With so much happening in the premiere, I was a bit worried that the writers would circumvent the issues surrounding Myka’s return to the warehouse. Thankfully, they tackle that issue right from the beginning of this episode, looking at the situation from Myka’s perspective. She can tell that there are tensions, particularly between her and Pete, and she spends most of the episode trying to figure out what to do about it.
The answer is fairly obvious, but that’s the thing about human nature: we sometimes resist what we know we should do because it is uncomfortable, especially in a psychological sense. It doesn’t help that one of the consequences of her departure, the recruitment of a new agent, came just before her decision to return. Myka isn’t just coming back home, so to speak, but things have changed in her absence, and the rest of the team is still dealing with that fact.
The nature of the artifact and its effect on its victims is such that Myka is confronted by all aspects of her wounded relationship with Pete. Initially, it’s the uncomfortable chill between them, followed by his unencumbered comments when his memory is affected. All of which forces Myka to dedicate herself to his survival and resolution of the case, while working through her complicated mixture of guilt and denial. It’s some great character work.
Meanwhile, Claudia takes the reins on her first field case as the “senior agent”, with Jinks working at her side. It’s an opportunity for some solid banter (Claudia is a joy to behold, as always), and some good character exploration for Jinks. I like how he is competent on the case, how it reveals a different side to the job for him, and how well he plays the support role. And while I’m sure it will ruffle the usual feathers, I like the fact Jinks is gay; it quickly eliminates the possibility that he will be quickly paired up with the existing characters or involved in a love triangle of sorts with Pete and Myka.
The episode also covered another important element. Myka’s return to the warehouse seemed a bit too easy, and sure enough, she is really on a probation of sorts until the end of the episode. It was good to see the Regents weighing in on her decision to return, because it was a question I had in the back of my mind. One might have assumed that they approved of the notion in the premiere, but this resolves the apparent gap neatly.
Overall, this is a great way to follow-up on the season premiere, tie up some of the loose ends regarding Myka’s departure in the second season finale, and continue the integration of Jinks into the team dynamic. It was also great to see Claudia in the field more, which gives the character room to breathe. The third season has been off to a solid start.
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4
Final Rating: 8/10
