotype-typewriter.
Quotes:
“Hope you brought your headlamps which I know you did because I packed ‘em for you” – Henry
Clacked by An Nicholson 
on Nov 06, 2010 @ 22:18 EST5EDT
I love Nikola. I think that under his nasty, devious exterior, he actually may be a somewhat good guy. I think he truly is like a kid where as he knows he shouldn’t be doing something but it is just so hard to not do it.
Is it just me or is Henry getting more integral to these stories. For the last 2 seasons, it seems like he was the lookup and fix guy which he still is but he gets to do much more
I noticed the change in Henry, too, especially compared to Henry in Season one. I actually really like what they’re doing with him, particularly seeing him go toe-to-toe with Tesla. In the past he wouldn’t have mocked Tesla or even tried to talk science with him. I hope they keep it up.
I absolutely love seeing more of Henry – and of course Tesla. My two favorite characters.
And it’s true, An, I literally have large Adidas slippers (men’s size 10).
Regarding Tesla, I don’t miss the vamp powers because he’s still the same guy. His personality is what I love. And you’re so right about all the relationships in this episode. Henry is like an eager puppy around Tesla. Helen and Will have developed a great rapport. Sparks always fly between Helen and Tesla. And Kate and Biggie are fun together. I don’t like Kate and Bigfoot individually, but I do like them as a team. They’re such a contrast, an odd couple, which is probably why they have such good chemistry together.
Great review, An! :-)
Thanks, coach! Robin Dunne said that the show might do some out of the way match-ups this season. I really hope it’s Kate and the Big Dude. I just don’t feel a Kate-Will relationship is all that natural. But, I’m on board with a Kate and Big Foot match-up. They seem to humanize each other.
Hi, I’ve been trying to figure out who Clark was- the actor looked really familiar. But he inspired me to start re-watching the series. I missed a few episodes in the middle and seem to have forgotten a lot of the story arc, but this season is really good and makes me want to catch up!
The actor was Martin Christopher (who has guest starred in almost every single SG incarnation as Major Kevin Marks).
However, I’m glad you’re catching up! I skipped the first episode of season three, but I’ve enjoyed everything since then. Welcome back to the fold!
In a way, Tesla not having vampire powers forced him to become even more Tesla-like, the conniving gleeful part, because he couldn’t solve his problems with mad vampire skilz. I’ve missed him a lot. Druitt too.
Amanda Tapping was on a Hallowe’en episode of Ghost Hunters in 2008, so Big Guy watching Operation: Paranormal was a bit of a meta.
You’re right. While I liked vampire Tesla’s super speedy powers, I prefer seeing Tesla the electromagnetic scientist who uses his mind. Although I enjoyed this new incarnation of the Big Guy, I also love the angsty eternal friends/lovers relationship that happens whenever Druitt shows up. Luckily, a flashback episode with Watson (penned for this season) and Damian Kindler still viewing Druitt as Helen’s main squeeze (Comic Con), means we’ll see him sometime in Season three :)
Good catch on “Ghost Hunters.”