1.01: “Second Chances”
Finally..I get to watch the ‘real’ version of the Bionic Woman Premiere. I previously reviewed the ‘pre-aired’ Pilot and thought that it was good with lots of potential, after watching this final cut version, I feel much the same way.
I’ll try to focus on the aspects which I haven’t already mentioned here - Basically this episode is super enhanced, much like Jaime herself, it’s a familiar world yet those little modifications make all the difference. It’s glossier, crisper, neater and oh yeah, there’s Lucy Hale as Becca! I wasn’t Mae Whitman’s biggest fan in the first version, but I thought Lucy was really good – the chemistry and interaction between her and Michelle was so much better. Although a few people have said that Becca’s computer hacking background is cliche, I actually think it sets the backdrop for some interesting future plot-lines – there’s alot of irony in the fact that Jaime effectively has these micro-computers inside her whilst her unwitting sister is a computer whiz – let’s see you hack into that, Becca!
I thought Jaime’s super-speed-running was alot better – I really liked the CGI exploration into Jaime’s bionic legs..now that..was COOL! However the annoying little girl in the car..that was belittling my intelligence. Speaking of Bionic legs, it was cool to see how they changed the way they were first revealed to Jaime..gone were the metal plated drum-sticks and in their place were synthetic legs with visible anthracites coursing through her veins..neat! Still, she almost took my ear out with all that screaming!
I also have to give special mention to the excellent soundtrack, some of the music used in this episode was fantastic – particularly Sia’s “Breath Me”, which left me breathless.
I genuinely liked this episode and I’m so excited for this show – it wasn’t a Pilot of ‘LOST’ proportions, but I don’t think it’s too far behind last years ‘Heroes’ Pilot..and thinking about it, was Heroes really ‘all that’ from episodes 2 to 6? I think BW has created solid foundations from which to build on..the episode wasn’t perfect..but neither is Jaime…YET.
Onwards and upwards..bring on next week and more Sarah and Anthros..Anthony that is..not Will ;)
EPISODE RATING: 8/10 (All things considered)
STAR PERFORMER: KATEE SACKHOFF
SPECIAL MENTION: MICHELLE RYAN & MARK SHEPPARD
BEST IN EPISODE CHARACTER: SARAH CORVUS!
