Contributor: John Keegan
Written by Matt McGuiness
Directed by Shawn Piller
The third season of “Haven” arrived with a head-scratcher of a premiere, so it makes sense that the writers would use the follow-up episode as an opportunity to take a step back and contemplate the new status quo. Naturally, the best way to do that is with a pack of humanized dogs with a hefty appetite, and the arrival of a lovely therapist.
The “human dog” concept is used to good effect for creepy scares and comedic touches. As disturbing as the feral, aggressive versions might have been, the naked man running around with a Cone of Shame around his neck was equally memorable. (Though I’m not sure why the cone would have gotten larger when the dog turned into a human, but the joke works, so I’ll let that one go!) Adding the touch of a “pack leader” with rabies, abused by his owner, gave the situation ample threat.
Dr. Callahan arrives just in time to suggest a solution to the problem, which gives her some short-term credibility. But her arrival at this stage of the game, and her knowledge of the Troubles and Audrey, leaves me very suspicious. Very few people on “Haven” are what they appear to be, and who better to manipulate people than a friendly, cute little therapist? Not to mention that she serves as a potential rival for Nathan’s affections, since he was expressly told not to be with Audrey. On the other hand, since Audrey’s gift is to help the Troubled, and many of those “curses” are triggered by psychological issues, Callahan could be a useful addition to the team.
Meanwhile, Vince and Dave manage to work together well enough to discover that Rosalyn, the woman whose remains were burned in the premiere, was killed using a bolt gun (a grisly tool used in slaughterhouses). Not only that, but their collection of items central to Haven’s Troubled history was ransacked using the same sort of device. Beyond suggesting a further unification of the Syfyverse by giving the “Warehouse 13” agents a new source of artifacts, it also makes it clear that neither brother knows who Audrey’s abductor might be.
With Nathan and Duke at an impasse, Dwight returned at just the right time. Duke may have a chip on his shoulder, and be overly defensive at the moment, but he has a point. Nathan is too intent on seeing Duke as his father’s son to see that Duke is his own man. It may become clear eventually, hopefully once Nathan realizes that Duke is trying his best to help Audrey.
For now, Duke has learned the identity of The Hunter. In a neat twist, The Hunter is a legendary name for a periodic meteor shower, one that arrives every 27 years. Not only does this correlate to the cycle of the Troubles over the centuries, but the arrival of The Hunter also marks the moment that Audrey, whoever she might be, disappears without a trace. And The Hunter returns in 49 days. (Can someone say “season finale”?)
It’s not quite as solid as the season premiere, but it serves the purpose of getting the audience back into the usual swing of things in Haven. It also continues the process of fleshing out the town with a solid cast of supporting characters, which was one of the big improvements in the second season.
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 1/4
Final Score: 7/10
