1x11 "Past is Prologue"
After last week's shocking death of the person who we thought might be the main antagonist of the show, the big question I think a lot of us were asking was "where do we go from here?" I mean, it's not like there's no other plot lines, but the golden pretzel of doom seemed to be the key to the season arc, at least. Was Doc Yewll putting it away at the end of the episode?
The answer is, to the latter question - of course not! But we don't really know where it's going still. I guess we'll find out in the finale. The writer's very clearly did not want to tell us much about this plot this week. We have no idea what Yewll's motivations might be (as she didn't want to mess with the artifact before) or what she thought she'd accomplish.
And that's okay, because the mayoral race took the stage, a bit, this week. And it was far more interesting than you'd think it'd be. The Tarr's setting up of Nolan was masterfully orchestrated. The fact that the Kenya/Stahma plot might have been part of this long game (I think... do you think Stahma told Datak everything?) should not have been surprising, but it was. I honestly thought this was a genuine character development. And there's part of me that thinks that there was a lot of truth to their relationship, even if Stahma's ultimate goal was to further Datak's goal. Her talk with Kenya was a real revelation for the character and a reminder that the Casti have a truly "alien" mindset, which is incredibly interesting. I don't think their horrible manipulation of their son would cause them to lose a wink of sleep either. He's just expected to fall in line to further the family's goals.
Poor Kenya, if someone does bit it next week I think she's the most likely candidate. But, the show has had a way of surprising. Just because Kenya might seem one of the more disposable characters at this point (and really give Amanda something to hate Datak for) doesn't mean she'll die. Or anyone will. The preview said someone will meet their fate, but that could be a reference to whatever is happening to Irisa.
Speaking of Irisa, I'm looking forward to her getting out of this plot line. I don't hate the vision thing, but I think she's such an interesting character I want other stuff for her to play.
The Nolan/Amanda scenes were really sweet. Amanda's at her best interacting with Nolan, I think. They play off each other so well. Her fierce loyalty is one of her defining characteristics, but Nolan quite firmly sets her straight, and he's totally right. Of course, then he goes and beats up Datak before heading out of town, which shows a little lack of tact. But damn, it was satisfying. The show likes to remind us that, though he talks a big game, Datak is more bark than bite if he doesn't have a good to work for him (or, I suspect, Stahma to tell him what to do.) And to me this makes him a more interesting character, not a weaker one.
Man, I love this show! Only one more episode to go, but I really do think it's gone from an enjoyable show to a truly interesting and well-done one. It's not always perfect, but I feel like with each episode it only gets more layered and intriguing. I hope they can keep this up for the finale and season 2!