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Advance Review: #Eureka, Season 4.5, Ep. 411 “Liftoff”

Air Date: Monday, July 11, 2011 8PM E/P

Rating: ★★★★★

Being a new viewer to Eureka, I had to do the marathon of watching every episode available ON DEMAND for season four to get me up to speed and I must say, I’m glad I did. I’m really digging this show!  I’ve always wanted to watch Eureka, but like many, during the economic downfall over the last four years, I was forced to choose between fueling my car or premium cable. Obviously, fueling my car won.

Thankfully, times are bit better. I have my beloved premium cable back, so I can watch all my favorite Syfy shows, including Eureka, which is a very fun show! The humor, the heart, the brains, and the people – it really feels like this place could actually exist. I mean, who says it doesn’t already?

If you’re new to the series like me, fret not. The premise and the characters aren’t too convoluted with intricate back stories you won’t be able to understand. In fact, at the beginning of the 4.5 season premiere, you get a condensed, albeit informative, recap of the history before it jumps into hyper drive in “Liftoff.”

Jo, Carter, and Allison gallop on horses to save Fargo and Zane

I particularly love the relationships in Eureka. Sheriff Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson) desperately tries to hold on to the old-fashioned ways like trusting his gut instincts instead of constantly relying on technology.  Allison (Salli Richardson-Whitfield), although brilliant, continues to be slightly guarded about several things, including her relationship with Carter. However, I love the subtle distinction she implements when she calls Carter ‘Jack’ while they’re off duty and ‘Carter’ while on duty. Henry (Joe Morton) is trying to be the ‘Henry’ Grace (Tembi Locke) remembers. Jo (Erica Cerra) tries to keep up the façade of being emotionally detached, especially towards Zane (Niall Matter), but her tough shell is starting to show signs of cracking. And Fargo (Neil Grayston), albeit a genius, wants everyone to respect him as the authority and head of Global Dynamic (GD) instead of thinking he’s a joke.

L-R: Sheriff Jack Carter (Colin Ferguson), Allison (Salli Richardson-Whitfield), Henry (Joe Morton), and Grace (Tembi Locke)

While Fargo pretends to be an astronaut in a rocket capsule, Zane inadvertently installs a device into the engine which launches them into space. With limited oxygen and no communication equipment on board, Fargo and Zane must do what they can while hoping their friends at GD figure out a way to bring them home safely. “Eureka, we have a problem.”Oh and the capsule is also on a collision course with a space station. No biggie. Their rescue becomes trickier when Fargo learns the Ion Pulse Dampener Zane was supposed to build for the “catcher’s mitt” wasn’t complete, thereby causing a major issue with the ‘safe’ part of their return. 

Neil Grayston as Fargo

To make matters worse, the gang at GD runs into an electrical problem causing all electronics to short circuit, including the fuel-injected vehicles. Without fast transportation, they are forced to go old school and saddle up to save the day. Is it wrong I want to shout out “Hi-ho Silver, away!” when they ride off? And despite his heartache, Deputy Andy (Kavan Smith) becomes a hero which may earn him more favor with his sweetheart S.A.R.A.H. (Self-Actuated Residential Automated Habitat) (voiced by Neil Grayston). Of course, the accidental launch of the rocket doesn’t go unnoticed by the government, which is why Senator Michaela Wen (guest star Ming Na) intervenes.

Tune in tonight for the season premiere of Eureka, Monday, July 11, 2011 at 8PM E/P only on Syfy.

Photos © NBC Universal/Syfy

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.