Episode 1.7 of Dominion once again proves that Vega is not inhabited by the kind of angels one finds on a Hallmark greeting card. Instead of 2-dimensional cherubs and their satanic counterparts, we find complex, well-written characters brought to life by a talented cast. In a world where you can't identify friend or foe by their faces (or even their actions at times), who do you trust? Clearly in Vega you can only trust yourself. There is a natural progression in the carefully crafted evolution of (and relationship between) main characters Alex and Michael. Along the way we continue to observe that the (literally and figuratively) painful interactions of dysfunctional families are a central theme of this season; in this episode the Whele clan and the archangel siblings take center stage. Tight writing and thoughtful attention to the show's unfolding mythology set this episode solidly within the overall story arc of this season. It unravels previous mysteries and sets the stage for future revelations, all the while treating viewers to a few surprises of its own. Subtle details are revealed in repeated viewings, a testament to the show's creative team. An excellent episode of a unique and thought-provoking series.
2 Reviews
As Gabriel returns to cause some havoc, the show loses some of its momentum.
Amari-Sali3 August 2014
Warning: Spoilers
After building up the politics of Vega for the last few episodes, the bigger battle against Gabriel returns to focus and it feels like we are right back where we started with this show not having good footing. For with Gabriel trying to plant seeds of doubt in Alex and Michael's relationship, it leaves Michael looking like a fool, Alex's V2/V1 education showing how simple of a character he is. As well as show that when you set aside the political element of the show, and focus on the war between Angels and Humans, perhaps the actual plot/ main arc of the show is more a liability than an asset.
Topic 1: Rekindling an Old Flame – Alex and Noma
As established, before Alex was with Claire he was with Noma and with Alex and Claire being done, it seems Noma really wants to wiggle her way back into Alex's heart. Something which he denies her of, but when she then offers her body he decides he has no problem taking that. However, just when it seems Alex may open up to her, if not fall back in love with her, she is torn away from him for her secret is revealed: she is a higher angel. Something which Gabriel reveals in his attempt to sway simple minded Alex who seems to not have any grasp on understanding how far Michael has gone to try to protect him. But with Alex being a bit of a meat head, why expect him to really think and analyze the situation for what it is, instead of what is presented by face value?
Topic 2: I am My Father's Son – William and David
After David's initiation, as you would expect, he is agitated, in pain, and ready to exact his revenge. Problem is, until William believes it is safe to let David go, he isn't going anywhere. David is held up in either the Whele tower, or some secret base, and it seems until Gabriel is accepted by David, he will remain William's captive. And by the end of the episode it seems he may have broken him, though this could just be David's survival instincts kicking in.
Topic 3: Need To Know Basis – Gabriel, Alex, and Michael
With the show flirting with reinterpreting the bible to create story lines, Noah in particular, in order to give Michael depth, I must admit it caused me to grimace. For while it was interesting that the show decided to get really gory and show Michael's dark side, having it where we learn Michael was once like Gabriel, and maybe Gabriel like Michael to a point, just seemed like the saddest way to develop him. Especially since the decision was to remix "The Great Flood" and make it out to be Michael massacring humans.
But while that part of the story was bad, there was a slightly better offering in their modern times in which we learn Gabriel can possess higher angels to do his bidding. Something which leads to the death of quite a few angels as he treats those which are neutral as traitors. Though perhaps the biggest traitor we find is Uriel. Someone who seemed to be dancing on the side of being neutral, waiting for the victor. However, in this episode we learn that one of the reasons many of the higher angels of Vega died was because of her. Though, as promised, she doesn't seem to have shared with Gabriel the tattoos on Alex's body.
Making for an episode which pretty much took away a lot of the momentum the last few episodes were building. Leading me to wonder if this show needs to shy away from the Angel vs. Human thing, and perhaps focus more on the infighting amongst humans. If just because Gabriel has yet to really step into a real convincing villain role in comparison to David or even Edward to a point. And, as I said in one of the first episodes, he just doesn't seem that evil. If anything, he comes off like Ricky Gervais in armor.
Topic 1: Rekindling an Old Flame – Alex and Noma
As established, before Alex was with Claire he was with Noma and with Alex and Claire being done, it seems Noma really wants to wiggle her way back into Alex's heart. Something which he denies her of, but when she then offers her body he decides he has no problem taking that. However, just when it seems Alex may open up to her, if not fall back in love with her, she is torn away from him for her secret is revealed: she is a higher angel. Something which Gabriel reveals in his attempt to sway simple minded Alex who seems to not have any grasp on understanding how far Michael has gone to try to protect him. But with Alex being a bit of a meat head, why expect him to really think and analyze the situation for what it is, instead of what is presented by face value?
Topic 2: I am My Father's Son – William and David
After David's initiation, as you would expect, he is agitated, in pain, and ready to exact his revenge. Problem is, until William believes it is safe to let David go, he isn't going anywhere. David is held up in either the Whele tower, or some secret base, and it seems until Gabriel is accepted by David, he will remain William's captive. And by the end of the episode it seems he may have broken him, though this could just be David's survival instincts kicking in.
Topic 3: Need To Know Basis – Gabriel, Alex, and Michael
With the show flirting with reinterpreting the bible to create story lines, Noah in particular, in order to give Michael depth, I must admit it caused me to grimace. For while it was interesting that the show decided to get really gory and show Michael's dark side, having it where we learn Michael was once like Gabriel, and maybe Gabriel like Michael to a point, just seemed like the saddest way to develop him. Especially since the decision was to remix "The Great Flood" and make it out to be Michael massacring humans.
But while that part of the story was bad, there was a slightly better offering in their modern times in which we learn Gabriel can possess higher angels to do his bidding. Something which leads to the death of quite a few angels as he treats those which are neutral as traitors. Though perhaps the biggest traitor we find is Uriel. Someone who seemed to be dancing on the side of being neutral, waiting for the victor. However, in this episode we learn that one of the reasons many of the higher angels of Vega died was because of her. Though, as promised, she doesn't seem to have shared with Gabriel the tattoos on Alex's body.
Making for an episode which pretty much took away a lot of the momentum the last few episodes were building. Leading me to wonder if this show needs to shy away from the Angel vs. Human thing, and perhaps focus more on the infighting amongst humans. If just because Gabriel has yet to really step into a real convincing villain role in comparison to David or even Edward to a point. And, as I said in one of the first episodes, he just doesn't seem that evil. If anything, he comes off like Ricky Gervais in armor.
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