Here’s my review of VisionQuest Episodes 5 & 6 and I have to say, despite not loving the start, I am really starting to enjoy his show. This is a spoiler free review, but with the context that I assume you’ve watched Episodes 1-4 already. Let’s get into it.
Episode 5
Up there with Episode 4 for me as the best of this series so far, Episode 5 needs some non-spoiler introductions. We ended last week with Ultron now behind the ‘wheel’ of Vision’s body, with Vision and the other AI locked out.
Episode 5 has a unique structure, we begin some 20 hours later, the AI have been cut off and they are using any and all tools they can to piece together what happened since the end of Episode 4. Therefore the episode takes on a kind of flashback format, but with the AI inserted into scenes they were not a part of in the real world as they review the data.
It’s a brilliant way to structure this episode and make what amounts to 2-3 key conversations that Ultron has with other characters a fun ride.
Spader is just electric as he’s been throughout, but here he really gets to chew on some of his acting chops in some surprising ways. Bettany conducts the rest of the AI cast superbly here as they determine their situation and all the threats they face.
GRADE: A+
Well written dialogue, brilliantly acted and shot and directed. This is a stand out episode and for me, pips Episode 4 as the best of the series this far. The set up in the script is executed perfectly by all involved with this one. Excellent.
Episode 6
Episode 6 immediately worried me when Paladin showed back up. Readers that have been following my reviews know I have not been keen on that sub-villain so far. However, the good news is, the character was far less annoying. The logic the characters used felt less ‘Hollywood’ and ultimately I didn’t hate him. We also get a bit more of Diane Morgan as Paladin’s helpful assistant and I presume it’s the last we’ll see of her in VisionQuest. This may have bene the best scene she had so far in this show, but I still feel like her character could have had more to do that uses her comedic talent.
That being said, I do not particularly suddenly want to see more of Paladin going forward. I’m kinda hoping his part is over and done with in terms of the narrative, but we shall see.
Everything else was a continuation of Episode 5, though with a more familiar framing. The highlight once again, James Spader’s Ultron. Meanwhile, the main antagonist from the shadows get’s a bit of screen time if not a direct reveal. I think I can see where the end game for that antagonist may go. I also think I have an idea where Ultron’s story is going. That’s fine and I’ll be happy enough if those come to pass. If I’m wrong, I’m fine what that also. Certainly in Ultron’s case there are still several places he can end up by the end of the series that will make sense for his character.
I think we are set up for a really good final two episodes in the next two weeks.
GRADE: A-
Not quite as brilliant as Episode 5 and whilst I still don’t like Paladin, we have called a truce for now, as of Episode 6. In some ways there are plots that feel like they’ve been telegraphed from Episode 1; but mixed with plots that could still go in multiple directions. I feel like Episodes 3-6 have saved this series from too many missteps in that second episode. A great run of episodes which I’ve graded B+, A, A+ and A- respectively.
RELATED: VisionQuest Episode 3 & 4 Review: It’s Getting Better Man
Can’t wait for Episode 7 next week, so you next Wednesday.
What did you think of Episodes 5 & 6 of VisionQuest and do you agree with my review scores? Thoughts below.
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