Defiance, “Doll Parts,” was written by Phoef Sutton and directed by Andy Wolk who directed last week’s episode (or the first half of the two parter if you were watching on SyFy). Sutton’s long career includes Cheers, Boston Legal, and Terriers. Most of the cast deliver outstanding performances in this episode as we gear up for the last two episodes of the season. Some of the best dialogue of the season pops up in this episode. Nolan (Grant Bowler) explains the Rapture to Tommy (Dewshane Williams), who replies “Holy shit!” to which Nolan replies, “Exactly.” Loved the double meaning and wordplay. And Datak (Tony Curran) remarks on Amanda’s (Julie Benz) deputization: “Last week you were a Madam, this week you’re a lawkeeper. What’s next? Pantomime artist?”
Of course, falling that distance, no one should have left as pretty a corpse as Treasure Doll/Deirdre Lamb (Kristina Pesic). I have to admit that I’ve rarely been as happy to see the demise of a character. Firstly, her death was a great way to show the changing – and not changing – dynamics of the Tarr family, but secondly, Pesic was just never that good.
It was definitely a better use of Nolan’s time to go after Irisa (Stephanie Leonidas) and making Amanda a deputy made some sense – if you ignore her vested interest in the case – but suddenly having this deep, long relationship between Amanda and Deirdre? That came out of left field and should have been established a lot more in the previous ten episodes. In the end, of course, Amanda has to feel some guilt for telling Deirdre to fight without knowing the whole story. I thought Berlin (Anna Hopkins) and Amanda made a pretty good team. Berlin (and Hopkins!) continues to become a favorite character. She has her own code of honor – making her such a good match for Tommy – and even clues Amanda in to why Berlin and Nolan broke up.
Nicole Munoz (Christie) delivers one of her finest performances in this episode. I also love how Sthama (Jaime Murray) has taken Christie under her wing. She also doesn’t try to drive a wedge between Christie and Rafe (Graham Greene). I also loved how delighted Stahma was when she figured out that Christie, not Datak, had committed the murder.
Rath’s face when Christie invites her husband into the bath is priceless. He’s managed to get the worst of having a human wife. She not only adheres to human fidelity, she is also clearly as ruthless as his Castithan mother. At least part of Stahma’s delight is just how Casti Christie has become.
I loved watching Nolan and Tommy work together. As I mentioned last week, it’s nice to see Bowler pay Nolan straight, demonstrating that he is a shrewd soldier at heart. He’s not distracted by religious concerns, and he recognizes exactly what’s going on with “Irzu.” One of the best scenes of the season is Nolan confronting Irisa – both Bowler and Leonidas are outstanding as Irisa – under what we now know is the ship’s influence – does her best to hurt Nolan as deeply as she can.
Once again, I have to sing the praises of Noah Danby (Sukar). He and Bowler deliver another epic fight. But more than that Danby once again delivers a very nuanced performance. I adored the look he threw Irisa as Nolan is taunting him, essentially begging her to let him fight Nolan. Kudos also once again to the make up team for devising aliens that are still able to clearly portray the actors’ subtle performances.
Perhaps the most poignant scene in this episode is Nolan finally admitting that he recognizes Tommy’s worth. Of course, a serious heart to heart like this can only end one way. Tommy’s prognosis can’t be good, but it was nice for once that he put trying to save Tommy first. There is still enough of Irisa left that while she does stab Tommy, she’s also crying when she manages not to kill Nolan.
Once again the episode ends with a montage set to music. Nolan is trying to save Tommy, Alak is clearly turned on by his wife again, and the Tarr’s, including Christie, welcome their new handmaiden Andina (Amy Forsyth) into their service while Amanda watches. What did you think of the episode? I thought that the ultimate explanation of what’s been going on with Irisa and the others was good and that the groundwork for this has been nicely laid out. Did you? Were you sad to see Deirdre gone? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below! I know some of you have already seen the last two episodes, however, they won’t be airing in Canada on Showcase until Thursday, September 4 & 11. So remember to watch next week (and come back to read the review!) and keep tweeting #RenewDefiance!
