After a two week break due to Halloween, it was good to see Bionic Woman back with a brand new episode. I liked the Jaime/Tom partnership in the previous episode, it felt natural and organic. This episode was slightly different, the writers focused too much on the ‘love story’ when everyone knows that true romance just blossoms. I’m also slightly worried about Jaime..since Will’s ‘death’ she seems determined to sleep with anything that moves. I know she and Tom didn’t actually do anything but it’s clear Jaime wanted it to happen – this is the woman who is supposed to be protecting thousands of lives. The writers need to seriously address this issue and at least give her wreckless motivations some underlying reason – perhaps have her talk about Will once in a while and how his death and deception has effected her outlook on life? As I watched Jaime and Tom on their mission, I wondered what James Bond would’ve made of it all..he’s someone who mixed business with pleasure, but I’m sure even he would’ve been surprised with the liberties these two took during their very important mission. Isn’t Tom supposed to be a highly trained professional? Why not leave the bulk of the romance til the end like any self respecting secret agent?

That aside, I thought it was a good episode – not as good as “Education” but it was a strange and curious yet ‘fun’ detour. The iris recognition thing that Jaime had to do was cool and it was good to see Ruth with a meatier role, although why Jae was even in Paris is beyond me! That man is fast becoming a punch dummy or a soundbite..I haven’t yet made up my mind which. Will Yun Lee is a good actor, but they need to give him something to do..heck I’d take a weekly beating from Jaime for the money Jae’s on!

So yeah, a fun episode but I wonder how ‘fun’ it would be without Nathan – did anyone else laugh at him calling Victor ”Casino Royal”!?

What worked:

• Michelle Ryan looked HOT HOT HOT!
• Nathan was brilliant yet again..he even brought Ruth out of her shell! Go Kevin Rankin!
• The application of Jaime’s bionic eye – good to see it being used in a new way.
• Jonas and Becca – a lot of people have dissed there scenes together, but I quite liked it. It yet again showed the softer side of Jonas and I think Becca appreciated him covering for her. Don’t get me wrong, I still don’t think that Miguel Ferrer is being ’challenged’ by the role (far far from it), but when he’s on screen it’s usually a good thing.

What didn’t work

• The Jaime/Tom love angle. They have plenty of chemistry but the writers were too forceful in their attempt to advance their relationship. Would Jaime really attempt to sleep with him whilst on an important mission?
• No Sarah Corvus or Papa Anthros (remember them?). Though it’s understandable seeing as the focus moved to Paris.
• I’m not feeling the way the episodes don’t borrow from one another. They’re far too ‘standalone’. In fact Tom is one of the few things from a previous episode which has been applied to a current episode. The writers need to alter the formula and make the episodes connect more. This will enable the audience to care more for the characters.
• The random Alexis woman (CIA boss?). I mean, honestly what was the point..? She also had some terrible terrible lines (she’s more convincing as Diane in LOST – I think that’s the woman who plays Kate’s mom?)

Best Quote:
Molly: “You do realise that spies don’t really talk that way?”

Nathan: “I know it blows, I’m just trying to bring back the cool”

Best Character:
Nathan

Best Actor:
Kevin Rankin

Episode Rating: 7/10