Take Three: People of Earth

People of Earth: Season 1, Episode 4 “Past, Present, and Future” (B+)

This show is an absurdist comedy in many ways, but it also has a solid dramatic backbone that’s conveyed rather tragically. Take the origin story of Gina in this episode, who up until now had seemed like the most put-together person on this show. The Gina that we saw in flashbacks was totally different than the one we know now, not concerned with comforting or listening to those talking about their difficulties and instead set on pushing them to do whatever she thinks is easiest and best. Convincing one patient that he needed to show his commitment to his relationship by skydiving resulted in a quick flash to his funeral after he pushed himself too far towards deadly danger. That event changed Gina’s outlook and perspective to the point that, when she was abducted, she didn’t even want to believe that she was special. It’s nice to see the hope reinjected back into her life by Gerry’s kindness, and now she’s able to help people again in a less official way. Jonathan’s arrival to Beacon was quiet showy, and buying the employees of the newspaper flashy new tablets after they had decades-old desktops that barely worked before that is going to shake up one small town in a big way. Ozzie definitely isn’t acquiescing, and even though Jonathan seems sympathetic to him, another trip to the donut shop isn’t something either of them wants to happen. I like Michael Cassidy and think that he’s perfect for this role, so I’m glad that he continues to be a part of the show.