It’s rare, but I truly have nothing to say about this episode. Was it bad? Far from it. In fact, the production values, the acting, the lighting, and the setting were all amazing. I tip my hat to Damian Kindler for the writing, Martin Wood for the directing, Sarah Szloboda for visual designing, and Ian Tracey for guest starring. Even so. I find myself speechless. Seriously, this year they’re totally bringing it. They’re allowing the hidden city mystery to slowly build while offering the viewing audience and the Sanctuary team covert clues. I love when a show demonstrates restraint in developing a storyline. So, what else can I say? I can talk about the things I liked, including the astounding improvement of CGI (from the hidden city to Jekyll’s time-space teleportation), the great on-site locations, and the continuing experimentation with three-panel screens.
What I truly liked included the return to Magnus, the warrior survivalist. For the past two weeks I found myself uncomfortable watching a greedy rich kid and Tesla (despite his brilliance) pull the wool over her eyes or tweak her pigtails (even if she allowed it). But, this week, we see why almost every single Victorian male figure from Tesla to Sherlock Holmes to Jack the Ripper have an inexplicable repulsion-attraction to her character while adding Jekyll and Hyde (AKA Adam, the first man) to the mix. Maybe she isn’t an engineering genius, but when pushed she knows how to survive, analyze her opponent’s weakness, create multiple weapons instantaneously, hide in the ceiling tiles, and even use a friend’s affection for her to his detriment. Seriously, did anyone guess Magnus would knife Adam when in “Jekyll” mode? While I really missed the entire team, the new weekly pairings and character focuses show that Amanda Tapping could handle an episode by herself (as well as Ryan Robbins and the rest).
On a side note, I love that they’re showing more behind the scenes camaraderie. So, a lizard is the go-to image for both Kate and Will regarding unknown abnormals? Fun. Is it just me or does season three Magnus act more like the parent chiding the children? Two to three weeks ago she scolded Henry and Kate for playing in her memory locker and this week she called Will and Kate out for their banter.
On a side, side note, this is the first time I felt I could get behind a Will-Kate team-up. Season one and two Will and Magnus acted like the Sanctuary’s parents, but, this season, with Kindler and crew mixing up cast chemistry, new personality dimensions appear. Will seems a bit younger this season, what with Guinness binges and his Kate repartee. Although I enjoy Will and Magnus’ interactions, the new pairings do stop me from penning weekly Will-Magnus fanfics. Also, is it just me or is the hair stylist doing more with Kate and Magnus’ hair? Honestly, Magnus’ hair looks magnificent while Kate’s hair appears to grow in volume and body since “Hero II.” I’m not against it, I’m just noticing. Finally, I can’t believe Ian Tracey is 46. Either way, I loved his sensitive, Irish-lilting Jekyll and he plays an engineering genius well. I’m glad he’s returning next week.
So, what did people think about this week’s episode? Honestly, I thought it was awesome. The ending left me contemplatively quiet yet eager to see what happens next. While I really like seeing the talents of the entire acting cast on display, this episode reminded us that Magnus is partially the show’s lynchpin and we shouldn’t forget she’s a survivalist genius of mad scientist proportions.
Clacked by An Nicholson 
on Nov 27, 2010 @ 18:58 EST5EDT
Awesome review. This is my fave Sanctuary episode yet, I was nervous, excited, and pumped the whole time. I think Amanda did a GREAT job putting her skills to the test, both physically and mentally, and I hope she wins an award for it. :)
Thanks, Rocky. It was an episode that had me uber-excited, so much so I started posting all over the place. I hope they keep it up and I’m looking forward to what happens next!
Just caught your excellent review of all the reasons I sat up and took noticed of this episode too. Its great to see some reviewers giving credit where its due. I alternated between marvelling at Ms. Tapping’s sheer physicality and wincing at how much this ep. musta hurt.