Scorpion, “Crazy Train,” was written by the team of Kevin K Hynes and Nick Santora and was directed by Jeff T Thomas. Hynes joins the team with credits for Rake, Boss, and Prime Suspect. It goes without saying that this was another action packed episode, but really, I’m still impressed by the action and effects on this show. I loved the idea of a runaway train, and I loved that Paige (Katharine McPhee) and Ralph (Riley B Smith) really got a chance to shine. This show really is just escapist fun, which isn’t to take away from the general caliber of acting on the show.
Each of the team members shows how much they have stretched and changed since we’ve met them. Toby (Eddie Kaye Thomas) steps into the ring for his first boxing match. He’s still trying to impress Happy (Jadyn Wong) who doesn’t even show up because she has a previous engagement. Cabe (Robert Patrick) points out that if she was interested in Toby, she would have been there. Toby’s transition is still a work in progress, however, because instead of relying on Cabe’s training, Toby tries to get in his opponents head which only makes the guy madder and results in Toby being knocked out. But it’s still a first step.
We do finally learn what Happy has been up to with Chet (Pete Giovine). She’s not dating him, he’s her “comedy coach.” Happy – whose name has always been ironic – is trying stand up! She’s pushing her own comfort zone. We don’t really get an explanation for why she’s doing this, but of course while Sylvester (Ari Stidham) finds her way too cerebral humor hilarious, she bombs on stage.
Paige and Ralph are trying to fit in by going on a field trip to the Natural History Museum with another Mom – Sarah (Libby Ewing) and her son, Tyler (Dominic Ruggieri). Once again, Paige worries about Ralph when Sarah tells her about all of Tyler’s extracurricular activities. Of course, as the episode unfolds and both Paige and Ralph earn Sarah and Tyler’s respect – and Paige realizes once again how well Ralph’s time really is being spent.
The entire event drives home to Walter (Elyes Gabel) how much Paige and Walter mean to him (pun deliberate!). And who didn’t love Cabe’s “Your plans to work in the rocket were derailed!” There’s a lovely slow motion shot of Walter reaching out to Paige from the platform early on, and then Walter risks his life not once but twice to save them. Of course, both saves are ridiculously implausible…
Walter is forced to confront his feelings about Paige. He’s helped in this be both Cabe and Ray (Kevin Weisman). Walter actually confronts Ray about the picture of him with another firefighter and a medal for bravery. Turns out the medal isn’t Ray’s but was intended for his friend in the picture – Danny Taggle. Ray and Danny went through the academy together and Ray was Danny’s son’s godfather. When Ray was unable to save Danny, he couldn’t face presenting the medal of honor to his wife and son and has never seen them since. Ray warns Walter that distancing yourself from the people you care about never ends well.
Paige slaps Walter after he tricks her into getting into the safe car and uncoupling the two. There’s another beautiful long shot of the two staring their feelings at each other. It’s a really nice metaphor for their relationship. And really, something the show’s writers are pretty good at – giving meaning to the fun, over the top action. She then apologizes later, explaining why she did it – he scared her – and then asking Walter to be more careful and selfish, to thing about how important he is to Ralph, the team, and… her! It seems they are about to kiss when Cabe interrupts.
It’s clear that Cabe is pulling for Walter and Paige, and he apologizes for having walked in on a “moment.” Walter confides in Cabe that he’s going to go after Paige – he’s not seeing distance between them anymore. Cabe is clearly pleased. And of course, Cabe gets yet another great line when he says they aren’t sticking around for Happy’s second set – “We’ve seen enough train wrecks for one day!”
Lots of great action moments and lines in this episode. I loved Walter hacking into the SoCal Transportation system and telling Taggit (Richard Varga) that his system sucks. Loved Ralph explaining the math to the construction worker (Frederick Lawrence) and completely winning him over. Loved Ralph using the battery to unlock the control room door. Loved Happy “tasing” the runaway robber by dropping a wrench on the electrified tracks.
There’s a terrific moment between Ralph and Walter as they work together to hack control of the train. Ralph understands completely, and Walter proudly says, “That’s my boy!” I love, love, love Cabe and Toby working together! Patrick and Thomas are just terrific together. It’s hilarious as they put the thief in the trunk and use psychological torture to get the information out of him – it’s priceless when Ray walks in and just backs away!
All in all another terrifically fun episode. Lots of terrific action sequences, but also lots of great character development. What did you think of the episode? Favorite scene? Line? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
About the Author - Lisa Macklem
I do interviews and write articles for the site in addition to reviewing a number of shows, including Supernatural, Arrow, Agents of Shield, Agent Carter, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, The X-Files, Defiance, Bitten, Killjoys, and a few others! I'm active on the Con scene when I have the time. When I'm not writing about television shows, I'm often writing about entertainment and media law in my capacity as a legal scholar. I also work in theatre when the opportunity arises. I'm an avid runner and rider, currently training in dressage.
