Well here is my review of VisionQuest Episodes 3 & 4 and I have to say, things are getting better for me as a viewer. Before we get started I shall endeavour to keep this review as Spoiler Free as possible, but I will at least assume you watched last week’s double instalment.
Oh, and I have more to say about Episode 4 than I do 3, but let’s get started.
Episode 3
Given that I didn’t love Episode 2 and in fact had a fair few criticisms, it’s fair to say I needed a pick up. I’m not sure if Episode 3 was that, it worked well enough as a follow on to Episode 2 and a set up for the events on Episode 4 though. The real plus point of 3 compared to 2 is that there were no off the wall moments that took me out of the narrative.
I’m still not a fan of Paladin, and his backstory did nothing for me. In fact, I kinda hope that he’s just not in the rest of the series; but I know that won’t be the case. My interest piqued with the introduction of a new player on the scene. A new antagonist who I think more fitting with the themes of the show.
Spader and Bettany continue to be the best thing about VisionQuest, but I do also enjoy the dynamic (not as much) developing between Vision and ‘Tommy’. The AI are always great and with a crisis at hand, we really get to see them put under stress and develop somewhat.
Episode 3 GRADE: B-
More focus on the components that work, character development and the introduction of a new player. There’s little here that’s outstanding, but unless you despised the first two episodes I think you’ll enjoy Episode 3. Moreso once you see Episode 4, which is the best of the series so far.
Episode 4
Okay, this was good. A new villain to twist the plot around, revelations, conversations, development and James Spader is simply awesome as Ultron in this one. It’s really his episode in many ways and he gets so much to do, in soe many different ways. Bettany also just seems to be having a blast as so the AI helpers.
Episode 4 is where the elements of this series really all come into focus and begin to work. Given where Episode 4 starts and where it ends, it’s crazy how much it gets through and yet it never feels overstuffed or rushed. I’d love to get into spoiler to discuss Ultron and Vision’s dynamic more and how it progresses in this one, but I won’t.
A new villain is so much more entertaining and three dimension compared to Paladin, who was thankfully absent in this one. The pieces of the puzzle suddenly fit together more for me. Thus, after watching Episode 4 I am far more excited to see where the story goes in future episodes. I still reserve the right to call it when I see them drifting off course. However, if the remaining half of the series can match this episode, I’ll be happier overall. I’m still always going to be critical of some bad choices and some average writing in Episode 2, but let’s hope that’s the rarity and Episode 4 is the mean going forward.
Episode 4 GRADE: A
Without a doubt my favourite episode of the series, its deep in moments, it’s got drama in spades and a ton of humour; which feels much less forced in this one. Spader really gets to shine here and with him Bettany equally begins to shine just a little brighter himself. Both have been great from the start, but now the focus is firmly planted on these two and it makes all around them work within that chemistry.
The (internal) AI continue to develop and I am starting to like those guys more and more as that happens as well. Really good episode and I’m much more excited now for Episodes 5 & 6 next week.
As always, let me know what you thought of VisionQuest Episodes 3 & 4 yourself, or whether you agree with my review or not?
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