Here’s my review of VisionQuest Episode 7 and what an episode for star Paul Bettany as the set up for next week’s finale drops. I’ll start as always by saying this is as spoiler free as I can make it, given the episode only came out earlier. Let’s get started.
Episode 7
This is the longest episode of the series so far and this get’s it’s time to shine alone. In other words, we need to wait till next week for the conclusion of this story. Given where we left things last week I was initially admittedly slightly annoyed to see Paladin back. However, like last week, I was surprisingly not bothered by his return in Episode 7. I still don’t like the character much, but he is being used as a way to connect plot threads together. Just, don’t show me any more of his backstory.
Meanwhile we have the mysterious ‘client’ to find out more about this week. The actor behind Paladin and possibly others has finally showed themselves and given an offer to both Vision and Jocasta.
No more plot, but let’s talks about how this is the Paul Bettany episode. Ultron (James Spader) has been allowed rightly to steal the show from Bettany in so many scenes, but wisely Spader’s Ultron takes more of a backseat this week. He’s still there and still brilliant, but the focus is Bettany as he needs to explore the components that make him who he is. Bettany gets to play his main role differently and take on some other roles besides this week. Being a brilliant actor Bettany of course nails this and it makes for an engaging episode on an emotional level. Plus, this resolves a few plot line threads that have been there for the start.
RELATED: VisionQuest Episode 5 & 6 Review – I’m Enjoying This
As for the villains, we of course have a new one in the mix. With four or five minutes left I was coming on here to make one critique. I felt like the answers, obvious as they have been were being built up a bit too much for how the show has telegraphed certain points to pay attention to. However, as I sit here now, that critique has vanished. There was enough drama to warrant the build up after all and things were not as straightforward as I had thought they might be.
There are a few moments where the show stretches how much suspension of disbelief I have. No specifics here. Luckily not since Episode 2 has the battle with that cliff edge been lost and I can ignore these little details in a Marvel series.
What worked best was Bettany’s portrayal of an inward journey for Vision to take. What worked least was the Tommy, Lisa, Paladin moments. Then we have Spader being the glue as always holding it all together with Bettany, but less is more in this one for Spader.
GRADE: A-
Very good episode and one where the major focus is on the lead star. The mystery at the heart of the plot may be a tad more complicated than I gave it credit for, which is a good thing. Set’s up a hopefully interesting finale well and leaves me with less of an idea what is going to happen next week. If this has been Spader’s series, this was undoubtedly Bettany’s episode.
Leave any thoughts below about VisionQuest Episode 7 or what you thought of my take on it below.
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