Defiance

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Episode 1x10 "The Bride Wore Black"

Man, it's in episodes like these where all the character build-up in previous episodes really starts to pay off. These are fully three dimensional beings whose lives I'm invested in now. I really love the interplay between the various cast members.

I thought the show established the character of Hunter Bell well, and gave everyone a legitimate reason to hate him, want him dead and also lie right to Nolan's face. We also got a good window into quite a few of the characters at the same time. We got to see a little of Tommy before he was the deputy, a little of Kenya's pain, and I really do think Amanda would kill for Kenya.

I also enjoyed the interactions between Stahma and Datak here. It's a pleasure to watch Stahma work. And the rare break in her demeanor to Datak was excellent. That she supports Alac and Christy's wedding even after Rafe undermines their plans was genuinely touching. I really do believe she isn't just plotting for the mine here. When she is talking about Alac seeing beauty in the "pink skins" she's clearly talking about the beauty she's found in Kenya, too. Speaking of Rafe, he had quite a few great moments. I love that no one on this show is stupid. Rafe figured out the Tar's plans, and he's having none of it. I also liked his line "Does this skin look pink to you?"

Tommy and Irisa were a pleasure to watch as well. When Irisa showed up at the wedding - it was a great moment. First of all, it was interesting to see Irathient formal wear. And she still had her knives!

But the best moment had to be Doc Yewll's. One of my favorites from the start, her scene with Nikky had to be one of the most satisfying of the entire series so far. Ding dong, I say! Also, I love that the show can surprise so much. Just when you think a plot is going one way, they are more than willing to zag.
 
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!
 
I do think Tommy or Kenya are the most likely candidates. Kenya because I don't quite know where they can go with her. They aren't really playing up the Kenya/Amanda/Nolan angle as a traditional triangle which is kind of refreshing. One reviewer suggested that maybe Datak would win the race, Kenya would die and Amanda would take over the Need/Want (running it, not being an escort) which I think would be an interesting twist on things. I actually would not be surprised if Datak won, in any case. It's just too delicious of a possibiilty to play with for a season at least. I do think he's going to drop E-Rep like a stone if he wins, though.
 
One reviewer suggested that maybe Datak would win the race, Kenya would die and Amanda would take over the Need/Want (running it, not being an escort) which I think would be an interesting twist on things. I actually would not be surprised if Datak won, in any case. It's just too delicious of a possibiilty to play with for a season at least. I do think he's going to drop E-Rep like a stone if he wins, though.

If that scenario plays out, what happens to Nolan? Isn't the Lawkeeper chosen by the Mayor?
 
Yeah, that's a wrinkle. I wonder if Nolan will leave town next episode, only to make it back in town to save the town again, forcing Datak into making him Sheriff? But that doesn't make a lot of sense considering what happened between him and Datak last episode.
 
Tonights the finale! Hope they keep up the momentum and deliver!
 
1 x 12 - "Everything is Broken"

The first season is sent off with an episode that highlights the good and bad things about Defiance.

First of all, let's get the death thing out of the way. With this, Defiance ended up being a bit predictable as Kenya was written out of the show (she was, right? You don't think Stahma has her stashed away?) but I admired the WAY they did it. For one thing, Kenya was no fool. She knew it was a trap. She just didn't realize what kind of trap. Stahma's last line was wonderfully alien. If she is dead, it felt strangely emotionless. Like something that was inevitable. I don't dislike that, in some ways. "Pretty Little Human." I don't know though... they could just be saving the resolution to this for next season. But part of me did wonder if Kenya is actually dead. Hmm...

The election storyline - It's weird how something that seemed so important ended up feeling a bit sidelined here. The election is over pretty quick, and Datak Tarr wins. I am actually sad that Datak ruined it for himself so quickly. But, it's totally within character for him to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. I was looking forward to a partial season with Datak as mayor. However, it looks like we're going to get the E-reps taking over town instead. I mean, in a more blatant way. Then again, maybe if they drive the E-Rep out, Tarr will say his slaying of the Major was him fighting back? And he'll get to be Major?

I was a bit annoyed that Black Jonah was just dropped on the scene here. I think it would have been better for a more established character to be here. Maybe the evil Ambassador from a few episodes back? It seems like she should have been in this episode. I guess her plot line will be a slower burning one into next season.

I really wish we could get some insight into what the hell Doc Yewll is doing here. What is her motivation? I found this aspect to be very annoying. She told Nolan everything and he didn't kill her, so I guess we're meant to think her motives are pure, as she is trying to help Irisa. I still wonder though...

So that is a Votan ship down there? They've been searching for it for three thousand years? And didn't it crash 20,000 years ago? Is it the ship itself that is Irzu? Calling out to her? The fact that this story line took over the finale should be no surprise, I guess. I didn't think they'd go all Game of Thrones and off Nolan for real. But it was a good motivation for Irisa. I wonder how different she'll be when she comes out?

All in all, I thought the episode seemed a bit disjointed, but I liked where it moved the pieces and look forward to next season. I was a bit sad there was some so-so effects right at the end, but I'm able to overlook that. It wasn't quite the slam-dunk I was hoping for, but it certainly didn't make the nearly 12 month wait(!) until next season any easier. Really, June 2014? Aggggh!
 
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