owl | Numb3rs catchup

I think this episode suffered for being right after Arrow of Time. It's a workmanlike job, if a little overly reminiscent of Speed, but coming after the emotional rollercoaster of the previous episode, it falls a little flat.
What's especially disappointing is that Don has no interaction with his family beyond a 'see you later, Charlie'. After all the conflict with them last time, you want to see them getting back on track again, or at least some evidence that they are back on track.
I did like how he was so calm and in control in the final scene, when he was talking the hijacker down, and getting the hostages out of the way. Also, his messed-up hat hair made me want to hug him for some reason.
That's quite some CAD program of Charlie's.
The think-tank subplot: Time And Place, People. Although I loved Amita's snarky , 'Don't look at me, I voted for myself,' comment, and Charlie organising a coup to get him out of leadership position, and Amita considering a recount.
It was nice seeing Colby's secret SWAT brother again. The family vibe really comes across :) 'Give me twenty bucks.' That was a great little scene.

Didn't like this episode much at all. The ghost bride plot was squicky and disturbing both on the story level and the meta level. And I do not like the psychic character at all. He was annoying and creepy, even apart from the fact that I don't believe in physic abilities. This is a show about solving crimes with mathematics and science, not psychic.
Also, Macnicol, if there's a TVtrope entry for it, you might want to think about using it. (If Jesus Then Aliens == A person must be either a Believer or a Rationalist, but may not ever be both, nor fall somewhere between the extremes.) I note that Numb3rs comes right at the top of their list of culprits. Come on, nuance is good, writers. OK, fair enough, Charlie only believes in mathematics. But why does nobody agree with him about psychics? Larry might be hinting 'Charles, you are displaying social skills FAIL' in his usual roundabout fashion, but it's not just Charlie whose job involves evidence and proof, it's Don's too. Amita wisely decides not to touch it with a ten-foot pole, but would it have been so hard to have her come down on Charlie's side of an issue for once? It's like she's deliberately written to disagree with Charlie on minor issues for the express purpose of making up by the end of the episode.

And much as I disliked Kraft, the fact that he was killed off was pretty shocking. Charlie was terribly callous over it, too. I can see Charlie not grasping de mortuis nil nisi bonum, and simultaneously thinking that Kraft was a waste of space and yet be sorry that he was killed that way, but for that to work you would need to see a sign of sympathy. Which Charlie generally isn't lacking in, gah.

Things that I did like about the episode were the little personal details. Colby and David on their boys' night out. Don's little frisson of shock as he realises that the restaurant is one he remembers from his childhood. Charlie's reaction to Kraft's visit: "Eeeek there's a ~~monster under my bed~~ creepy guy on my porch—Donnie!" His voice was actually shaking a little as he told Amita he was going to phone Don, poor sweetie. Oh, and the 'drop a spoon' line. So Alan didn't grow up in California, if he's flying to a high school reunion. I hypothesise New York—those accents have to come from somewhere :D
I liked the very ending too, with the boys going off to collect Dad, while Amita has a quiet night with her book. (Is it just me, or has she moved in with Charlie without anyone really noticing?)

And a non-annoying female guest agent that has never slept with Don, yay. I liked the way she and Nikki had that little bonding moment when she lit the memorial offering.

Dig, Colby, dig!

Another thing; are we meant to take Kraft's word for it that Charlie has been giving Don a hard time about going to synagogue? Given the knowledge that Don is going, it would be a reasonable conclusion for anyone with prior knowledge of Charlie to come to, but we need shown, not told, and what's been shown on screen is Charlie being nothing but sweet to Don over it. That 'maybe it's okay living without all the answers' is a massive concession for Charlie. He's really trying, bless him. He doesn't get it, but he is trying.

Numb3rs catchup

no subject

no subject

;)