Quarantine Breaks Down (Again) on "Helix:" A Television Review ("274")

Director: Steven A. Adelson.

Writers: Cameron Porsandeh and Misha Green.

Cast: Billy Campbell, Hiroyuki Sanada, Kyra Zagorsky, Mark Ghanimé, Jordan Hayes and Catherine Lemieux.

"Helix" is a science fiction and horror television series from the SyFy Network. This series premiered January 10th, 2014, with the launch of two episodes. The episode reviewed here, titled "274," is Epis. 3 in a thirteen episode first season. "274" brought a few more thrills in its short fourty-two minute runtime. An infection continues to spread in an isolated Arctic research facility, but the show's pacing is becoming a little less infectious. Events are slowing down on the show as the series shifts from action elements to dramatic ones. However, the series still comes across as fresh with as new, deadly situations keep the good doctors on their toes.

In this episode, the five member research team is moving infected patients around, on the research facility. Those infected with a virulent retrovirus are being sheltered in the basement. But, the transition does not go well, with a vector, an infecting agent, once again escaping quarantine. More chaos took place: shootings, mob panic, faulty experimentation and the destruction of a communication tower. This team could use a victory or two before the entire 100 person research facility is completely overrun.

The noose tightens around characters in "274."

The pacing in this show is beginning its ebb and flow. The initial two episodes: "Pilot" and "Vector" brought an intensity and flurry of action. Here, the scientists seem to be integrating well into their new catastrophic environment; so, there is this gentle shift from action to drama. The frenetic pacing of earlier episodes is easing off a bit. This episode focused more on minor character arcs and charactizations. Dr. Hayes (Sarah Jordan) is hiding hand tremors and a brutal scar along her spine. Dr. Walker (Kyra Zagorsky) is showing evidence of post traumatic stress disorder, after being infected by Peter (Neil Napier). Story elements seemed to stall. The change of location for the infected and the destruction of communications were the only two major plot developments and this viewer was hoping for a little more, in the story department.

As the show progresses, it is interesting to note how the show is avoiding most cliches in the genre. The setting is one of the more original elements being introduced in this series. The Arctic Circle is not only remote, but this location is also lawless. This area is not governed by anyone. You can make the rules up as you go along. As well, the disease in the story is interesting. It explodes when in contact with blood. It is also able to cure a host of other diseases: from HIV to smallpox. But, you have to survive the disease itself and it has a 75% mortality rate. This disease offers more problems than it solves. Overall, the first three episodes of "Helix" are breaking some relatively new ground.

"274" was a solid showing as the series finds its legs. Dr. Hataki (Hiroyuki Sanada) continues to look suspicious. What secret is he hiding? This character continues to be intriguing. Also, there was some morality at play here. Dr. Farragut (Billy Campbell) is slowly coming to terms with the desperation of his predicament. The chances of the infected surviving are decreasing, along with the healthy members of his research team. The music, from composer Reinhold Heil, continues to be ominous, especially near the conclusion of episodes. Other production elements are of high quality. And, this viewer is enjoying the spectacle, thus far.

"274" is a more dramatic episode, compared to the two previous episodes. However, there are enough plot developments and characterizations here to keep the show exciting. There is some repetition already as infected patients continue to escape quarantine. But, this show offers a chilling scenario, which is only getting more thrilling in this dangerous environment

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (lots of tension and minor conflicts, suitable development of characters, average pacing).

The show's homepage is here:

"Helix" at the SyFy Network


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