Episode 4: The Book of Consequences (Chapter 4) – Translucent Freak
Directed by: Salli Richardson-Whitfield
Written by: Adam Giaudrone

Tobias’ (Marvin “Krondon” Jones III) arrest is but a small step in his grander machinations moving forward in season two. With no more strong women in his life, Tobias primes himself for his symbolic resurrection and ownership of his destiny. These moments pretty much write themselves, but that just highlights how well all the dominos were set in place from the beginning of season two. This obviously gets under Jefferson’s skin, who is again hell-bent on making Whale pay for murdering his father, even if it means crossing a line.

Meanwhile, Jefferson’s world continues to deteriorate with him butting heads with new principal Lowry (P J Byrne). Also, neither he nor Deputy Chief Henderson (Damon Gupton) have found solid footing in their now compromised relationship. To top things off, Jefferson pushes Anissa away by his parental regime and idealistic way of thinking about heroism versus Anissa’s views of vigilantism. I was surprised this was addressed so soon, and would have appreciated this be unresolved at least for another episode or two. But this rapidly comes to an amicable resolution for the two by the third act as the dynamic father-daughter duo address the consequences of Anissa’s actions.

Elsewhere, Dr. Stewart continues to juggle being a mother, lover and scientist. It is her moments again as a mother and companion that keep the Pierce family together and functioning, even if her workplace role seems to be slowly taking its toll on her with her new callous lab partner Dr Helga Jace (Jennifer Riker). Another big play this week are the emotional moments with Jennifer. Even with her meta-human therapist and her big sister’s touching sage advice, Jennifer finds herself tossed to and fro by everything happening around her. Her crumbling support structure leaves her feeling isolated and adrift, and precariously vulnerable.

Two snippets worth highlighting this episode are first, the impactful short speech above Jefferson’s head on the chalkboard as he sits at his desk in an empty classroom; and second, Gambi’s street-side throw-down. It was entertaining on so many levels.

“Translucent Freak” is definitely one of the strongest, well-put-together episodes this season. Topped with a cryptic sendoff which only furthers the ominous danger of that mysterious McGuffin case we’ve been teased with since the final scene of last season, I am anxiously hoping this current quality and momentum keeps on track.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNlxlVb9gpA

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Hailing from the eastern-most Caribbean island of Barbados, Fabian Wood has long since been fascinated by the power of storytelling to inspire and invoke emotions – whether in film, comics or video games. No longer content to be just an avid comic book reader and video gamer, he’s eager to exercise his literary acumen as an aspiring writer and reviewer.