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Roswell
Although Roswell began with a somewhat lackluster season premiere last week, all is not lost, because the latest offering was surprisingly good in this reviewer's opinion. So let's not waste any more time... read on and I hope you'll agree with me.
"Michael, the Guys and the Great Snapple Caper"
Season 3, Episode 2
Written by Ronald D. Moore
Directed by Paul Shapiro
As you might have guessed from the title, Michael is our man of the hour. The episode begins with a job interview as Michael attempts to get a second stint as a security guard for a pharmaceutical company. The exchange was enjoyable to watch because whenever Michael was asked a question, we would see the answer play out before he actually gives it -- although not always truthfully. Even so, our capable alien was able to acquire the position nevertheless. So what's going on with this newfound sense of responsibility in Michael? While Michael is dealing with his own financial woes, we will see the other Roswell folks and the "human" problems each of them are facing, a main theme weaving throughout this episode.
If you were wondering what happened to Jim and Kyle Valenti, rest assured, it appears that Jim is still unemployed after being fired from his sheriff post, thus forcing Kyle to work after school in order to pay the bills. Later on, he ran into Isabel and Jesse making out in a convenience store while grocery shopping. The encounter was short, but also awkward and funny. I really think with some good writing and smart dialogue, Kyle can be very effective as the comedy relief for the show. I hope the character can be developed further this season, especially with the loss of both Alex and Tess.
After getting into trouble with the law in the last episode, Liz is being watched like a hawk by her father, who is doing everything he can to prevent Max from seeing her, even threatening to send Liz to Vermont to an all girl boarding school. However, the two young lovers do get a few moments to themselves, once in the Crash Town kitchen, and another secret rendezvous on top of a dam when Max took Liz on a hang glide under the moonlight. It seems these two just can't seem to catch a break. There are always obstacles in the way of their relationship.
Working the graveyard shift Michael quickly becomes bored with the job. In order to make the hours more enjoyable for himself and his fellow coworkers, they watched taped sports, play poker and help themselves to a few bottles of Snapple from the cafeteria. Now that's the Michael we have come to know and love -- rash, impulsive and always fun loving. Unfortunately the good times don't last forever. The management finds out about the missing cases of drinks (which Michael stole) and decides to fire the entire department after finding a bottle cap in the security room. Michael later confesses to Max that he felt guilty and responsible for getting his friends laid off, and decides to take the matter into his own hands by returning the Snapple to get their jobs back. To his surprise Michael discovered that his boss Karl is the real thief -- getting rid of the security team was just a smokescreen to make it easier for him to steal research samples from the company. With a little persuasion Michael was able to get his coworkers to help him catch Karl in the act, even though everything doesn't go as smoothly as planned. But in the end, they got their positions back.
Maria didn't get a lot of screen time in this episode, but the little scenes she did get to share with Michael were sweet and well-performed. Hopefully we'll get to see more of her in the near future. Isabel is still seeing Jesse in secret, although she did confide to Kyle that it's good to have someone who she can talk to about it, and she seems genuinely happy to be in a "normal" relationship. Whether she can keep Jesse from knowing about her alien identity, only time will tell. Meanwhile, Jim is looking into a new career performing in a band. Never knew the man had such a great singing voice and so much talent with the guitar.
With two episodes under our belt, I have to say that I like the direction the season is going so far. Katims is taking it slow for now, building up potential conflicts and really digging into the characters. Both Isabel and Michael seem to be comfortable where they are right now -- they have accepted Earth as their home. Max have moved out and is now living with Michael for the meantime. Right now getting back together with Liz seems more important than finding a way to reach his son, but that will probably change and could put him at odds with Isabel and Michael. Kyle is feeling the pressure shouldering the financial troubles at home. He doesn't approve of his father's business choice, which could put a strain on their relationship. The Roswell kids have matured and grown up since the last season, and I'm sure there will be more tough decisions for them to make on the road ahead. Even though I kind of miss the sci-fi element of the show, right now I'm enjoying the ride, and I hope you are too.
Episode Rating: 7 out of 10
- Zalasta
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