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Dames, Dolls, and Gumshoes. Review: Warehouse 13 – “The Big Snag”

Season 4.5, Episode 13

Air date: Monday, May 13, 2013 10/9c on Syfy

Rating ★★★★★

 

“One more second with her is a happier ending than a lifetime without her.” — Anthony Bishop

 

The 1940s were a different time, when men called women “toots…dames…and dolls,” and women weren’t supposed to be smart, just easy on the eyes and maybe sing a little tune. The lingo and vibe of the 40s find their way easily and seamlessly into “The Big Snag,” where Pete (Eddie McClintock) and Myka (Joanne Kelly) are inadvertently sucked into an unfinished novel written by Anthony Bishop (guest star Enrico Colantoni).

 

Pete and Myka go retro…like really retro circa the 1940s

I absolutely adored “The Big Snag.” The vintage wardrobe and dialogue becomes the main focal point and Pete isn’t acting like…well, Pete. I almost did a double take in a few scenes because Pete isn’t his usual goofy self. Who knew Pete could dance and smooth talk the ladies so well? “Charm is timeless.” Well said, Pete. I like that his normal cheesy humor is toned down in this noir-ish episode. It wouldn’t have fit in too well given the era, the situation, and the caliber of the caper. Doesn’t Pete look dapper in that tuxedo? And we can’t forget Myka – she looks stunning in that strapless evening gown. “The Big Snag” reminds me of old episodes of Charlie Chan Mysteries, especially when you hear the title of the untitled novel, “The Curse of the Missing Jade Elephant.” Like shows of that ilk, this episode becomes a captivating tale of intrigue and murder. Oh yes, there is murderer afoot. “Why couldn’t we have fallen into a cookbook,” Pete asks aloud. Well, if you had, this wouldn’t have been such a good episode.

 

Is it wrong that I wanted Enrico to put on his Mathesar voice and say, “We need your help.” Loved these two as guest stars.

Despite being the author, Anthony’s presence in the novel isn’t an accident. His grief over his late wife’s death has pulled him into a world he created in his mind. The only problem is his new love interest, Lily (guest star Missi Pyle), won’t survive in the real world. But Pete and Myka are trapped in the novel until they can figure out who the murderer is and find the Jade Elephant artifact. All the scenes with Anthony, Lily, Pete, and Myka are shot in black and white which beautifully lends a certain authenticity to the story. I was swept away.

 

Meanwhile, back in the land of color, Artie (Saul Rubinek) reluctantly goes on a mission with Claudia (Allison Scagliotti) and Steve (Aaron Ashmore) to figure out who is using an artifact to steal vintage cars. I wasn’t enthralled with the case this week. It was a distraction but it serves a bigger purpose. Because Artie is still grieving the loss of Leena (Genelle Williams), he exhibits some daring and reckless behavior that alarms both Claudia and Steve. I don’t blame them for being so concerned, I would have been too! Artie is jumping in front of moving vehicles and playing ‘chicken’ with the crazed criminal stealing cars. But it seems as though Artie is throwing caution to the wind a bit more than normal, despite his proclamation, “No one else is dying on my watch!” Does that include you, Artie? Perhaps he feels he deserves more punishment than just living with what transpired.

 

What does strike a surprisingly suspicious cord is the conversation between Regent Kosan (guest star Faran Tahir) and Steve. Apparently, Steve was tasked to keep a check on Artie after the tribunal in “Parks and Rehabilitation.” Steve divulges his concerns about Artie’s recent outlandish behavior during the case, which raises an alarm for Kosan.

 

Kosan: “It’s time for the Regents to act.”

Steve (bewildered): “When you asked me to keep an eye on Artie, you said it was to help him.”

 

What are the Regents planning to do about Artie? They can’t fire him, can they? And what will Claudia do when she finds out Steve went to Regent Kosan and told him about Artie’s behavior? Steve is her best friend but Artie is like a father to her.

 

Overall, I enjoyed “The Big Snag,” particularly the black and white portion of the episode. From the clothing and hairstyles, to Missi Pyle’s beautiful rendition of “After You’ve Gone,” this episode captivated me and held me in a long embrace that I didn’t want to be freed from.

Download other versions of “After You’ve Gone” on iTunes. The version by Missi Pyle isn’t available yet.

 

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For more on the show, go to http://www.syfy.com/warehouse13/.

Follow on Twitter: @Warehouse13.

Follow these cast members on Twitter: Eddie McClintock, Allison Scagliotti, and Saul Rubinek.

Like Warehouse 13 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/warehouse13.

 

Photos © 2013 Syfy, a division of NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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.