Everyone, I hope you enjoyed the series premiere of Star-Crossed. If you loved it, talk about it. If you hated it, talk about it. by now hopefully we all know Star-Crossed premiered to just 1.28 mil and a .4 18-49 demo, with it's next day repeat posting a .3 and 1.05 mil. Maybe that repeat will translate into more eyeballs come next week, maybe it won't. Maybe this spells trouble for The Tomorrow People, maybe it won't. Let's put aside our speculation and just try and enjoy. All 13 episodes have filmed already, so we can enjoy that.
Speaking of episodes I had the chance to take a took at the rough cut of Episode Two, These Violent Delights Have Violent Ends, and I can tell you, it was a pretty solid episode.
Official Synopsis:
“These Violent Delights Have Violent Ends” — (8:00-9:00 p.m. ET) (TV-PG, L) (HDTV)
EMERY TRIES TO REACH OUT TO ROMAN AFTER THE TRAGEDY AT THE SECTOR — Roman (Matt Lanter) and Sophia (guest star Brina Palencia) prepare for a funeral. Roman is surprised and suspicious when his Uncle Castor (guest star Johnathon Schaech) shows up in the sector offering to help the family. Meanwhile, Emery (Aimee Teegarden) tries to talk to Roman about what happened, but he doesn’t want anything to do with her. Upset, Emery turns to Grayson (Grey Damon). Meanwhile, the Atrian Seven are invited to the school carnival. However, the fun ends after Drake (Greg Finley) is kidnapped and Roman finds out the Trags are preparing a hit on Emery and her family at the carnival. Gary Fleder directed the episode written by Meredith Averill (#102).
Who & What: A great thing about this episode is that it opens us to story outside of the romance aspect of the show. While the pilot episode tunnel visioned on putting our two leads together, this one focuses on what will pull them apart. We will meet the Atrian elders, who are looking for a new leader following Nox's death. As mentioned in the synopsis, Roman's uncle Castor makes his debut as well (I'm sure you know why). Also Tahmoh Pinkett(BSG,Dollhouse) guest stars and let me just say is linked to one of the reveals in this episode. We also learn a bit more about the Red-Hawks, the Atrian opposition group and meet a key member(Major Spoiler!). Inside of the Atrian Sector, while they struggle to find new leadership, the Atrian rebel group, The Trags, seek retaliation for Nox's Murder. The school carnival is met with apprehension when it comes down to decide if the Atrians should attend, and Emery gets passionate and goes viral.
Afterthoughts: This episode is what sold me on watching the show. Having been able to view both episodes at once changed my perspective of the show. The pilot did not do it for me but this episode did. The romance was still the part I disliked most, at one point I said aloud during a certain character's rant, Have you guys even held a conversation longer than FIVE MINUTES? YEESH. Outside of that, we are treated to some really great things. At least three reveals. One you will not see coming. One that seems of little importance now, but I'm sure will twist up the politics aspect later. And one Roswell fans will find familiar.
The pacing was better this episode minus the aforementioned rant, and we get a bit more fleshing out of the characters, specifically Roman. Lanter truly owns this role, despite complaints about his age, he seems into it.
Characters to Watch: Julia. I won't say anything else. Oh and Gloria Valdez. What is her end game???
Episode MVP: Officer Beaumont, (Guest star Tahmoh Pinkett) comes at you out of nowhere, I don't think he'll stick around(IMDb credits him for just one episode) but for the little time he does has, he'll be a pretty central figure. His character will also have an additional reveal that could possibly come into play later as well.
Episode LVP: Emery. I'm sorry, I liked Teegarden in FNL but here, I am not a fan. Maybe it's bad writing, maybe it's Champagne problems, but she just kind of is there to me. She took me out of the scene(See earlier comment) while she was talking and made me cringe. She doesn't feel as fleshed as Roman.
Emery is actually not the lead. Julia is. It would make sense seeing as this is a re-imagining of Romeo and Juliet. Roman and Julia! (I know, it's wishful thinking)
Why you should watch: While not a ratings monster, it's still a decent show. This episode is an improvement upon the pilot and is where things should start getting interesting. Did I mention THREE REVEALS!!!!!! If you are discouraged by the ratings, don't be. All 13 eps have been filmed and if episode two is any indication, we are in for a ride.
Final Grade: B+ The episode has a little bit of everything and definitely ups the ante from the pilot episode. I'm eager to see what happens next for sure.
Star-Crossed airs again Monday. If you are interested in live tweeting, the twitter handle is #StarCrossed. The fandom name is #StarGazers, and the ship name is #Romery. I think my ship name #RoEm, (Rhymes with Poem was better), but whatever.
Do you plan on checking out episode two? What are you most excited about? What did you find most intriguing about the pilot and the concept? Are you shipping #Romery already? Let me know below!
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