Killjoys - A Glitch in the System - Review
Jul 21, 2015
Killjoys LM ReviewsKilljoys, “A Glitch in the System,” was written by Adam Barken and directed by Chris Grismer. Barken’s other credits include Rookie Blue, Flashpoint, and Murdoch Mysteries. Grismer’s long list of credits include The Originals, The Vampire Diaries, Orphan Black, Kyle XY, and one of my favorite ever Canadian shows, This Is Wonderland. This particular episode was a nice mixture of mystery, horror, and science fiction and really demonstrated the show’s potential.
The show does have a bit of a formula already. We join the team in the midst of a warrant, have a couple of light-hearted moments, and then move to the warrant that will be the focus of the episode. However, even at only the fifth episode, they are able to turn that formula on its head as the seemingly easy warrant goes very bad, very quickly.
I really liked how the seemingly silly and light-hearted banter between John (Aaron Ashmore), D’Avin (Luke Macfarlane), and Dutch (Hannah John-Kamen) comes back later in the episode to play vitally important roles. John’s fear of mythical space rats is the code word between he and D’Avin, and Dutch proves that John is Lucy’s (Tamsen McDonough) favorite by telling her that John is in danger to get Lucy to drop the quarantine protocols.
The episode gives us a little more backstory on our characters – some of it subtle and some of it not so subtle. It’s clear that John and D’Avin have slightly different memories of their father and their childhood – not a surprising difference between the oldest and youngest sibling. It’s clear that D’Avin is used to being the protective older brother and that John is slightly frustrated by that and is the more sensitive one – at least on the surface. I like the pace at which the two are coming to an agreement and that D’Avin has revealed his dark secret already. I like that the show isn’t dragging this on. The final scene between the two brothers with John insisting that he’s good at fixing things was great, and Ashmore was particularly good in this scene. John continues to believe in his brother, and D’Avin himself doesn’t really clue in to the fact that he doesn’t remember why he killed his squad – only that he did it.
There is little spookier that large, dark, empty – but not empty! – spaces, so the setting of this episode on the abandoned freighter worked really well. It also made sense for the three to split up to accomplish their tasks while still remaining connected via comm-link – even if that link eventually and inevitably failed. And the flashes of Hogan (Richard Clarkin) and Wilson (Kyle Mitchell) suddenly showing up was also delightfully creepy. I adored the choice of “Wilson” for a name – anybody else flash immediately to Tom Hank’s volleyball friend in Castaway?
At first, it was a bit disappointing that a soldier of D’Avin’s caliber was taken out by the likes of Hogan, until you realize that Hogan isn’t just a janitor or a salvage worker, but is a Black Ops soldier just like D’Avin – and that he’s full of evil nanites! I really liked how the episode almost mis-directs us without really lying to us. So when Lucy pulls out because the ship is “contaminated,” my first thought is that it’s a biological contamination, so that’s what I was expecting the smoke to be – a virus or biological weapon of some kind. When Dutch jettisoned herself through the airlock, I was thinking they’d gone too far to suggest that she had super powers like that. It was also a really nice mirror and contrast to Wilson. It was a great use of the nanites against themselves, however.
We definitely see that Dutch is the strongest of the three as she masters the pain that has D’Avin quickly on his knees. The special effects for the nanites was great. Macfarlane is terrific as he is clearly gutted that Dutch, but especially John, has learned his secret – that he killed his own squad. This is also a really nice parallel to the entire episode after all, Hogan has killed his entire squad too. It’s also interesting that D’Avin recognizes all the protocols for a Black Ops torture unit.
Dutch is quick to forgive and understand given her own history. I loved that she put herself in harm’s way to save D’Avin – mostly for John, but also because she’s clearly also become attached to him too. It was another moment when I thought, hey, she should have been able to take Hogan easily – but that wasn’t her plan. She needed the nanites to get to Lucy. John-Kamen is terrific in this scene as we see her master the pain and shove it aside.
In the end, the only way to stop the nanites is to blow up the ship. We are left with one big mystery, however. What is Red 17? Was this simply another malfunction of the system due to the accident or will this become significant to D’Avin’s own mysterious past? Pawter (Sarah Power) discovers that D’Avin’s previous brain injuries have been completely healed by the nanites, but there are neuro-blockers still implanted in his brain. She also discovers that his other systems still work fine… Their steamy sex scene should lay to rest any more romance between D’Avin and Dutch because please show, just no.
In the final scene, Dutch returns to her bedroom to find the hand of the man she was supposed to kill in a red handkerchief, and perhaps more disturbing, Khlyen (Rob Stewart) waiting for her. He tells her that without him, she’s becoming weak and vulnerable. He doesn’t specify what she’s becoming vulnerable to. She vows that she’s not going with him, but once he threatens John, she agrees. We already know that John is good at finding people and fixing things. There’s no way that if Dutch simply disappears that he’ll let her go.
I thought this was another really solid episode. Another scene that I really liked was Lucy essentially punishing Dutch by making her stay in the decontamination shower so long and telling her, “It’s not my fault you’re filthy!” This was a nicely written episode with some excellent parallel scenes and nuanced exposition. What did you think of the episode? Do you think Dutch will simply leave or will she try to find a way to keep John from following her? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
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I was curious how the show would handle a more suspense-driven plotline given its penchant for high-octane gunslinging and loud music, but it actually managed to combine the two in a really fun way.
ReplyDeleteFew shows on the air today are as successfully playful as this one is. It's insanely confident in its niche for such a young series, and if it continues to evolve I think it could end-up having a breakout second season.
I'm a world builder by nature and this episode was just chock full of little tid bits but my favourites moments have to be Johnny's choice of music (Love me some Jazz, always), could Lucy have gotten that door open any quicker? Seriously? And Dutch's line there "No favourites my arse! I'm taking over you mechanical bitch." hehe. Also the moment when D'Avin asks Dutch if John saw and heard his confession. Those beats are perfect and D'Avin's devastation lingers all the way until that last scene in decon.
ReplyDeleteAs for predictions--I'm hoping Dutch stops with the 'it's safer for you if you don't know' trope because we all know that is never true. She needs to swallow her pride and tell Johnny what's going on. She needs his help because Khlyen's power over Dutch relies heavily on her being isolated.
I actually think Dutch will still be hesistant to tell them anything about her Assassin master. She really really really dosnt want the two worlds to cross into each other and she will keep denying it until John has solid evidence and she cannot deny it anymore. I think back in the review of the pilot I mentioned I was betting Khylen would end up threatening Johnny... looks like it came to pass!
ReplyDeleteI love Lucy on the ship. Sure she dosnt get a lot to do, but the relationship John has with both Dutch and Lucy make this show for me. Im never sure if John hasnt 'tinkered' with Lucy to make her more personable. Its worked a charm.
Im glad they didnt go the Zombie route. I really didnt want to see all those people in the infirmary start rising up.
Probably my fave episode of the series so far.
Thanks for the review!
Completely agree. I think the show was a little bogged down with the amount of exposition needed to create such a fully realized universe, but it's handling it increasingly well...
ReplyDeleteI think (hope) Dutch knows John well enough to know that if she just disappears, he's going to come looking - and he's also not going to put up with being put off, so I think she's going to have to tell him. I'm not sure that she's ashamed of her past as much as she's afraid for his safety if he knows.
ReplyDeleteThe world building is really great in the show. I think they've done a good job in balancing the exposition with the action, but it's getting better as they go along now that the broad strokes are established. D'Avin's face when he asks Dutch - have to agree, such a great moment...
I'm waiting for threatening John to be he biggest mistake that Khylen has ever made...
ReplyDeleteI still think at some level Dutch fears Khylen. Her body language seems to change a bit when he is around. Which is good. I dont want a character who just operates at the level of badass all the time and cant be put in their place. Its fun sure, but it gives the character much more dimensions if they also have fears and hiccups along the way.
ReplyDeleteI agree threatening John was a bad idea. Of course if you threaten John you also threaten Lucy (who wouldnt let anything happen to her 'man' and Da'vin now that the brotherly bond is getting re-established. Its actually a good way to get them all involved in that storyline.
To be honest, I half expect Khylen to be put down sooner or later, but you never see his body. Which gives Robert Stewart the ability to be involved in later seasons.
I think its good they also dont always explain things to the audience. Like they didnt go into detail on the J or the military unit names we just learned. If they explain things, they have to do it for Da'vins benefit as he knows nothing :). Case in point was Sugarpoint where it had to explained to Da'vin why it was the way it was.
ReplyDeleteI think they are balancing the exposition very well. Not surprised that they have that link. Defiance had a huge background bible too - pretty normal for sci fi shows... with our without a video game tie-in!
ReplyDeleteI'm actually wondering if Khylen is somehow going to end up not being as bad as we think. I'm really curious about Dutch's connection with royalty...
ReplyDeleteNice review. This show has not impressed me much so far, but this episode was solid and effective, as you note.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. I'm really enjoying this show. I actually like it better than Dark Matter. I think it's the characters that make the difference.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious about that too, Lisa.
ReplyDeleteD'avin would be protective of John since John has had a tough time growing up. He's had to prove himself more than anyone since he was branded stupid growing up. Pretty sure D'avin would have noticed that his own brother wasn't special needs. Probably the same reason Dutch took him in and why he's a level 3. If you're wondering what the hell I'm on about go to Space's website and look up John's bio.
ReplyDeletePerhaps she was from a family that no longer exists (we know for example there would be 'war' if one of the families died off or were at risk of dying off). Perhaps she was part of a 10th Family (Obviously pre show) which has technically died off and she is all that is left. She has no claim to anything, and its another reason why Khylen would take her in.. as she is technically an orphan)
ReplyDeleteThank you for that, I had no idea!!! I hope they bring that up in the show! That's an interesting facet of John's past that should be brought up. We've had Dutch and D'Avin's histories brought up. Time for John's.
ReplyDeleteAnd it would help explain why Dav wouldn't have wanted to go home and cause problems for his brother.
Thank you for the review! I agree with bj in that I am liking this show way more than Dark Matter. The characters and the growing relationships really make it for me. And this episode was the best so far! Already watched it at least 5 times!
ReplyDeleteLoved the stuff with Lucy and John being her favorite. LOL. So funny!! And cute.
Johnny and Dutch's friendship is the best! When Khylen threatened Johnny I felt so bad for Dutch! Finally found a family and someone to love and he comes along and threatens him!
The brother relationship is really growing on me. I wasn't fond of the way Dav treated Johnny but now it looks like he was distancing himself because he was afraid of Johnny finding out what he did. But now that Johnny knows and doesn't judge him for it, hopefully Dav will be more willing to be closer to John.
I love John so much. Really, he's sweet, smart, funny and adorable. I love his big heart and his being the optimistic one.
This show is a must see for me! Really hope the ratings improve! It deserves it!
Even though the ratings aren't great because the show is a Canadian co-production, it may squeak by anyway. The show has had kind of a slow build, so I really want to see not only the rest of the season but another one too!
ReplyDeleteJohn is a great character for all the reasons you state! Totally agree about why Dav was distancing himself too. Khylen's made a big mistake threatening John I think...
Haven't had a chance to check out the website yet - looks like I better get on that!
ReplyDeleteI'm betting Johnny will get his episode....
ReplyDeleteI've only seen the first 2 episodes of Dark Matter so far and can't say I'm that fussed on it either.... Definitely love Dutch and Johnny though!!!
ReplyDeleteI've found each episode has gotten stronger.
ReplyDeleteI'm trying to be patient...
ReplyDeleteOh, Lisa, are you teasing me with some insider knowledge??? LOL!
ReplyDeleteI hope so on the ratings! I totally agree, it's been slow build but it's gotten so good! How are the ratings on Space do you know? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteOr she could have been born off world. The surrogate story line told us the heirs had to be born on their home world.
ReplyDeleteThere is one where he's stuck planet side with Pewter and a bunch of crims. Maybe this will give us more about John. Here's hoping! :)
ReplyDeleteIt would make sense to happen then. Both Dutch and Dav know him already but Pawter doesn't that well so that's the perfect time to introduce something.
ReplyDeleteBJ: Oh yeah thats right. THere is probably a lot of ex 'noble bastards' out there (not sure if the bastard child moniker is for both male and female children) who were not born on the homeworld. I think both are good ideas.
ReplyDeleteI think Shooting Thepast knows more than I do! ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm actually not sure how the ratings are on Space as Nielsen doesn't collate those...
ReplyDeleteI think s/he is getting it from the episode synopsis.
ReplyDeleteUnless Shooting ThePast has some insider info s/he wants to share...LOL.
Well, hopefully it's doing well enough there!!
ReplyDeleteWell, this makes me feel better about the show! http://www.kcentv.com/story/29380070/space-original-series-killjoys-seizes-the-day-as-286000-overnight-viewers-makes-it-the-1-entertainment-specialty-program-friday
ReplyDelete"TORONTO, June 22, 2015 /CNW/ - Space has Friday nights locked and served as the series debut of the Space original series KILLJOYSdrew an average preliminary overnight audience of 286,000 viewers, making KILLJOYS the #1 entertainment specialty program of the day. During its 9 p.m. ETtimeslot, Space was the #1 entertainment specialty network with total viewers, an increase of 133% compared to the timeslot average this broadcast year-to-date. Combined with the encore midnight airing on Space, and the June 20, 10 p.m. encore broadcast on CTV, the series premiere of KILLJOYS saw a total audience of 694,000. For a sneak peek at next week's episode, click here.
Also on Friday night, new Canadian sci-fi drama DARK MATTERcontinues to be a hit with Space viewers in its 10 p.m. ET timeslot drawing an audience of 262,000 viewers for its second episode, making Space the #1 entertainment specialty network in the timeslot for total viewers and among adults 25-54. During the back-to-back airing ofKILLJOYS and DARK MATTER, Space was the #1 entertainment specialty network overall in the9p.m.-11p.m. ET timeslot."
Granted this is a few weeks old but it sounds like its doing good in Canada!