Danger, Dinosaurs, and Daddy Issues.
(Spoilers for epiosde and season so far)
This is the episode that was going to sell me on the show. I know I said that the last three were great and I’ll keep watching but I knew that if this passed the test, then I will be excited to continue watching. This is the first episode to be released singularly and I feel that it needed to be consistent and interesting as the last three, but in a third of the time, so I knew it was a tough task. Did it live up to the task, or did it fall by the wayside?
First thing I noticed again was that it was shot beautifully still, and I don’t see that changing as a show that’s on any streaming service, usually is shot in full before airing episodes, as to be binged or keep production value the same the entire way through. As it continued it followed through familiar settings and gave us some more backstory on what had happened to Nikos sister (which will always intrigue me, as she’s an added feature for the show and I have no idea what’s going to happen). The only problem I had with this episode was that from what I can tell and feel, the story has lost its pace and everything seems to be slowing down, in terms of plot and sane choices being made. After the breakneck speed at which the story was unravelling and evolving from the first three episodes, this one seemed to be comfortable dragging its feet and taking its time. I understand they have an entire series to make and I did mention previously that this would have to happen if they didn’t want the show to be over halfway through a normal length series, but this just seemed so jarring that I couldn’t shake the feeling that things weren’t happening and when things did happen, it didn’t really matter or propel the plot in any meaningful way.
That’s not to say that I didn’t enjoy this episode, I did and there were many great takeaways from it. The CGI for Old Lace is still great, and I’m glad that it won’t be dropping in quality because its looking phenomenal (for a TV show) and I love me some dinosaurs. The group chat app was a nice filming touch and very timely, which led to an interesting conversation with cool shots spread throughout. The more I listen to it, the more the soundtrack stands out and I really enjoy it. That goes for the acting too especially the guy who plays Chase. There is a scene he has after being all angsty, cocky and a general jock with everything and when it happens, his demeanour changes and I actually felt the emotion he was portraying. Aside from those main things that stick out in my mind, the dialogue was too corny, there were some good jokes and the stuff about date rape appears again and is treated realistically (which I will always appreciate).
I didn’t dislike many things in the episode, aside from the characters making terrible decisions, but again I know it’s just for drama and longevities sake, so I can’t be too grumpy. The only thing that was slightly annoying was the old man in bed saying something in a raspy voice and I couldn’t really make it out and what proceeds after his speaking is equally as confusing, so I was left a little frustrated.
As I finished it, I again was interested in the next one. The story is progressing (at whatever speed it feels like) and I’m still hooked. The last few minutes were done well and suitably mysterious to keep me coming back for more and you know what? I will.