The Astraeus selections have been made -- with some surprising omissions and inclusions -- DOD relationship auditor Warren Hughes (Wallace Shawn!) returned, and we got to see some of our favorite characters long before they came to Eureka. What did you think of the episode? Discuss in the comments!
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Okay, that was a totally unexpected way to both get in a microscopic clip show and resolve Carter and Allison's relationship issue. ;)
Yay! They're back together.
Thank you for all the Vincent tonight. He's vastly underused.
Things I liked:
- That is one seriously awesome spaceship. Reminds me a little of DS9's Defiant.
- Fargo and Holly playing D&D.
- Getting to see a bit of Zane's and Jo's childhood. Now that we've cast Jo's Dad, I'm assuming he'll be back but in the present!
- The fact that Parrish and Fargo have been nemisess..nemesi...nemises...oh whatever. For a long time.
- How can Holly be so adorable and annoying at the same time?
- Jo showing her character yet again and realizing that her motivation for joining the mission was a selfish one
Questions:
Am I a bad Zane fan for wondering for a little while if Zane was the one responsible for the sabotages? I believe in him, but he was pretty ticked. I wonder if that was the intent of showing him first before the damages showed up.
Speaking of Zane, you guys couldn't figure out how to get him shirtless in this episode? I'm disappointed in you all. Seriously.
Did Grace get accepted into the mission??!!
Posted by: Jules | 08/29/2011 at 06:43 PM
Loved it! The quotes and references had me squealing (Even more than usual!) I loved all the youngsters, loved Carter and Alison. Fargo vs Parrish all the way back is delightful. The D&D stuff is so wonderfully nerdy. This was one of the most enjoyable and entertaining episodes of television I've watched lately. I already want to watch it again.
Posted by: Lish | 08/29/2011 at 07:02 PM
Fantastic show. I loved seeing the childhood stories.
I'm with Jules. What's up with not having a shirtless Zane? You're like drug dealers. We get hooked, and you take it away. ;-)
Did Jo turn it down because she did not want to outdo her brother who died in combat? Was that her real motive?
Posted by: Yvette | 08/29/2011 at 07:14 PM
First, the positives: Loved seeing Zane, Jo and Fargo as children. Fargo and Parrish going that far back was something I never saw coming. For the Carter/Allison fans, I liked the quick resolution to the "relationship auditor" storyline. Glad it wasn't dragged out too long.
Now the negative: While part of me agrees with Jules that Jo showed her character by realizing that her motives in wanting to go to Titan were selfish, I have to admit that I can't help but be disappointed and let down that she won't be on the mission. Once again, Zane and Jo will be separated and that's a real downer for me.
As much as I like all the characters, Jo/Zane are THE reason I watch. All I wanted was for them to be together at the end of the season. Not together as in romantically "together", but physically in the same location. And, frankly, I just don't see anything good coming down the pike for Jo/Zane fans. If he goes to Titan, and she stays on earth...we're left hanging in the wind AGAIN.
This twist has pretty much taken all the fun out of the show now for me.
Posted by: seashore56 | 08/29/2011 at 07:15 PM
Loved the episode. Fargo's wormhole line had us all howling--it was such an out-in-left-field punchline, and Neil Grayston delivered it with perfect Fargo cluelessness.
Seeing Zane, Fargo and Jo as kids told the characters' backstories in just the way I'd imagined them--it was fun to see that the writing powers that be think of them in the same way.
Initially, Jo's storyline felt like a flashback to her Season One situation--always the bridesmaid, never the bride. It seemed like a wee bit of sexism to have such a capable woman overlooked then for the Sheriff's job and now, as a girl, underestimated by her own family.
In that context, her withdrawal from Astraeus felt like a cop-out...until it became clear that her decision was actually a strong one. Having clearly qualified for the mission, she didn't need the validation of going to be proud of herself. Nor did she need to be with Zane on Titan to feel secure in where their relationship is going--a welcome change after weeks of her character's anxiety over him. This time, the anxiety about them was on his side, and I'm confident their story arc will have a happy ending even if they spend time on different planets (only on Eureka...).
Glad to see Allison and Carter together too...nice and quick resolution to that little cliffhanger. Bravo!
Posted by: Stacy | 08/29/2011 at 07:53 PM
There's nothing quite like a good Monty Python reference, and your's was ridiculously well done. Can't wait to see what else you have coming down the pipes.
Posted by: Adam | 08/29/2011 at 08:14 PM
I thought this was a great episode because of the great dialogue and acting. Wallace Shawn was excellent acting out Carter's memories especially his escape from the jail cell and the last scene with Carter and Allison (I get you!). The scenes between Felicia Day, Neil Grayston and Wil Wheaton were epic! Great job all around and can't wait for the next episode!
@Jules - I actually thought Zane was behind the sabotages like in Of Mites and Men, but the payoff with Wallace Shawn was soooo awesome.
Im not sure what to think about the whole Jo dropping out thing. I get why she did it, but we're talking about a trip to another planet! Thats the kind of thing you still want to sign on for even if its not for the same reasons as everyone else. Plus Jo and Zane are starting to grow on me as a couple.
The one question I wonder is if they are going to somehow get Carter on the ship? It would just be kind of funny to see someone who wasn't even trying to get on the mission to get shipped off (plus a whole new set of options for destroying the Sheriff's jeep!).
My review of "This One Time At Space Camp..." can be found here: http://goo.gl/fb/uKJyt
Posted by: Jose | 08/29/2011 at 08:25 PM
Aaron Douglas was great as the space camp counselor. I was a bit disappointed that we didn't get to see him interact with the other cast members. He's also one of the nicest sci-fi actors. Whenever he does a con, he's always so good to the fans.
Posted by: Lawrence | 08/29/2011 at 08:25 PM
It was a really great episode and I think the course the episode took was solid. I liked the resolution to Carter and Allison's relationship not being approved (looooved how crazy Wallace Shawn got to act... had me giggling the entire show!). I enjoyed seeing Fargo and Holly playing D&D and how easy they've gotten at interacting with one another now. Fargo deserves something simple! And I was actually slightly disappointed that Dr. Parrish didn't get in to the program. He's got such a rivalry going with Fargo, it seems a shame to take him out of the equation!
I know some people that like Zane and Jo are upset at the prospect of Zane getting to go to Titan and Jo not going, but I have faith. Maybe she'll get to go anyway, or he'll decide to stay (or be rendered unable to go). Maybe the whole mission gets scrapped! Maybe he goes and she stays and they still manage to work it out. Somehow, I just can't believe they'd lose what they have just because they are on different planets- heck, they kept it across UNIVERSES. A billion miles? Pffft. They've survived worse.
All in all, I can't wait to see the new episode in two weeks. I'm greatly looking forward to the next step and the new problems that will inevitably arise. My fingers are crossed for Zane and Jo especially, but for all the others as well!
Posted by: Kedreeva | 08/30/2011 at 04:18 AM
I loved this episode! It was a wonderful way to resolve Jack and Allison's relationship issue and a lot of fun to watch. I'm a little disappointed Jo's not going to Titan but but what happened made sense. Definitely one of my favorites!
Posted by: Laura | 08/30/2011 at 06:10 AM
Andy is becoming the Kenny of Eureka. Can't wait to see exactly how he gets sent to Titan. Bummer we have to wait for two weeks because of the holiday.
Wallace Shawn was fantastic (like always) plus I really enjoyed seeing more of Ming Na. Her expressions, especially during the interview with Holly, had me rolling. Aaron Douglas was charming, and the kids cast as the younger versions were spot on. I recognized Nicholas Elia (the young Parrish) from Supernatural so I wasn't surprised at how well he captured the older version. Poor Parrish, he wins but still loses in the end and doesn't quite understand why. Nico Cortez was also great as Jo's dad. You guys weren't kidding about the awesome guest stars this season!
Posted by: alg | 08/30/2011 at 06:40 AM
I loved this episode. The ghostbusters references - classic. I am thankful to the writers that they resolved the Carter/Allison relationship drama quickly and easily (call me) - hysterical. Fargo and Holly - were Fargo and Holly (nuff said). Jo & Zane - Loved the character growth for Jo (although at first I was taken back a bit by it and confused by it). And also liked some others mentioned - my first impression of the mischieviousness was Zane - so glad it wasn't. Still unclear on their relationship, and still bummed on how they are going to end this season.
Posted by: Javadreamer | 08/30/2011 at 07:46 AM
My stomach hurts from laughing; Wallace Shawn did a great job portraying Jack's worry over Allison but man was it funny, it felt a bit treasonous to laugh at the recreation of moments that had me tearing up in the past! Loved seeing the return of the adorable Drone, I hope the Drone and Baby Robot get more screen time.
Loved the Lil' Eurekans! Great casting with mini-Jo, baby Fargo and Zane Jr.
Jo's decision was a huge surprise, I hope she still gets to go, I love the drama between Jo and Zane, and I love how mature Zane is this season; his character continues to surprise.
It was great to see Aaron Douglas, I hope he'll make a return to Eureka.
I loved the ending with Wallace Shawn gushing over Jallison, he pretty much summed up how myself and other fans feel about Jack/Allison and about Eureka as a whole; we just love you guys!
Posted by: Fleur | 08/30/2011 at 08:45 AM
@Javadreamer, I'm bummed about Jo and Zane's probable ending for this season, too. I think we Jo/Zane fans are going to be screwed over six ways from Sunday.
Its kind of funny that Jo/Zane was the "winner" of last week's favorite couple poll, but its the Carter/Allison fans who are sitting in the proverbial catbird's seat with the way their couple is written this season. Must be nice.
Just hope that if we hang in until the end of season 5 we won't be left wondering why we wasted so much time on a couple with no payoff in a happy ending.
Posted by: seashore56 | 08/30/2011 at 08:56 AM
Between this episode and the one before, I definitely hurt myself laughing. All I can say is that if Wallace Shawn doesn't pop up at Jack and Allison's wedding someday, I'll be gravely disappointed.
My only complaint has to do with the part where Carter tells Warren that he knows what he's thinking and, 'don't trust me!' Technically, Carter shouldn't know that right? I say this because he phased back into his body (again) only after he'd crashed though the warehouse {boy, can this whole time travel thing really get complicated if you stop too long to think about it}. Otherwise, Henry would've retained memories of his life with Grace before, Carter would have remembered loosing the wedding rings and so on and so on . . . but whatever, it's just something to ponder. Truly, I wouldn't change the scene - not for the world - it was just too perfect. Especially Wallace Shawn's reaction. Yeah, I ended up not caring about anything else that was going on . . . I just wanted more of Wallace Shawn reenacting Carter's memories . . . can we open a wormhole, go back in time and make it so Eureka fills a two hour block instead of just one?
Posted by: Errynae | 08/30/2011 at 09:30 AM
I absolutely loved the episode and as always, wished it were longer! I'm so happy to see the Jack and Allison relationship saved from the auditor. Absolutely loved Wallace's re-enactment of Jack's memories. @Fleur, I agree. I felt a little conflicted laughing at the moments that Jack shared through Wallace, when they were very emotional and tearful when Jack originally experienced them. But it was also a good way of showing that some times it doesn't hurt to laugh at things that would normally be tragic, or at least to not dwell on the misery but find the silver lining in it all. Had those things never have happened, and Wallace had never shared those memories in his own quirky way, our Jack and Allison might still be in hot water. I know, probably reaching, but I get you, and what you meant, is what I was trying to say. LOL!
Sorry to see the split of Jo and Zane, but something tells me it's not permanent. The writers seem to love to toy with the fans emotions over the relationships that you just absolutely love...I think they think it keeps it interesting. But all in all, they've never failed to bring them back together as in the case of Jo and Zane, and of course, Jack and Allison.
Never fear, fellow Eurekans Fans, Jo and Zane will have their time!
Posted by: Kashuallady | 08/30/2011 at 10:31 AM
@Seashore: Never fear! We've had TONS of Jo/Zane moments this season and, to be fair, I think their relationship has progressed more during the season than Carter/Allison's. Sure, there will be physical separation during the mission, but I have a feeling that a breakthrough on the emotional front is imminent. I think Zane has to be the one to reach out to Jo, and in a real concrete highly obvious way. I loved Jo's hug (ding ding...in public, although it wasn't a passionate one) at the end of this episode, but I didn't catch what it was that she said...anyone figure that out?
Posted by: Jules | 08/30/2011 at 12:19 PM
So Zane makes this great romantic gesture of seeing that Jo dreamed of being an astronaut, convinces her to try for it, works with her on the science, they become "friends" over it -- and then Jo throws it all in his face by saying she never really cared about it? And does it in such a way that she makes him seem like a jerk for taking a spot on the mission when he's been ambivalent about it? Ironically, I have no real fear that you separated them -- I think the chances are that the mission somehow takes off prematurely, with Parrish on board, Zane not on board -- but who cares? It's not emotional ambivalence anymore, it's just dysfunctional. (And/or inconsistent, sloppy characterization.) I hope Zane dumps Jo and finds someone new. Hmm, maybe Senator Wen? She's a little old for him, but he might have a thing for powerful women, and that could be fun.
Posted by: Sydnew | 08/30/2011 at 03:35 PM
I just loved this episode and I'm still smiling!It's one of my favorites so far this season. It was fun to see little Jo, Fargo, and Zane. I loved the way that both stories - and memories - were interwoven. Amy Berg, I salute you. Your episodes are always so interesting and well written.
Those of us waiting for "the kiss" got our wish - just a week late. SO happy to have Allison and Jack together. And Deputy Andy coming up next time ... can't get enough of him!!
I've been reading a lot of the tweets lately from the cast, producers, and writers. I might be the only person left in the world who isn't on Twitter(not yet, anyway!), so I just wanted to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone for letting us into your world. Your tweets help us feel included. Maybe that's part of what makes this so hard - we care about our characters and our town, but we've also learned to care about you as people. A little bittersweet to read the tweets, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Keep 'em coming!
So here's a question ... the network calls Alphas a smash hit, but Eureka matches or beats it in the ratings each week. Huh? Could that maybe help us get a Eureka movie or two (or 10 or 12)??? Just sayin' ...
Posted by: lovethistown | 08/30/2011 at 04:54 PM
This episode was so sweet and pure! I loved all the little kids! Little Zane was adorable!
You know, I'm usually not a big fan of romantic stories in TV shows. It's usually cliche and cheesy, and there's hardly ever a couple where I'm like "I truly want to see them together by the end". But with Jack and Allison it's different. I loved the ending, it was too adorable!!
Posted by: Kelly | 08/30/2011 at 05:09 PM
I had a total LOL moment when the "Parrish as Fargo's childhood nemesis" reveal happened. THAT was awesome.
Oh, and Yes Please to more naked Zane.
Posted by: chinkle | 08/30/2011 at 07:08 PM
Really loved Wallace Shawn! Been a fan since the 80's. I loved the childhood sequences, please do Carter and Henry!!! I still find Holly to be so annoying, lay off the caffeine. Pretty predictable ending with "I get you", of course.
Missed seeing Andy! Sounds like he'll have an adventure next week. And hey bring back S.A.R.A.H.- we miss her antics!!!
Posted by: anna | 08/30/2011 at 07:16 PM
I think that this is my favorite episode of the season! I loved everything about it! Wallace Shawn was amazing!
I loved Holly and Fargo playing D&D. I think i saw a little of "The Guild" in there. Parrish's line "I thought she said she didn't role play" was perfect. And Parrish and Fargo's past made their hatred for each other deeper. The only thing is I wish it would have been introduced sooner or ave been brought up in passing, but explained later. All the flashbacks were great! It gave me more insight into each of those characters.
The only lingering thought I really had about the episode is that Jo isn't going to space because she didn't actually want it, she wanted the challenge. And Zane was frowned upon by the Senator. Did she give up her spot so Zane could go? I'm asking because when she talked to him at Cafe Diem, she had that look on her face. She let him have his dream (especially since its his dream).
I can't wait for next weeks episode!
Posted by: Katie E. | 08/31/2011 at 02:55 PM
No one suspects the Spanish Inquisition!
Above is the reason why I will forgive you all for not allowing Parrish on the mission. I would love to see him there, douche-ing it up with Fargo and Holly, only to have Grace smack him down with authority (can I say, "perfect" that she is Captain?) Loved that Parrish is revealed as Fargo's childhood Nemesis. D&D with Fargo and Holly was hilarious as well.
LOLOLOLOL Wallace Shawn as "Jack" - I forgive him for breaking them up last week so we could have his absolutely hilarious performance this week. Absolutely best moment, Jack consoling a weeping Warren "who's a big guy" and telling Henry to "shut up". Much as I love Henry having Grace now, I've been missing Henry a bit. I really like him and Jack being a little more involved in the hijinks together.
Good call on Jo and Zane. I knew one of them couldn't go (for storytelling arc, shipper geeks! Grow a pair and get over it - you know you're gonna load up the inet with all sorts of porny fanfics anyway - I had to wait YEARS for Jack and Allison and had to endure that whole Nathan arc ...tho Jenna is adorable). For Jo and Zane's relationship to play out properly it can't be resolved so simply. It makes sense it will work out over the last season. BTW - *spoiler...guess, not alert* I have a feeling that Jo's statement "If you're gonna travel a billion miles for something it's gotta mean more than that" is foreshadowing that we're not quite done yet.
Thank you Writers, for letting me have Jack and Ally a little longer...I know there's probably some sort of fork in the road for them too.
Two weeks! Can't wait to see Andy's experience on Titan. I so wish they'd find wormholes already...would totally volunteer to be a test traveler. ('shippers, fic me up some space/time travel too please!)
Posted by: Emanuellemarie | 09/01/2011 at 02:53 AM
Oops! No one EXPECTS the Spanish Inquisition! (damn you autocorrect)
Posted by: Emanuellemarie | 09/01/2011 at 02:55 AM