What I’m Watching: Almost Human

Almost Human: Season 1, Episode 5 “Blood Brothers” (C+)

I’m saddened to see where this show is headed, but I’m hopeful that it’s just a case of a few less than stellar plotlines and not a greater indication of the show going downhill. The first three episodes were full of cool technology and emphasized the differences and similarities between Kennex and Dorian. Now, there’s too much casual banter about Dorian having to live with all the MXs and unzipping his fly so that Kennex can see his unnecessary “appendage.” I understand that Stahl is attractive, but their flirtation is bordering on extremely childish. I’m much more interested in the idea of how technology plays a role in all of this future-set policework, like the fact that Stahl was located because of her MX and that they can now use holograms to have people appear in court where they won’t have to be put out in the open on their way to testifying. Maldonado using that same trick to fool Avery’s clones into thinking that she was delivering him to them was clever, though it didn’t hold up quite as long as it needed to. Getting a glimpse into Maldonado’s psyche after Avery, who didn’t even know her or anything about her, taunted her was somewhat intriguing, and she’s one of the characters I’d like to see more developed. I think that going forward it would be nice to see the Syndicate featured more and mediums less so, and to get back to the partnership at the core of this show that was barely noted in this episode at all.

What I’m Watching: NCIS: Los Angeles

NCIS: Los Angeles: Season 1, Episode 18 “Blood Brothers” (B+)

For a show that features an awful lot of violence, the opening to this episode was fairly intense, featuring a drive-by shooting that left the victim riddled by an excessive number of bullets. Unlike the show that spun it off, this series really is delving into the kind of least-connected slayings of marines, with a street race plot last week and now this. I cite that as a positive rather than a negative thing since it allows the cases to be more diverse and exciting. The interaction between the cast, as always, makes the episode, and therefore the plot is almost inconsequential. But whenever Sam goes undercover, it's especially entertaining. The presence of Hetty's rather dangerous sword provoked some amusing conversation where Callen reminded Sam about the "numbchuck incident" and told him he'd be driving himself to the hospital this time. The arguments over Callen's code names were also great, with Callen expressing annoyance over being called Ernie and then referring to himself as Gordo later on. On a more serious note, I am a big fan of the dramatic conversations between Hetty and Sam where they mention Dom and Sam's desire to help everyone. The most powerful exchange came when Hetty told him "you can't take it upon yourself to save all of them" and Sam responded "yeah, but at least I can save this one." Hetty really is the most fun part of the show, and Callen had a great way of summarizing how he feels about her: "I have a guardian angel. She's tiny, but very tough."