And “Dmann” is here to get you back up to speed before Titanic Boy returns to “Dark Angel”:
”Fuggettaboudit”
TV Guide. says - A telekinetic transgenic messes with Max's mind to keep her from coercing a meek mob bookie into selling out his boss to Eyes Only. But once the mutant sets her sights on Alec, the stakes are raised, leading him back into the boxing ring to make some money for some not-so-good fellas.
What don’t they tell us?
Well, this is yet another freak of the week episode, they sort of tell us this, but not in so many words. Luckily, it looks like the last one of the season, before getting back to the Manticore/CDC/Sandeman/White main plot thread for the season. From next week on out, it looks like we are building to the series finale, directed by King of the World, James Cameron himself…YAY!! (For those of you not familiar with the show, or the season, there are episode guides on the TV Guide Dark Angel page.
Also, our villainous transgenic girl Mia isn’t a telekenetic in any way, shape or form. She’s a really cute gun moll for a Gangster named Dougie. She happens to have been genetically gifted by the Manticore scientists with a psychic power that’s a lot like the Jedi mind trick, or David Keith’s character in FIRESTARTER, only with creepy music in the background when she does it. She also has the most Jennifer Tilly-ish voice you ever did hear (besides Jennifer Tilly). The Actress (I think it’s Alimi Ballard, I could have the wrong name there) who plays Mia really earns her pay, working damn near every single scene, popping up to say a few words, push people this way or that, all trying to keep her precious Dougie out of trouble. In the process, she pushes Alec (Jensen Aclkes) into a cage fight, makes him and Logan (Michael Weatherly) confess how much they admire each other, and generally makes a mess of things for everyone but herself.
The manipulations come to a head as Logan’s investigation of the top Seattle mob boss and Alec’s cage fight intersect, forcing Max to square off against Alec in a fight that long time fans of the show will love, and newcomers will enjoy a LOT. I wish FOX hadn’t spoiled the big moment of the fight in their previews, but nevertheless, it works. Also look for the little gangster jokes, which zip by quickly.
Overall, the lighter tone of this weeks episode is really dead on, it allows the humor to play, while at the same time giving the romantic elements a refreshing little boost. Max and Logan don’t seem so tragic, they just seem to really like each other. The revelation that Jam Pony Bike Messenger boss Normal (J.C. MacKenzie) has Spartacus style gladiator-slave fantasies about Alec is perfect. It’s funny, yet doesn’t push the “gay crush” angle down your throat.
The timing of this stand alone episode couldn’t be better, what with the announcements of the last week. A very very strong installment, something where people who have quit watching the show, or have never really watched the show can come in, sit down, get to know the characters and situations, yet doesn’t overload with continuity. Hopefully, next week will keep up the good work, and get more people into what is, by far, the most improved show on television.
Dmann’s rating for “Fuhgeddaboudit”?
***1/2
The Hercules T. Strong Rating System:
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