Reviewer Rating: 5/5.0
5
After the last episode took Ark away from its usual formula, the series is back to what it does best!
It’s no secret that science fiction has a reputation for being casual in its writing, dialogue, and overall acting.
Thankfully, Ark makes huge strides in redefining the space odyssey subgenre of science fiction.
Through careful execution, the show weaves a fantastical story that doesn’t need the flash and spectacle of aliens and space monsters.
The writers of Ark One chose to make space itself the entity that the Ark One crew constantly faced.
While the previous episode dabbled in the space creature approach, “Another You” shines a light on everything Ark has done.
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‘Ark’ portrays the perfect balance on the tightrope between comedy, action and science fiction
When you watch a show like Ark, you know there’s going to be drama and excitement, but a good series knows how to encapsulate multiple genres into one episode.
It’s fair to say that Ark Season 2 Episode 4 is a mix of thriller, comedy, and action-adventure.
The contrast between Alternate Ark is a beautiful mixture of shock and hilarity.
But before we talk about how great this episode was, I have to point out one small thing. Why do the main crew of “Ark One” look like the cast of “Les Misérables” from a parallel universe?
They made it look like Eva, Alicia, and Sharon all worked at Waste Management.
What happened to Angus, played by Ryan Adam, to turn him into such a jerk?
This very self-contained episode is so entertaining that it’s hard to choose a favorite moment.
That said, it must have been the time when Captain Garnett told Bryce, “I forgot how blue your eyes were.”
I’m not even going to lie; I rewind that part several times because Bryce’s expression made me laugh.
It was a “chef’s kiss,” a perfect moment for writing and conversation.
Pomp and circumstance are great, but most people remember the lines that made them laugh, cry, or both.
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Bring back Bryce and his abs
Then again, we can’t say there weren’t any spectacles, because, man, Ark definitely utilized Lieutenant Bryce in this episode.
To be fair, he was pretty lighthearted in the first three episodes of season two.
He walks handsomely, tells some jokes, and hangs out with Eva.
We also can’t talk about Bryce and this episode without mentioning how blatant the show has become in focusing on him.
I’m talking about him being naked. It’s a cheap vision shot and thirst trap, but 100% effective.
While not being rude, I couldn’t stare at those abs and might even have paused the episode.
“Another You”, while campy, still manages to contain some heartfelt and heartbreaking moments.
Seriously, was Richard Fleeshman shirtless in The Sandman?
That’s because the show’s writers know that fans love these characters and are increasingly interested in what happens to them.
“Ark” plays fast and loose with its characters, creating an unexpected mode of entertainment
Many viewers may have held their breath, as I did when Cat jumped out of the cryopod.
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I honestly thought she must be a clone, but I watched a lot of Orphan Black: Echoes.
But bringing the character back again as an alternate version with a different life and accent is genius!
It was like seeing her again while still pumping nostalgia into the blood.
It’s crazy to see how everyone behaves so differently than their main counterparts.
Sharon Garnet seemed so timid and tender while speaking to Bryce that it made me think he was her genetic match for Juno.
Remember the fun little side arc that randomly dropped in episode two?
Initially, I put my money on Spencer Lane, but Bryce would have created a more interesting plot.
Speaking of Reese Rich’s Lane in Almost Heaven , he had to have one of the saddest arcs of the episode. He became a better person without his father around.
It’s a heavy secret for Bryce, but he can always take off his shirt again to lighten the weight.
Honestly, how does Bryce maintain such a tan in space? I’m a stickler for continuity.
Beyond the chiseled abs, hilarious alternate-reality reunions, and space terminology that no one understands, “The Ark” delivers a tear-jerking moment in the simplest way possible.
The unique shot of Trust crying as his cat goes missing again is heartbreaking.
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In fact, I tear up just thinking about it because it’s so raw and unrestrained.
Cat will be missed as the series continues, but we have a feeling her presence will still be felt.
How Kylie got her groove back and had full access to her implants
No one will soon forget that Kate left Kelly a device to control her implants. That means Kelly can now go in any direction.
Her character has always been a jack-of-all-trades, but now that she’s in full control of her abilities, she might actually start making her own decisions.
On the one hand, it would be great if she could continue on a more or less redemptive path in this amazing Syfy series.
She could be Ark One’s biggest gun and best ally. On the other hand, she could go the anti-hero route.
She may decide that her only mission is to bring down her mother, no matter who gets in her way.
Hopefully, with the support of characters like Dr. Marsh and Captain Garnet, Kelly can make enough of a positive impact to make the right choices.
We haven’t seen what her blood does to Angus other than curing his vision problems.
If his alternate version is any indication, Angus might not be known as “Plant Boy” for much longer.
He may indeed be heading towards some super soldier storyline.
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But first, they have to find out who’s on board Ark Three.
The fourth episode of Ark Season 2 is an absolute triumph of entertainment.
The show does its best with an incredible plot, dialogue, and great performances.
The sign of a great show is how much emotion it inspires in its viewers, and this episode inspired nearly all of them.
If this is a sign of where Ark is headed, then you can count on me to be a part of the whole fun and crazy wild ride!
What do you think Kelly will do now that she has control over her implants?
Who do you think the crew of Ark One will find on Ark Three?
Let us know in the comments below, and join me again as I review the next episode of Ark!
