Limitless once again proves that it can deliver some of the best episodes of television ever made, and this episode was no different. The storytelling was by far some of the most unique, creative, innovative, beautiful, and fresh work I have laid eyes upon. The beautiful artwork as narrated by Finch was stellar, and Sands's backstory actually provided this character with some much needed depth, as well as a shocking set of emotions that I didn't know he could even be capable of possessing.
With its unique way of filling in the audience with so many details, at a crazy fast pace, with so much intensity right off the bat, comes a very challenging task of reviewing. I will provide you with the several things I absolutely loved about the episode, and then maybe a few things that were done decently.
The Highest of Highs:
• The artwork overall. Excellent, excellent, excellent. Many different artists were utilized and all of their work blended together so nicely.
• New theme song!!!!! What a spectacular change. I wonder if this will be become a permanent fixture? I highly doubt it, though.
• The acting, as per usual. Colin Salmon in particular was noteworthy as hell. Amazing on all counts.
• The severely overlooked relationship between Rebecca and Boyle is, well, severely overlooked. They work very well together!
• Brian with children: this must happen more. My heart was so alive.
• The writing overall in this episode was superb.
• It was very, very fast-paced and intense. It further improved with a second watch.
• The callbacks to other episodes continues (mentions of characters in Side Effects May Include...) and another visit by Badass Brian and Regular Guy Brian.
• It felt like a scene from House in the beginning, which was only a positive thing!
• The desire to want to relate back to the movie (the panel with movie!Morra) is a welcomed thing from me.
• Brian's screaming of, "Don't freak out" repeatedly made my poor Chuck heart sing.
• Not everything about Sands was revealed in this episode, which leaves the door open for even more discovery, which benefits the show quite a bit. Less so with the decline in ratings, but that's not the show's fault at all.
• The way the two storylines connected. (continued in lows too, unfortunately) I enjoyed quite a bit.
• Finally, many of the things we grew to learn about Sands in this episode were so interesting. The fact that this man is even capable of having feelings was astounding to me. He had a son, he was instructed to kill his former team and he was practically begging Brian to help him NOT kill them, his further manipulation, him actually thanking Brian at the end...and him creepily looking at Brian and Rebecca open her present. And of course, the shocking reveal that Sands actually did murder Rebecca's father. Remember when he said he didn't even know the man? Sands is a great liar.
The Others:
• I did not enjoy Ike/Rachel at all. I am definitely biased in this regard, but that's just how I felt. I really could've done without this storyline, and I know some of you want this relationship to continue, but I would rather it didn't.
• Boyle and Naz were basically put on a bus for another week. This is sad, because there is still so much we must learn about them!
• Despite Rebecca's backstory being very sad, I saw most of it coming. And in hindsight, it seems like we all should've seen this coming based on what we already knew about her father. And I thought Rebecca would be more emotional about it, but maybe she's more of a guarded person when it comes to her personal life.
• The 2nd plot that of the case of the week, there should have been a bit more time devoted to it.
• That poor cupcake...and that poor James Tech. That card was so adorable. Please appreciate this man more, and that delicious bakery treat!
• I thought splitting into 5 chapters would've been my favourite part, and would've been necessary, but I actually don't think it provided much for the overall episode. If they made a comic book, on the other hand...
• And lastly, though this is not the show's fault, THE RATINGS. If we awarded episodes with a rating based on their quality alone, I would have given this a 2.2, for sure. Much to my dismay, it received a 1.1. This is very upsetting, not only because the episode as a whole was excellent, but because this could warrant a c*ncellation (I must censor this word.) which could mean we lose the opportunity to touch back on many ideas we learned in this fabulous episode.
I strongly urge everyone to watch Limitless. It is stellar television that keeps you captivated week after week, and raises so many questions and draws so many parallels that it feels like this show has already been on the air for many seasons. It has elements of many genres: comedy, drama, sci-fi, animation - there is truly something for everyone. Even if you've never seen it before, or you've dropped the show, after seeing this episode, you will reconsider everything you thought you knew about the show. I guarantee it.
Now, what did YOU think of Sands, Agent of Morra? Are there any other characters you hope get an episode dedicated to their backstory? I for one am hoping Ike, Naz, or Boyle are next. Whatever you thought, please be sure to leave a comment down below!
