First off, the show creators seemed to suddenly remember this episode that there were some sci-fi elements with Joe and Norrie, who have done literally nothing for this entire season so far. Now that Melanie has replaced the deceased Angie as part of the Dome 4, we can get back to Joe and Norrie’s original purpose. I totally forgot that Joe was science kid until they brought it back up with this episode as Joe got the bright idea to test Melanie’s blood to see what’s so special about the young girl who died in 1988, yet still walks Chester’s Mill. It was so good to see Norrie and the real Joe back that I could even forgive the hacky love triangle as Joe tried to steal a kiss from Melanie. I forgive it, heavy handed as it is, because it served as a reminder that Joe is still very, very young, and the intensity of his relationship with Norrie, along with the added stress of a giant dome over his home town, would make the inexperienced Joe act rashly at times. Norrie’s reaction was realistic, and the whole thing was quickly downplayed, eventually serving to make Joe realize he loved Norrie, perhaps a bit too late though as the fiery ginger didn’t like her man stiffing around ghost girl. Speaking of enforcers, I am so happy to see the end of the Sheriff Phil Bushey era. When Sheriff Linda died (soooo needlessly), Bushey was put in charge. He proved himself to be a reactionary ass last season and was put in charge by “Big” Jim as his puppet sheriff. The set up could have been interesting if the character wasn’t so painfully dull. The only interesting thread he had was the death of his gal Friday Dodee, a plot point that hasn’t been brought up since the season premiere. Well, this week, Phil was used by “Big” Jim to blow up a newly established food pantry (seriously guys, no one thought it would be a bad idea to put ALL the food in one place?). Bushey’s big plan was to make Chester’s Mill believe all the food was gone, but secretly save it for hoarding so he could appear to be a hero. Julia discovered the plot, and Barbie kicked Phil’s ass, and now we need a new sheriff. The fallen Phil could have some character potential now since he can be embittered and disgraced, always interesting story fodder. Norrie and Joe weren’t the only members of the Dome 4 that saw action this week as Junior and Sam tried to solve the murder of Angie. Little did the trusting Junior realize that his Uncle Sam was the man to kill Junior’s former prisoner and obsession. It came to light this week that Sam believed that by killing the Dome 4 that he would cause the dome to fall and save Chester’s Mill. An interesting wrinkle was added to Sam as when he had a chance to suffocate Junior, he hesitated when Junior told his uncle that he loved him. We do love to see our shades of grey, and it’s nice to see some after a few weeks of flat characterization. The story of Melanie has failed to grip me as the ghost girl of Chester’s Mill seems like a needless complication in an already overly fantastical show premise, but, that being said, I can’t help but wonder how she fits in relation to Joe and Norrie, and if she is a replacement for Angie as the Dome’s chosen four, and if so, what will Sam’s reaction be? Okay, Dome, you have my attention again, don’t blow it!
