Just like Smallville in February, we get another tribute to the Hangover in the sci fi universe. Magnus returns home to find the house trashed Animal House style the day of a UN inspection and tries to reconstruct what happened. I wondered how they’d return from Hollow Earth’s conclusion. In reply, Kindler’s crew provided a solid episode focused on business as usual. In not referencing Hollow Earth or treating this week as filler, “Hangover” served as the perfect transition episode with a light-hearted focus which kept the audience engaged. Sometimes filler episodes feel like “filler,” because you can tell the writers or actors checked out. Luckily, this week, everyone seemed energetic and the writing, acting, and directing all felt strong.
Since season three started, I’ve enjoyed the individual character changes and group relationship shifts, all excluding the reduced Will and Magnus dynamic. Obviously, I appreciate Kindler balancing the ensemble and beefing up core roles to strengthen each episode/character; however, reducing the Will-Magnus screen time while increasing Will’s time with Kate and Henry, makes Magnus a mother hen in a house full of children (i.e. Huey, Dewey, and Screwey). Despite that, I really enjoyed this week’s group interaction and I hope we have more of it, especially the opening group scene. I particularly liked Biggie’s changes this season including his increasing sense of humor, showing his practicality in a crunch, and making him less of a growling mountain man. Who else loved watching him pull the gas main (hello, this week’s 30 Rock. Wow, they really are pulling a Gaslight) and fake out Will with his “large hands”?
Although I love Ryan Robbins, I didn’t love him this week. He always rocks the dramatic episodes, but in the humor department Henry never comes across quite as strong or well-defined. All the same, I still enjoyed seeing more of Henry and his physique. I know they need to reuse the old CGI sets, but, as I used to work in a graphics lab, I’m no longer impressed with what old school Sanctuary graphics offer. I enjoyed their augmented use of more tangible props this season because it gives each episode a more realistic feel. So, whenever they revert back to 100% green screen i.e. the main lab, I view the distorted pixilation as somewhat disconcerting.
Overall, I would give this episode a high five. However, while I enjoyed watching Will, Magnus and Kate Gaslighting the UN security adviser, it seemed out of character and slightly immature for Magnus. Honestly, I could see the kids pulling the “Oh, you poor dear. Blackouts, again?” and Magnus returning with tea, exclaiming “What, the hell? Sorry, lady, my kids are idiots, we had a breach. But, if you don’t give us a chance, I might release this video footage.” But I felt they jumped to blackouts and blackmail without giving the adviser a chance at honesty first, even if Magnus allegedly did it “once or twice” before.
So, what did people think? Did the final five minutes seem out of character? Did everyone else enjoy the episode as much as I did? What about The Hangover? I’ve seen Dude, Where’s my car, and I have a longtime cinematic crush on Gaslight (although I’ve never watched it). However, I have no familiarity with The Hangover whatsoever. Is that something I should see for CliqueClack Flicks? Did anyone else love the dude dialogue between Will and Hank?
Quote of the week:
“Do not dude me.” -Will
Clacked by An Nicholson 
on Apr 23, 2011 @ 12:15 EST5EDT
I completely agree that this episode was quite humurous. However, to me the whole “trick” played on the UN advisor was a little far fetched and cheapened the show a little. It came across as being somewhat of an emergency filler for an extra time slot they had to air another episode; it did not seemed fully planned. With that said, I adore Magnus and her team. This show so far is one of the best scifi series I have seen.
Hey Choco – Thanks for posting. I definitely agree that the trick seemed a bit off and unnecessary.