Review Guide:
Episode 2.01 San Jose - Advanced Preview & Review
Episode 2.02 Reunion - Review
Episode 2.03 Scion - Review
Episode 2.04 Densho - Review
Episode 2.05 Oubliette - Review
Episode 2.06 M. Domestica - Review
Episode 2.07 Cross Pollination - Review
Episode 2.08 Vade In Pace - Advance Preview & Review
Episode 2.09 Ectogenesis - Review
Episode 2.10 Mother - Review
Episode 2.11 Plan B - Review
Episode 2.12 The Ascendant - Review
Episode 2.13 O Brave New World (Season Finale) - Review
Helix - Ectogenesis - Recap/Review
Last episode we saw the death of Michael at the hands of Caleb. We also saw the Coastguard arrive with news of another outbreak and Amy make a demand to Sarah involving the immortal child and immortality.
"I haven't heard from Peter in 5 days" Balleseros
This episode Peter revealed to Anne that "they" were coming. I expected it to be a new character, but instead was pleasantly surprised to see that the people he was referring to were Julia and Sergio. I wasn't expecting to see them in the present timeline at all or at least interacting with the CDC team, especially Julia. I thought Julia would've come to the island alone at some point and got turned away, but instead it appears that she is there looking for the infertility plant without needing Michael.
I'm also wondering now about Peter and Michael. Was Peter sent in to spy on Michael to see what he was doing, to see if he had the solution Julia was after? It can't just be conscience that Julia who happens to be Peter's "Boss" is looking for a man who happens to be on an island where an outbreak occurred where the CDC currently resides. I'm thinking the whole thing was planned, but then someone could argue that the outbreak on the island might have been planned so that Peter could get close to Michael. We know Peter is staying in close contact with Sergio so he could be reporting to him about Michael. Also, Peter in episode 1 seemed so insistent on going to the island, even though, the commander told him that wasn't the plan. Another thing, Julia mentioned "you don't have it do you" which pretty much confirmed he wasn't there just because of the outbreak. Ilaria, more specifically Julia sent him there to find this "infertility" solution.
Elsewhere, we saw Anne mention several times something named "Mother". It's a tree that managed to make immortal men unable to father children. Whilst I have to expect things like this on Helix, how can a tree do something like that? Since the next episode is titled "Mother" we will probably find more out about this tree, and possibly how it works. Also, if someone's taken mother it's almost certain that it's Amy.
"We Better Find That Damn Tree or I'm a Dead Man" Kyle
Whilst the mycotic storyline has been the least interesting storyline to watch due to the slow pacing of discoveries, I'm rooting for Kyle to survive. Kyle made the ultimate choice this episode, become tainted meat or be eaten. He chose to put his faith in Alan and his fellow CDC members and chose to consume the honey. If the show is to go forward with a 3rd season I want Kyle to be a part of that. He has been one of the bright spots in this season and has proved his worth. He is also far more interesting of a character than Peter, Sarah and even Alan combined. Save Kyle!
One of my favorite scenes from this episode was when Kyle started using manipulation as a way to break free and turn the two outsiders on each other. It did work, but that small glimpse of hope Kyle had was cut short when he had to run like a rabbit away from his predators. The song though playing as he made his escape was a perfect song choice to accompany Kyle's tough choices which lie ahead. Kudos to the writers for making that scène, the most memorable.
Elsewhere, Doreen returned, but only in a dream Alan was having. I found the scenes with her to be strange as I couldn't get over the fact that out of everybody he could think of it was Doreen. It was probably just so that she could make a return to the show, and having her console Alan was the only way that seemed possible. I did enjoy seeing her again though as she got killed off way too early in season 1. During their conversation, Kyle gets mentioned. Why does Alan want to save Kyle if he knows Kyle's a threat to him? Alan's made hard decisions before for his own benefit so why not leave Kyle like the commander instructed? Perhaps he sees's Kyle as a way to take down Ilaria once he explains what he's been trying to do on the island, and then Kyle can contact his FBI friends.
Amy this episode demanded immortality of Sarah. Sarah was cunning and decided to plot against her to try to elimate the threat that is Amy. I was rooting for Sarah to be the one to take Amy down; sadly it again proves why Amy is the smartest among them. She saw what Sarah was doing before she even did it. Amy will not risk losing her power; she will do and say anything. She is cruel and a liar just like her predecessor Michael, but she is very intelligent and thinks ahead. The outcome of what Sarah gave Landry can be seen here, and let me tell you will probably need a tissue. Sloth lives on!
Summary
It was a fantastic episode. Whilst I'm losing interest in the mycotic storyline week by week due to the pacing, I was rooting for Kyle all episode long to survive. Even though he did the consequences of what he had to do will be severe, and it will be interesting to see what his outcome will be. Sarah made a judgement call which backfired on her, and she will now have to face the wrath of Amy, what she plans to do is anyone's guess, but it won't be good. Overall, it was another great episode. #RenewHelix
As always, thank you for reading! Let me know in the comments what you thought of "Ectogenesis"
What did you think of the episode?
ReplyDeleteA quick side note: The Title "Ectogenesis" means: Ectogenesis is the growth of an organism in an artificial environment outside the body in which it would normally be found, such as the growth of an embyro or fetus outside the mother's body"
I am really unsure what to think about this episode. I really like Kyle but c'mon he didn't have to eat the honey, he could've just told them that he ate it because he knew they are not the brightest people haha. I kinda was hoping that 'mother' was something crazier than a tree haha maybe a human-tree or a corpse. I don't know but I am curious to find out more :) great review and I am looking forward to next episode :D
ReplyDeleteThanks, and I totally agree with you, I said that same thing on twitter last night. He could have emptied the container and said he ate it. It wasn't the smartest move, now he risks dying from it.
ReplyDeleteI am as well curious to find out about "Mother" I thought it was a bizarre name to call a tree, but it's Michael who presumably named it so you can't expect anything sane. Next episode should be interesting, hopefully we will find out why this true is so unique.
"It was a fantastic episode."
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more! This was much more like the old Helix I have missing! much more suspenseful, full of horror, added new crazy mythos, and put almost all of the characters within the same space!
"Elsewhere, Doreen returned, but only in a dream Alan was having. I found the scenes with her to be strange as I couldn't get over the fact that out of everybody he could think of it was Doreen..."
Even though it was unexpected, I thought it was perfect. Her accent and former diligence and ultimately her former knowledge, makes her juxtapose Kyle and thus she reveals to Alan, his need to save him, because Kyle reminds him of his younger self and "innocence" (I don't see how Kyle could be his son, but at least metaphorically he sees himself as a 'father figure'...) and maybe also, Doreen is somebody he deeply regrets loosing...I like Kyle, but I' not sure if he's going to make it, because of the contrast to Doreen...
What's also interesting is that this isn't the first time we have seen this happen on this Island. And it makes me wonder (again ala LOST) if there is more to it, that perhaps the spirits of the dead are there?? (And speaking of LOST Alan was referred to Jack again. Doreen commented on his beard and she called him a "broken record")
"I'm also wondering now about Peter and Michael. Was Peter sent in to spy on Michael to see what he was doing, to see if he had the solution Julia was after? It can't just be conscience that Julia who happens to be Peter's "Boss" is looking for a man who happens to be on an island where an outbreak occurred where the CDC currently resides.",
Julia's a board member so it's not too surprising she gets to be Peter's boss, but what's more important is how she came to team up with Sergio in her search? He may be an Ilaria member who is playing both sides...We knew he was Peter's contact/boss, but for him to be tasked with knowing about St Germiane before Julia did, is a problem, especially because we also know that some in Ilaria frown on Julia's and Sergio's relationship---so there's some missing story here or someone at the top of Ilaria is playing all three of them!
"Elsewhere, we saw Anne mention several times something named "Mother". It's a tree that managed to make immortal men unable to father children. Whilst I have to expect things like this on Helix, how can a tree do something like that?"
I'm trying to figure out if the Blood Tree and Mother are one and the same kind of tree, but I give Helix ten thumbs up for creating something again so bizarre, but yet so fitting with all of it's allegorical themes this season!
I think Anne is still a character everyone has to watch out for. In the promo for next week, I may get my justice for thinking so the whole time! I think we're finally getting back to the green goo and hidden places too!! XD
Amy is just too reckless and impatient to stay alive for long, immortal or not!
Thanks again for your wonderful review!! :D
Sarah could of busted that door open easy too, but this is standard for "horror trope" stuff where characters do really dumb things in order for us to have a more suspenseful plot!
ReplyDeleteKyle's a rather naive character and this was another point the episode was making about him via Alan's dream sequence. He thought if he did this, they would leave him alone (that they could literally tell or that they were in some way honest or truthful) and save his life and he maybe could learn more...
So it seems there was another storyline that we should have been paying attention to but didn't: Alan and Kyle. I didn't realize there was something going on there but in last night's episode Doreen keeps talking to Alan about Kyle and implying there is a reason Alan is attached to him. I didn't even realize Alan was attached/protective of Kyle. I thought they disliked each other.
ReplyDeleteMy God, that picture of Landry linked to your review is atrocious. This brings up the question of how Sarah survived and remained normal. Is there something in her DNA that made her accept the immortality spinal fluid without alteration. Or was it the cancer that helped her body accept it. I hope they give further explanation on this.
Amy is as evil as her father. Its unbelievable how she is able to manipulate people, for one who is only 20. She learnt the game well from him. Poor Anne, she stood no chance amongst these vipers. Wait till she discovers Peter was using her to get the infertility jug or whatever it is called.
I thought it was an amazing ep. So they implied Kyle is Alan's son. And I was like, so is Julia his mother? And how did this happen? Does Julia think she lost a child at some point?
ReplyDeleteThe return of Doreen was interesting. She must have been a really good friend to Alan for him to hallucinate her.
The eyeball eating couple were so creepy. Kyle's scenes with them were great.
Sarah's scenes were also really intense. I hope that creepy bald guy is gone after this. Who would want him as an immortal, UGH.
The writing for this ep was just stellar. I'm going to rewatch it. Great ending with the bleeding tree, too.
That's a nice play on out of body experience too! I'm also reminded of Ghostbusters with the Ecto1 and Slimer...
ReplyDeleteYeah, but Idf you noticed Anne acted as though she was in charge when Sergio and Julia showed up and did not mention or lead them to Amy...and she was about to tell Peter in so many words that Amy thinks she knows everything about the Abbey, implying that she doesn't and Anne does. So I'm prettying sure Anne is plotting to take the Abbey back, seek revenge on Amy, and maybe is going to be a rather lethal character to get in the way of...
ReplyDeleteI am now thinking that Doreen and Alan are Kyles parents. It just kind of hit me this morning, because of the whole MOTHER and blood emphasis in this episode. At first I thought it was metaphorical, Alan seeing his younger self in Kyle and that saving him would be like saving himself, but now I'm thinking it's even more personal than that and this is the reason Doreen was there of all people. The accent in particular is the thing that gives it away. And this also goes hand in hand with Julia's experience with seeing Hatake talking to her mother and brother...
ReplyDeleteLandry looks awesome! Him and Amy like that would have been perfect!
ReplyDeletehttps://pbs.twimg.com/media/CABrfKRVAAAj59B.jpg
Poor Landry... This is what falling in love with the wrong woman does to you.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.syfy.com/sites/syfy/files/styles/syfy_hero_breakpoints_theme_syfy_normal_1x/public/Helix_hero_210.jpg
I'll get them posted on the site shortly. Thanks! Next episode looks like it's going to be another good one.
ReplyDeleteI was laughing a lot when I saw it, he reminded me of sloth from the goonies.
ReplyDeleteThat thought crossed my mind, too. And you might be right. Why else would Alan feel so close to Doreen. There has to have been more to their ship.
ReplyDeleteThat would be very interesting if Kyle was Alan's son, might explain why he was concerned for his safety, and wanted to get him back. I'm still hoping that Caleb is his son though.
ReplyDeleteDoesn't Kyle seem a bit old to be Alan's son though?
Landry isn't gone yet, see the above picture. He turns into sloth from the goonies.
You know the thought never crossed my mind, but the more I think about it the more it kind of makes sense. Doreen and Kyle do have the same accent, and that could be why Alan was so concerned for Kyle. He wouldn't normally be that worried for someone he hardly knows.
ReplyDeleteI never actually realized until I came to the comments section here. The more I think about it the more it all makes sense. I thought Doreen showing up was a bit odd, and especially in Alan's dream. Like Darthlocke said maybe Doreen and Alan are Kyle's parents, would explain why she kept bringing him up, and why Alan seems attached to him.
ReplyDeleteThe picture of Landry reminded me of Sloth from the goonies, if you've seen the film. Sarah injected something into Landry, something made from one of Michael's plants. That's why he altered, to my knowledge, unless I'm missing something.
I hope Anne does, I'd much prefer the Abbey to fall into the hands of Anne than Amy.
ReplyDeleteAbout Sergio, I mean the fact that they may not be on the same page, because different Ilaria members are giving them both different sets of information. You see Peter was already on the island sending messages back to Sergio, before Julia is lead by Madam Dorat, is it, to learn about ST. German and Michael...from the access granted stuff we know that some of Ilaria new about the pathegon again before Julia is even ever told about the island. so my point is who's boss (or informat)is the bigger boss and are Julia and Sergio really working together or on the behalf of two different sets of Ilaria member and ultimately against each other??
ReplyDeleteWe don't actually know how old any of them are, if we did know it would make more sense. I just can't see it, in season 1 they didn't seem that close or acted as if they'd had a baby. Unless Alan never knew Doreen was pregnant, and they had a "One night stand"
ReplyDeleteI'm slightly confused. If Julia didn't know about the solution that is infertility until after Peter got to the island then what was he doing for Sergio? Why did they keep in constant contact, a piece seems to be missing. So I guess your right, Sergio probably is working for someone else, who have another agenda.
ReplyDeleteSo Julia wouldn't find out perhaps Sergio sent Peter new orders to look for whatever Julia was after when she approached him and told him her plans.
Well I don't know if it's somebody else, but more over that Ilaria is either trying to get rid of one or both of them or there is a battle and breakdown within Ilaria and they happen to each be on a different side...
ReplyDeleteBut ya, you hit another point! I think Ilaria tasked Sergio via Peter to go there because they got the body of off The Avolon Mist and because some of them knew about Micheal the whole time. So it seems like he wouldn't go there to get them sick with the fungus, because they were sick even before he arrived...so I am assuming he is there looking for a cure get information on it just so it looks like Ilaria cares...We know Michael seemed to despise Ilaria so there has to be missing history there too! And ya, I think that's why Sergio panicked when Peter didn't answer all of those messages!
But the other missing link is the Narvik C virus. I don't think it was really explained to us how it came to be?
If we go by the actors ages, since these three are not immortal, then there is something like a possible 15-20 year age difference between Kyle and either Doreen or Alan, which is very possible then. But either we would have a bunch of missing history between Doreen and Alan, or like you said, a one stand, or possibly donated sperm with Alan again never knowing...
ReplyDeleteThere is a lot of missing pieces, hopefully over the last 4 episodes of the season we will find out fully what's been going on. Whilst we know quite a bit already we don't know everything. I'm just hoping nothing gets left unanswered just incase we don't get a season 3.
ReplyDeleteThey haven't gone into much detail about Narvic C, only that they have a cure for it. I'm starting to wonder if they will bring that up at all as all the focus seems to be finding a cure for the virus on the island.
My guess is, when Julia was cheating on Alan with Peter, Alan got drunk and had sex with Doreen. That's what I'm thinking. I don't know if he ever told Julia.
ReplyDeleteOMG, can this show get any better? It's so perfect.
ReplyDeleteWhat if he's immortal like and has to be like that forever. Eeeek.
ReplyDeleteIf it turns out to be true, I reckon that he never even knew she was pregnant. Maybe he just recently found out.
ReplyDeleteHahahahaha! That would fantastic, but I'm just freaking out because his eye is missing and we all know who loves a good eyeball stew!
ReplyDelete