Quick Summary: Happy reunions are cut short as Lorna, along with Marcos, takes Jace hostage to gain information and Reed tries to prove his loyalty to the Mutant Underground.
The Theme of Revenge and Its Consequences: Each week the show has a theme. Love makes the world go around, real heroes don't need mutant powers and you don't understand what a life is like until you lived it. These are the things The Gifted has taught us so far so this week it taught us something new: the consequences of revenge. Sure we all like to think we are not vengeful people but then ask yourself when Lorna strapped Jace Turner's neck to the wall did you cheer? Things are not clear cut in The Gifted world as they aren't all the time in real life. Lorna was taking her revenge on the man who imprisoned her and then tortured her with mental games of trying to turn on her crew. She could tell herself she wanted the information about Pulse but deep down she wanted Jace to feel like she had felt: scared and trapped. She didn't want to give up any information and neither did he. Lorna didn't let it rest calling in Dreamer who wasn't allowed to complete the work of her power leading Jace to forget his daughter died. Yeah, that was real unintended revenge that will have major consequences. Jace is now going to be seeking more pain against all mutants. In a way Lorna turned him more into a villain as he has turned her to a degree since her prison stay. Marcos, on the overhand, was not looking for revenge. His main goal was getting Lorna safe and he had done that. This new Lorna may impact negatively the relationship with Marcos. The scene in the car where they talk baby names shows how sweet of a couple they are. Let's hope nothing gums that up too much.
All this has now pushed John's want for peace and not going against the government into a black hole. The regular mutants of town are now being locked up and gone after since the prison break- an act of revenge for the mutants winning that battle from Jace. The death of Jace's daughter at that hands of a mutant explosion has propelled Jace on this path of hate. One can understand him leaving Dallas but to take a job that imprisons mutants who "pose a danger"? Yeah, not a good idea for a man who has a reason to not be fair to mutants to take a job where he gets to exact revenge over them.
Revenge is not worth it. Jace has let the charming father/husband go in exchange for someone who will stop at nothing to get his prey. The SS crew already shoot at kids and unarmed mutants without warning, this is not a peaceful, justified organization. Now while it is understandable why Lorna wants revenge her taking it may 1.) lead her down a more villainous path. 2.) create friction with Marcos 3.) cost more mutants their lives. The cost of revenge already hit the innocent Mrs. Turner who had to tell her husband their daughter was dead, whom else will it touch?
Strucker's Atamony: Andy got a chance to be a hero without using any mutant ability- he saved a life with his blood. Caitlin did a great job saving Trader but Lauren proved to be the real amazing one. First of all her idea of using her shields to stop the bleeding was brilliant. Secondly she remained very calm and focused through it, even calming her mother and telling her to sew him up. Lauren continues to be a fascinating character. Caitlin, Andy and Lauren have all proved themselves valuable to the mutants and their cause. Thus it was good that Reed made a profound play to show his loyalty. By putting his neck on the line to keep the police away from the Underground and offering up information he has, he has secured a tentative future with the Underground. This makes sense on two levels. First of as a prosecutor he needs to do something because that is what his old job entailed and secondly his imprisonment made him realize what he has to do- help the mutants. My one nitpick- having Reed announce the decision to stay and help the mutants. It should have been a family discussion where they all agreed to work together for the cause. Plus the character of Caitlin has had a leader role previously and it would be an error to have her play second fiddle to her hubby.
Be Our Guest: This ep got to shine the light on some of the guest cast. Sage had a larger role to play, Shatter was almost ready to mutiny, Fade gave Reed a shot of comeuppance, Trader was near death and Dreamer nearly got her head portaled off by Blink. Having a familiar guest cast of mutants to interact with the others and make ripples in the storylines is wonderful. What makes it even better is that these talented actors have immediately made the audience engage with his or her character so that you care about the role and what is happening on screen.
Kudos for Bell: Once again the acting is so stellar on here I could praise each performer every week. This time though the applause meter has to go off the charts for Coby Bell. Now if you ever have seen Bell in another role you know he oozes charisma. This role is a real departure for him because Jace Turner is a villain. Bell has had to make Jace engaging while turning down his natural charm since the pilot. That is a feet in itself. With this episode he has to make Jace stay in the villain role while also making you feel for him. It is a lot to ask any actor for but Bell showcases his talent in the opening scene and the closing one. He is heartbreaking and Jace is now not "just the bad guy". The layered performance gives layers to the character and I am interested in seeing where he goes next with him.
Minor Nitpicks: Did I miss the explanation of how Reed is able to hobble around now that he is missing the pin in his knee? Wouldn't that hurt an awful lot? Shouldn't the mutants have another way to get to the Underground other than driving or blinking? It would make sense especially seeing The Machine...I mean there are cameras on the streets.
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