Critic’s Rating: 5 / 5.0
5
After the previous episode that took The Ark away from its usual formula, the series is back to what it does best!
It’s no secret that sci-fi can get a reputation for taking liberties with the writing, dialogue, and overall acting.
Thankfully, The Ark has made massive strides in redefining the space odyssey sub-genre of science fiction.
Through careful execution, the series weaves a fantastic story that doesn’t need the flash and spectacle of aliens and space monsters.
The Ark writers choose to tackle space itself as the entity that the crew of the Ark One consistently find themselves up against.
And while the previous episode dipped its toes into the space creature method, “The Other You” shone a light on everything The Ark gets right.
Related: The Ark Season 2 Episode 1 Review: Failed Experiment
The Ark Portrays Perfect Balance On The Tight Rope Between Comedy, Action, and Science Fiction
When you watch a show like The Ark, you know there will be drama and excitement, but a good series knows how to encapsulate multiple genres into a single episode.
It’s fair to say that The Ark Season 2 Episode 4 was a thriller, comedy, and action-adventure all in one.
The contrast between the alternate Ark Ones was a beautiful medley of shock and hilarity.
But before we discuss how great this episode was, I have to point out one little thing. Why did the main crew from Ark One look like the cast of Les Mis in the parallel universe?
They had Eva, Alicia, and Sharon looking like they all worked in waste management.
And what the heck happened to Ryan Adam‘s Angus that would turn him into such a douche?
This very self-contained episode had so much fun that it’s hard to pick a favorite moment.
That said, it has to be when Captain Garnet told Brice, “I forgot how blue your eyes are.”
I’m not even going to lie; I rewound that part multiple times because I could not stop laughing at Brice’s expression.
That was a “chef’s kiss,” the perfect moment of writing and dialogue.
Pomp and spectacle are great, but most people remember the lines that made them laugh, cry, or both.
Related: Lady in the Lake Series Premiere Review: Well-Behaved Women Seldom Make History
Bring Back Brice And His Abs
Then again, we can’t say there was no spectacle because, my goodness, The Ark certainly utilized Lieutenant Brice in this episode.
In all fairness, he had it chill and easy for the first three episodes of the second season.
He walked around being handsome, cracked some jokes, and hung out with Eva.
We also can’t talk about Brice and this episode without mentioning how blatant the series has gotten with the attention on him.
I’m talking about him being stark nude. It was a cheap visual shot and thirst trap that 100% worked.
Without being crass, there was no getting around staring at and possibly pausing the episode on those abs.
“The Other You” was all camp but still managed to include some genuinely heartfelt and heartbreaking moments.
Seriously, was Richard Fleeshman this shirtless in The Sandman?
And that’s because the writers of this show know that fans love the characters and have grown attached to what happens to them.
The Ark Plays Fast And Loose With Its Characters, Creating A Formula For Epically Unexpected Entertainment
Many viewers likely gasped, like I did when Cat popped out of her cryo pod.
Related: The Ark Season 2 Episode 2 Review: Kill or Be Killed
Honestly, I thought she must be a clone, but I’ve been watching a lot of Orphan Black: Echoes.
Again, though, it was genius to bring the character back as an alternate version with a different life and accent!
It was like meeting her all over again while still getting an infusion of nostalgia right into the bloodstream.
It was wild to see everyone acting so differently than their primary counterparts.
Sharon Garnet seemed so timid and soft as she addressed Brice, which kind of makes me think he is her genetic match for The Juno Project.
Remember that fun little side arc that was randomly dropped in the second episode?
Initially, I had my money on Spencer Lane, but Brice would make for a funnier plot.
Speaking of Lane, played by Reece Ritchie of Almost Paradise, he had to have one of the saddest arcs of the episode. He became an infinitely better man without his father around.
That’s a heavy secret for Brice to be carrying around now, but he can always take his shirt off again to ease the weight.
Seriously, how does Brice stay so tan in space? I’m a stickler for continuity.
Beyond chiseled abs, hilarious alternate reality reunions, and space jargon no one understands, The Ark delivered a tear-worthy moment in the simplest way.
That singular shot of Trust crying over Cat being gone again was heartbreaking.
Related: Sunny Season Premiere Review: Rashida Jones is a Force Among Bots, Blood, and Bad Booze
I’m actually tearing up a little thinking about it because it was so raw and unencumbered.
We will miss Cat as the series continues, but we have a feeling her presence will still be felt.
How Kelly Got Her Groove And Full Access To Her Implants Back
No one will forget any time soon that Cat left Kelly a device to control her implants. Which means Kelly could go in any direction now.
Her character was always a wildcard, but now that she has complete control over her capabilities, she might really start deciding for herself.
On the one hand, it would be nice if she continued down her more or less path of redemption on this amazing Syfy series.
She could become Ark One’s biggest gun and best ally. On the other hand, she could go down the anti-hero route.
She may decide that her only mission is to take down her mother regardless of who gets in her way.
Hopefully, with characters like Dr. Marsh and Captain Garnet in her corner, Kelly will have enough positive influences to make the right choices.
We also haven’t seen what her blood has done to Angus besides curing his eyesight issues.
If his alternate version is any indication, Angus may not be called “plant boy” for much longer.
He may indeed be heading for some super soldier storyline.
Related: The Ark Season 2 Episode 3 Review: Anomaly
But first, they have to find out who is on the Ark Three.
The Ark Season 2 Episode 4 was an absolute triumph of entertaining proportions.
The series did what it does best with incredible plotting, dialogue, and fantastic acting.
The mark of a great show is how much emotion it can inspire in its audience, and this episode inspired just about all of them.
If this is a sign of where The Ark is headed, you can count me in on the entire fun and crazy wild ride!
What do you think Kelly will do now that she controls her implants?
Who do you think the crew of Ark One will find on the Ark Three?
Drop a comment below to let us know, and join me again when I review the next episode of The Ark!
