"The Pearls That Were His Eyes" - Episode #111 (spoilers below!) (Click here for synopsis)

The last episode I liked alot, even though there were individual points that I had concerns about. Unfortunately, in this week's episode the individual problems overwhelmed and took away from the story, in spite of some good points.

The episode does a good job of filling in some back story for Beka and certainly helps make her a more interesting character. The premise, including a need for cash/parts by Andromeda and Beka's family history, is a good one with plenty of opportunities for development. However, a muddled plot in general and the impossible to believe bluff of Beka's' at the end made it somewhat difficult to enjoy.

While the regular cast did an adequate job (Rommie not quite as well portrayed as normally), the guest cast did not. I can see how being a guest star on a continuing series is difficult, since the shooting schedule likely leaves little time to really get 'know' your character. However, I thought John De Lancie as 'Uncle' Sid (as well as the rest of the guest cast), was particularly unbelievable at almost every turn, quite different from his generally excellent acting elsewhere.

As far as the 'science' in this 'science fiction' show, I found the "Solar Storm" to be a 'class seven' annoyance! I am only beginning to be an amateur astronomer, but can think of no way this even begins to make sense. It was all too similar to the constant space 'anomalies' that are convenient plot hooks in some other series.

On the other hand, the nano technology mentioned is certainly a sensible extension of what we already know. A small concern with this is the possibly inconsistent level of technology it highlights. On one hand we see ships that are easily incapacitated by exterior 'storms' and have no energy weapons (even lasers!). Then in this week's episode we find that a drug smuggler (Beka's father) is able to create and modify sophisticated nano technology. Maybe I am off base here, but this didn't strike me as consistent.

Overall the episode had some interesting points, developed Beka's character, but lacked believability and was not as well done in my opinion as others.

The rating for the episode is given below. For information on how my rating system works, click on this link.

Review 02/02/01 by Larry Kramer       Updated 10/25/01

© 2001 Larry Kramer (See Copyright Disclaimer)