Helix [S2] Ep. 3: "Scion" Review

-That intro was quite bold to say the least. Words cannot express how truly uncomfortable I was with that opening sequence. I've seen some off the wall things in many films as well as a few TV series, but this is something that ranked up on an entirely different level of unexpected things to see on TV. All I can say to that is "Not again! Please!"

-Alan's solo story is still my spotlighted character story on the show. I'm constantly engaged in seeing how he's going to figure things out on the island on his own. Very interested to see what will happen between him and Peter. Perhaps shed some more light on the Ilaria and Paris explosions. I'm really hoping on some more Paris flashbacks as well. I know it's asking for a lot as perhaps that storyline is so significant that the writers decided to spread it out throughout this entire season. For me personally, it's the biggest reason I was hyped for Season 2 in the first place. I created this epic Ilaria/Paris thriller in my head that I couldn't wait to see how they handled it just to find out that we're now on a cult conquering island. I'm slowly, but surely getting into this cult story, but my eyes are on the prize. A prize called "Ilaria immortals". By the way, I'm wondering how this whole pregnancy thing will work out between Alan and Sarah. Probably the worst place to have a baby don't you think?

-It was great seeing Hatake back. The whole delusional angle with him actually works for me although it does go a bit far at times. Understandably so, I can see (to a degree) why they took such an extreme angle on his character. He literally lost the only thing close to humanity that he had in his wife, sort of son, and daughter. So I really liked this character arc for him. I just hope he eventually snaps out of it and help Julia out with her situation. Speaking of Julia, I'm still not 100% on her mission, but I do feel like we're going to get some great father/daughter moments between the two. Maybe even some more information about the Immortals and how they're now dying off. I would love at least almost an entire episode focusing on the Immortals and Ilaria period when Julia "joined". That's why all eyes are on Julia for me alongside Alan. They're the key to finding out more about arguably the most intriguing part of this universe. Oh and what a way to end an episode. Hatake has completely lost it. I mean seriously.


-And of course who can forget the children stone swinging beat down? I loved that scene for how messed up it was as well as how much it emphasized on just how dangerously twisted this island really is. What I didn't like (although Helix loves to add "edginess" to their horror scenes) is the music choice used. It went a notch up the cheesy ladder and I wished they would of went with something a bit more terrifying. They're kids beating a man to near death with rocks for crying out loud! It's one of the reasons why this show works so well as a unique blend of horror, science-fiction, and dark comedy. At the same time, it's one of the reasons why certain scenes feel out of place when they could've been very impactful. Sometimes I feel they should scrap the twisted comedic edge to the show, but not enough to lose it's charm. That creepy children scene could've really stand out more if it wasn't for that music. It makes me think on whether or not the creators already have a sense of atmosphere that focuses around dark comedy or do they simply not know overall which way they would like to take the show. Being that it's the second season, I'm pretty sure they know exactly what they're doing with scenes like these.

Overall, the episode was a mixed bag for me with an uncomfortably terrible intro and a few negatives along the way. However, there are some bright moments with specific character solo moments that I really liked.