1.3 The Fountain Of Youth That’s a shame, because the idea behind this particular episode, i.e. the search for immortality, was a strong one. And, it gave Judd Hirsh some classic comedy screen time, and that’s something worth celebrating. What we were given was a follow-the-breadcrumbs detective story, where using his powers of observation, Henry is able to crack the case. What was unique about his approach this week was that it didn’t involve him dying, at all. Given how many times he’s died so far, I was wondering if credibility was going to rapidly be stretched beyond all reason with him dying. But thankfully they’ve put a temporary stopper in Henry being the most unlucky person in New York, ever. The only problem I have with the sleuthing is that those editing and writing just can’t help aping Sherlock, often in ways that seem quite anachronistic. In the scene where Henry decodes the street, based on the body evidence. This was an obvious ‘Sherlock’ moment, so why did it need the stringed instrument (is it a Guzheng?) soundtrack to hammer than connection home? Again, I wish those behind Forever would be slightly more respectful of those watching, rather than assuming we all need a nudge each and every scene. After three episodes we get it, he’s Sherlock with an unlimited lifespan! Where I have fewer complaints is that this story did introduce a few new overtones, and progressed the relationship between Henry and Jo a little. He clearly likes her, and the suggest is that if he can get over his obsession about working out how to die, then maybe she can leave her past behind too. It helped that they left ‘the fan’ out of these proceedings, and the flashbacks about consumption were also revealing. As for the other characters, they’re evolving Abe nicely as being Henry’s mortal component, forever reminding him that while he might go on indefinitely, everyone else is on the clock. I really wish they’d do more with Lucas (Joel David Moore), as presumably he has a life beyond dismantling the recently deceased. He had a big film role in Avatar, so we must assume he’s do more than misplace bodies in this show. Overall, the third episode of Forever wasn’t bad, it just wasn’t especially compelling. Having watched some of this seasons new shows, like Gotham, which are really good, Forever might have trouble securing a back half or second season if it doesn’t up its game soon. Read Billy’s review of the previous episode, Look Before You Leap, here. Follow our Twitter feed for faster news and bad jokes right here. And be our Facebook chum here.
