Proof - Til Death - Advanced Preview: "Paranormal Activities"

For those of you who were not completely sold on Proof after last weeks Pilot, you’ll be happy to hear that this episode brought a huge improvement. What the Pilot lacked in excitement and suspense, “Til Death” provided, offering a taste of everything - supernatural, science, medicine, and even a couple edge-of-your-seat moments. I was invested in the story throughout, unlike last week where the storyline was often put on the back burner to address the more important building blocks of the show. However, now that all the introductions and exposition is out of the way, Proof was able to give the case of the week the attention it deserved.

This week’s story is a bit more on the supernatural side, which may make it more enjoyable for people with more of an interest in that aspect. Instead of focusing on a near-death experience, this episode is looking at something a little bit creepier - ghosts. And not just any tame Casper either, we’re talking a legitimate, vengeful ghost. Luke is a recently widowed husband who reports seeing visions of his dead wife. Everyone is skeptical, especially Dr. Carolyn Tyler (Jennifer Beals). However, it becomes hard to deny the possibility of a real ghost when strange occurrences begin happening to Carolyn both at home and at the hospital. Things escalate when a dangerous situation puts Carolyn’s safety at risk, forcing her to push Luke to make some difficult decisions regarding his relationship with his wife.

This episode was, in my opinion, not only more interesting in a plot sense, but was also a vast improvement in terms of the characters. Everyone’s acting improved, and you can tell the actors are settling into their roles a bit more. Not only that, but the characters develop and interact more. I think people will especially respond to the fun interaction between Zed (Edi Gathegi), Carolyn, and her ex-husband, Peter (Callum Blue). We also find out more about the mysterious benefactor, Dr. Ivan Turing (Matthew Modine), and thankfully he gets much more screen time as well. I’m still not sure what his role in the show will be. I find him equal parts creepy (I don’t really trust him) and endearingly funny. This episode, in contrast with the Pilot, allows for his character to provide a bit of comic relief, which was both confusing and charming.

“Til Death” also provides some more information on the mystery of Carolyn’s own near death experience. The vision of the woman in the green scarf from the last episode will be revisited when Carolyn notices the similarities with the case at hand. Speaking of Carolyn, I’m still not a huge fan of her character. I find her very cold and unlikable and that didn’t really change with this episode, but I feel like she’s making tiny, baby steps each week. I feel like there are definitely signs that she’ll grow and I’m really looking forward to seeing that change in her over the season.

I wasn’t blown away by the first episode so I came into this episode with pretty low expectations. Proof really surprised me this week. I’m actually shocked at the improvement between episodes. Where I was very unsure before, I’ll now certainly be adding this to my list.

And if you’re dying (pun intended!) for more info on tomorrow night’s episode, here’s a few dialogue teasers! Do you think you know who says what?

“Amazing organ, the brain, incredibly fragile and resilient at the same time.”
“You couldn’t find an old ambulance with ‘ghostbusters’ on the side?”
“You’re too curious to quit now.”
“I think our little Zed is ready to leave the nest.”
“You’re a very good doctor.”

Will the team find proof of ghosts or will it all turn out to have a logical explanation? Or will this mystery go unexplained by both science and faith? Tune in to TNT, Tuesday night at 10pm to find out!

About the Author - Kate Sidwell

Kate is a 24 year old, USA based, Psychology/Public Health Researcher - but that’s just her day job! In her spare time she is an avid TV watcher (some may even say addict!!). Some of her favorite shows are Jane the Virgin, Bates Motel, The Flash, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Rookie Blue, Silicon Valley, Beauty and the Beast, Sleepy Hollow, The 100, The Mindy Project, Pretty Little Liars, Once Upon a Time, The Royals, Orphan Black…so pretty much too many to count and a huge variety! She’ll give pretty much any show a chance! She also devotes a lot of time to her tumblr (eat-sleep-breathe-tv.tumblr.com) where you can find her reviewing and commenting on most of these shows and just generally fangirling! She’s excited to be writing for SpoilerTV on Complications, Baby Daddy, Proof, Switched at Birth, Secrets and Lies, and Minority Report!

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