Overall: 8.0
There's nice character work here for sure, but since the slate is wiped clean at the end, I find it hard to drum up A-level enthusiasm for the whole concept.
Plot Synopsis:
The Farscape Wiki has a summary here.
The Skinny:
SABR Matt and I seem to have a bit of a disagreement regarding this episode. My co-author saw The Locket for the first time just a few days ago and told me in a subsequent email that he thought it deserved an A-. I, on the other hand, am inclined to give it a B- at best.
My principal stumbling block, I think, is this: Other than a general suspicion that "something happened," this episode will have no permanent consequences for John and Aeryn. They may have spent half a century together in their alternate timeline, but they don't remember the details of that life. Sure -- there are a few genuinely touching moments here. But if we're just going to push the mother of all reset buttons at the very end, what's the point of it all? What have John and Aeryn actually learned from this experience? Nothing.
Sorry, SABR Matt. I wish I shared your viewpoint on The Locket. But to be honest, I can't help but compare it to The Inner Light -- and when I do that, I find the current episode wanting. Perhaps that's unfair. But as far as the "I've lived an entire life in a few hours" concept goes, I think the TNG is the stronger of the two executions precisely because Picard remembers it all when he finally comes out of his trance. As in all things, however, your mileage may vary.
Writing: 7.5
As I said, I think the reset at the very end weakens the impact of the rest of the story.
Acting: 8.5
The acting, though, is very good -- although I do find it a little strange that Ben Browder decided to adopt a deep, deep southern drawl for all of his "old" scenes.
Message: 8.0
The mature, companionate love that blossoms between John and Aeryn in their alternate reality is nice. It's just a shame that it's all for nothing.
My view on that would be that future consequences were not the point of this story. It was intended to be a poignant commentary on the true nature of their relationship. Yes, they don't remember what happened, but we - the audience - do...and we know from this episode how deeply they feel for each other. It should color your view of every episode that follows...that's just as valid to me.
ReplyDeleteFair enough.
ReplyDelete