1.11 Past Is Prologue That’s not to say it was bad. There were some very interesting sequences in which we saw what the Tarr tribe is like when they smell an opportunity to advance themselves. The particular prize they’re after is the mine, via Datak becoming Mayor and selling the good townsfolk out to the Earth Republic. Earlier in the season we were sold the notion that Stahma was more complicated than her husband, but the reality of that very minor difference is now rather abruptly exposed. How she uses Kenya to plant the seeds of Nolan’s downfall, and even duping poor Alak to get his own pal killed was all pretty ruthless. She’s the key to the next story part, because she’s the only person who can manipulate Datak from executing their devious plan, for whatever reason. Their marvellously Machiavellian plan was good entertainment, but also the interaction between the golden pretzel and Irisa provided further distractions. I really like what the costume departments has organised for Doctor Yewill these days, especially with the goggles. There’s a definite cyberpunk vibe going on here, and combined with the textured skin prosthetics, she looks much more alien than most of the other Defiance species. I just wish she had more personality, though I accept acting under that much makeup must be a real test. Yewill’s messing around with the pretzel revealed the location of its silver counterpart, which as I recall was painted in the cave painting in episode four. Her subsequent attempt to remove it from inside Irisa seemed destined to fail, and bridged to an untidy ending with the return of Rynn. What the doctor was up to needs some explanation, and we also need to know if Stahma has really overstepped her authority in the Tarr household with Kenya. I suspect she has, because there isn’t anything she wouldn’t do to succeed, where Datak is limited by his own concept of honour. I wouldn’t really call this story now finely poised, but I’m curious to see how the second part of this narrative expands. Next week, the show writers have the chance to really set the story on fire, because however you look at it, so far it’s been a long, slow burn. Read Billy’s review of the previous episode, The Bride Wore Black, here. Please, if you can, buy our charity horror stories ebook, Den Of Eek!, raising money for Geeks Vs Cancer. Details here.
