"Single Strand" and A Single Plotpoint on"Helix:" A Television Review

*there are spoilers here.

Director: Duane Clark.

Writers: Cameron Porsandeh and Javier Grillo-Marxuach.

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

"Single Strand" is Epis. 4 of a 13 season run. This episode, directed by Duane Clark, seemed to shift down several gears as "Single Strand" brought out more characterizations. The science fiction and horror elements are secondary, to a growing dramatic element. As well, plot points were reduced to one major inconvenience, which was predictably solved by the end of the episode. The mystery of the show is no longer a compelling reason to watch and "Helix" will need a lot more excitement to keep this viewer watching.

In this episode, there were a series of character reveals. Dr. Jordan (Jordan Hayes) is struggling with a tumour, which might be localized in her brain. She is experiencing hand tremors and slurred speech. Meanwhile, Dr. Walker (Kyra Zagorsky) is ostracized by the group on Level R. She is cast out with the infected outside, but she soon finds a new friend named Jaye (Amber Goldfarb). Together, they fill their faces with canned cheese. How exciting! Events are even less interesting on upper levels as Dr. Farragut (Billy Campbell) slows the show to a complete crawl with childhood tales of physical abuse. His brother Peter (Neil Napier) is not responding to treatment and this viewer's eyes were rolling with other tales of sexual trysts. Some patients are trying their best to keep events exciting by turning off the station's oxygen; but, this problem is solved, predictably, by the end of the episode.

The character Jaye is intro'ed behind a mask

The love triangle between Peter, Alan and Julia is of little interest. Dr. Farragut's divorce, which is over seven years old is ancient history. Infidelity is the reason for the divorce. But, how are these relationships relevant in a biological disaster? Some of the characters need to get their priorities straight. This love triangle promises to get more complicated with the introduction of Sarah. But, who cares about which fictional character is having sex with another fictional character? This continuing sideplot needs to be put into its grave.

Pacing continues to suffer on this series. Action elements were prominent in the first two episodes: "Pilot" and "Vector." However, four episodes in and the show is struggling to move ahead. Instead, there is a continuing focus on characterizations. This focus on the buildup of characters is an attempt to draw the viewers in to care about them. Yet, the petty contrivances come across as forced or awkward. The dramatic scenes are meant to arouse emotion, but they often come across as unnecessary. Where have all of the intriguing science fiction and horror elements gone? These elements are relegated to a few scenes involving synthetic disease design, a short infected chase scene and an angry mice mob. The dramatic elements need to be put on the back burner. And, sci-fi and horror elements need to be brought forefront. Otherwise, "Helix" will just become a "Lost," set in the Arctic Circle.

This viewer found "Single Strand" to be a little flat. The death of Doreen (Catherine Lemieux) was a mild twist. Though, it was obvious that the character Sergio (Mark Ghanime) was using Doreen for his own devices. Research on a cure to a retrovirus seems to have come to a halt, with Sarah turning into a junkie and other characters distracted by other things. It seems the Center for Disease Control is not up to the task of finding a cure, nor saving patients. It is more important to rehash ancient memories. Pacing and story progression are being minimized as "Helix" becomes just another television show.

"Single Strand" was the poorest showing for the series so far. Dramatic elements and characterizations are forefront, with story elements falling to the wayside. Major plot developments are being reduced and sideplots are increasing. The cast is spread out all over the place. And, chaos is the rule of the day, with the doctors unconcerned with working together, or sharing relevant information. Perhaps, there needs to be a little more cooperation and the introduction of more conflict in the show to help "Helix" standout from dozens of other shows on cable.

*there was another seen that payed homage to 28 Days Later in this episode. Julia chased Jaye in a scene reminiscent of Jim's escape from an early church scene, in this 2002 film.

Overall: 6.5 out of 10 (too much drama, not enough physical action, the doctors seem incompetent).


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Posted in: 2014,helix season 1,horror,review,sci-fi,science fiction,story,synopsis,television,television review