07.24.07
Episode 4.6: “The Marked”
Written by Craig Sweeny
Directed by Leslie Libman
With the season marching quickly towards its midpoint, it makes sense that the series mythology would get a bit of clarification and complication all in one package. This episode takes a few loose ends (notably the question of Matthew from the second and third seasons) and gives them a satisfying and consistent payoff. Yet it also gives one central character another massive and unexpected turn.
In terms of the payoff, the questions surrounding Matthew are essentially answered. One lingering mystery was the revelation, early in the third season, that Matthew was working with someone against the interests of Jordan Collier’s legacy. This episode finally explains why Matthew would be taking such an action while working as Shawn’s apparent advisor.
I like the idea of the Future Elite, last discussed in the third season, seeding the past shortly after the return of the 4400. It continues to frame the series in a well-defined conflict with recognizable opponents. This does, however, bring up some interesting questions about the White Light cult and Kyle’s ability. Kyle’s ability is very similar to an implanted personality, and it’s possible that the White Light cult was designed to lead Jordan down the wrong path. (This would also explain why Kyle was led to bring Isabelle into Jordan’s sphere of influence.)
The existence of “the marked” certainly complicates Tom Baldwin’s life, since he’s now apparently a sleeper agent for the Future Elite. His supposed role as one of those destined to take the promicin shot and pave the way for Jordan’s movement to reach its goal could be derailed by this turn of events. Unless, of course, the previous suspicion about the White Light movement turns out to be true…in which case Tom’s pivotal role in the book could facilitate his role as a sleeper agent.
All of this is revealed in a rather unusual manner. One of the original 4400 has the ability to uncover conspiracies and secrets, but only in terms of creative writing/filmmaking. The irony is that he has very little writing ability, so his final product is more of a joke than a money-maker. This adds an element of humor and doubt to the exposition.
As if that wasn’t enough, the episode also adds an interesting wrinkle in Shawn’s political career. Shawn and Jordan confront one another on their methods, and Shawn reveals that his opponent is destined to persecute the powered. Shortly thereafter, the opponent has a stroke, and Shawn blames Jordan, who denies any involvement. The cause of the stroke is never revealed, but Shawn chooses to heal the man, rather than take advantage. The consequences of that choice should make things rather interesting as the second half of the season approaches.
Writing: 2/2
Acting: 2/2
Direction: 2/2
Style: 2/4
Final Rating: 8/10
kriselda jarnsaxa said,
July 24, 2007 at 3:33 am
I thought this was an excellent episode. I love the scene in Peck’s movie “The Marked” where he showed the final confrontation where Isabelle killed Matthew – no one else could have known what happened between them, so for me, at that point in the episode, it convinced me that his writings were truthful.
The thing with Tom is going to be very interesting – I still haven’t figured out for sure who are the good guys and who are the bad ones. I mean, I know Tom (as long as HE’s the one in control of his body) and Diana are our heroes, and that based on what they know of the situation they are doing what they believe is right – but beyond that it gets really confusing. We have Shawn’s people/followers, Jordan’s, the people from the future who want to prevent the catastrophe, those who want to keep the future as it is, and that doesn’t even begin to get into the various cross-purposes the government seems to be working at! And since we don’t know what the catastrophe is, it’s hard to know if it should be prevented or not.
The moral ambiguity here is a bit like the situation during “Heroes” first season – you had the earlier generation (Linderman, Mrs. Petrelli, etc.) who knew that a huge explosion would be occurring and, because they believed it would unite humanity, they wanted to ensure that it happened. And, of course, we had Hiro who had seen what happened after the explosion, including the persecution of people with abilities. So he and the current generation wanted to prevent it. Each side believed they were working for the greater good – which could likely be said of both those who created the 4400s and the Future Elite.
It’s making for some very exciting television, though! I love that I can’t easily see what’s going to happen or how things are going to play out.