Every show must have a defining episode that changes dynamics and delivers major story reveals. For Stitchers this is that episode and it delivers on everything you’d hope for. The entire episode takes place within the lab and that helps drive the tension the characters are experiencing as their lives are put at risk by a deadly virus. The actors deliver one stunning performance after another accented by the occasional sarcastic moment to help break up the tension. Character relationships are at the heart of Stitchers and the closeness of these relationships are a primary focus as multiple characters take hefty risks in the name of those they care about. These people aren’t just co-workers or even friends, they are family and family will go to extreme lengths for one another, as this episode proves.
Kirsten has her biggest emotional breakthrough this week in an intense and important scene with Maggie. Emma Istha has mastered her control over Kirsten’s emotional barriers and this week she walks such a fine line of emotional connection and disconnect that you can’t help but feel Kirsten’s emotions screaming to be free. The acting choices Emma makes in this episode are nothing short of exemplary as she guides Kirsten through a tough and emotionally intense day. While all their lives are on the line this week, there is one moment where Kirsten has to find a way to connect with Camille and guide her through a particularly traumatic moment. Both Emma and Allison deserve props for this moment as they both delivered on the tension and levity the scene demanded. The show has been building all these personal bonds for Kirsten and this week is a big payoff as she realizes how much each of these people means to her and what she is willing to do for them.
Camille takes a big risk for the team and faces down a major fear. We learn a bit about her past and yet we still really know nothing about where she comes from. What little information we do get leads to a whole new set of questions. Camille is, without question, the one Kirsten has the strongest bond with, don’t hate me shippers but Cameron still has a ways to go to catch up to Camille, and this week we get to see what these two women mean to each other. It’s not just Kirsten that matters to her, because when she needs motivation to keep fighting it is one other special name that strikes up her will to not give up.
Cameron finally tells Kirsten about the scar she saw on his chest. I won’t spoil it because Kyle Harris delivers the explanation in such a raw and truthful way that I don’t want anyone hindered when they watch the scene. There is a tough story to his past and it has most certainly helped shape him into the man we have come to know. When the odds begin to stack against the team he pushes Kirsten to connect with her emotions in a way we haven't seen him do yet.
Linus has it rough this week as the virus hits him the hardest. We get a brief introduction to his parents and I cannot wait to see more of them in the future. I’ll say this, Linus definitely got his personality from his parents and the actors playing them make an outstanding duo. Ritesh Rajan is great at playing the comedic moments, but he also packs a powerful emotional punch that will hit viewers right in the emotional gut.
Maggie, in the heat of the danger, drops her veil and we get to see the humanity hidden under her tough government exterior. We gets hint of someone from her past and that should be interesting to see unfold if the show chooses to continue with that story. She seems to have quite a complicated past that will surely lend itself to some interesting stories in the future. As I mentioned above, Maggie and Kirsten have a heart-to-heart moment and both actresses absolutely nail the moment.
You cannot miss this episode, so clear your schedules and tune into ABC Family at 9/8C on Tuesday then be sure to return to SpoilerTV for Prpleight J's detailed review.
I like to play a little game on my other previews, so here is your chance to earn a couple extra tidbits about Tuesday’s episode. If you guess all the speakers right that is worth one spoiler and if you can guess the recipients of those quotes that is also worth an extra spoiler. Someone has the potential to earn two spoilers for the character(s) of their choice. Drop your guesses in the comments and have fun.
“I love it when you talk science to me.”
“Everyone I care about is in here with me.”
“You know you are carrying a deadly virus in your system that could wipe out the entire human species, so…so listen, if you want to play the who is more disgusting to whom game, I think you actually win."
“You’re not the only one around here who has trouble showing their emotions.”
“Well, considering the only thing this lab is able to do about a biohazard is ring alarm bells…not great.”
About the Author - Aimee Hicks
Aimee works for a local newspaper and has a BA in Broadcasting and Cinema. She has been a TV lover since before she really understood what TV was. She has a long list of shows that she loves to watch and can be found on twitter (@ahicks83) live tweeting about each new episode whenever she can. A list of her favorite shows includes (but is not limited to) the following: 12 Monkeys, Orphan Black, Outlander, Chasing Life, Scorpion, The 100, The Night Shift, Bitten, Black Sails, 2 Broke Girls, Arrow, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Continuum, Lost Girl, Faking It, Falling Skies, Finding Carter, Once Upon A Time, Orange Is The New Black, Switched At Birth, The Fosters, The Flash, The Originals, Teen Wolf, Under The Dome, & Z Nation. The upcoming shows she is most excited about are: Supergirl, Dark Matter, UnReal, Blindspot, Lucifer, Legends of Tomorrow, Stitchers, Recovery Road, Shadowhunters, Quantico, Code Black, Heartbreaker, and Chicago Med. She has a large and passionate dislike of ""reality"" TV, espeically ""reality"" dating shows, but has a weakness for Americas Got Talent and So You Think You Can Dance. But those two don't really count as ""reality"" shows, at least that's how she justifies those guilty pleasures. She was the original creator and co-founder of LOST Video Island (lostvideo.net) which is still operting under the management of the very capable and skilled group she turned it over to.
