What I’m Watching: The Last Ship (Season Finale)

The Last Ship: Season 1, Episode 10 “No Place Like Home” (B+)

Now this is what I’m talking about, even if this wasn’t a perfect episode and I could have predicted many of its developments. That said, this is exactly the excitement level and proper use of the outside world that I think could have “powered” the show until now (pun intended for those who watched). Hearing a specific hail acknowledging the continued mission of the Nathan James and then seeing a purportedly friendly face upon arriving into port made it seem like things might actually be okay. It was great to see Titus Welliver’s rebel leader again, and though his actions may be murderous, his intentions may not be all that bad given what Alfre Woodard’s Mrs. Granderson is up to. Rachel’s realization that they were making people sicker instead of curing them was worrisome, and Mrs. Granderson not even trying to deny it made matters even more disconcerting. It wasn’t too hard for Tom to find his family once he was on land, but unfortunately he didn’t make it in time for his wife, which is sad but helps to add a certain level of drama and weight to everything since a glowing reunion would have been too neat and perfect. Discovering that the city is powering itself with the bodies of those who have died is disturbing, and I’m curious now to see how the show will be transformed if the ship stays on land or if they venture out to seek a better society. I’m of course hoping they don’t go far, since this kind of dystopian society is the reason I signed up for this show. I have some doubts that’s how things will go, but I’m much more inclined to check in for the season two premiere now.

Season grade: B-
Season MVP: Eric Dane as Tom and Rhona Mitra as Rachel