Before too long, the regulars are in a lab messing with sliding devices. This is the kind of thing that belonged in "Genesis" (the season opener), and was sorely lacking. Better late than never, although portrayed as it is in this story, it's hardly going to be as intriguing or deliver worthy surprises. On top of this we have some fun with virtual reality devices, nicely making the episode's title appropriate enough that the title won't be what gives away the big reveal - although that still isn't enough to really keep it a secret. Best of all, the relationships between the three characters finally enjoy the bond that they have with each other and celebrate it. This is the first time that this is REALLY right this season, as opposed to sort-of right in a combat kind of way. Rembrandt is having fun once again, and the audience can sit back and have fun with him. Awesome. Is that Cleavant Derricks playing his own mother here? Haha, nice one, and in the right story too. We never had seen his mother on the show before, so the producers kind of get away with that. I also like the clever, multi-layered way that the episode toys with Maggie and Quinn's romantic possibilities. Now actually is the right time for this. "The Exodus" was not. John D'Aquino is good here as the main guest star of the episode, being just cheesy enough and sympathetic enough to work well. His female corporate costar is a little one-dimensional, but it still works, and we're having fun with the episode. The story's "big" reveal isn't as dramatic as I thought it would try to be, but maybe that's just as well since you can predict it a mile off. They just get it over with and make you wonder how many more tricks may or may not be coming along. I think it actually works better that way, although it is unusual. Perhaps we've been primed to anticipate more and more twists as we approach the final moments, and the biggest twist of all is how straight-forward the last 10 or fifteen minutes actually are. Some viewers may be disappointed. I think it's all okay. The story's final moves aren't great, and neither is the final challenge, at least in terms of being "memorable", but perhaps memorable isn't all that ideal here as it might spoil repeat viewing. And the ride has been so good all along, we can't get too beat up about it. At least the Sliders controversially improve this world, and have some new character development amongst themselves to think about. Quinn and Maggie are both still doing quite well on the hero-meter.
This story has become available on DVD. Click on the Amazon symbol for the location nearest you for pricing and availability:
Comments on this article are welcome. You may contact the author from this page:
|
