Resurrection – “Schemes of the Devil” Retrospective. 2-1+3+1=?

Season 1, Episode 7

Air Date: Sunday, April 27, 2014, 9/8c on ABC

Rating: ★★★★★

“So many angry people…” – Pastor Tom

Still upset over the murder of his cousin Dale, (Jason Saucier), Gary (Kevin Sizemore) is determined to learn more about those who have returned. With the help of Deputy Enders (Christopher Berry), Gary kidnaps Rachael (Kathleen Munroe) and brings her back to a remote cabin in the woods. How far is Gary willing to go to get answers?

Meanwhile, Pastor Tom (Mark Hildreth) discovers Rachael is missing and alerts Agent Bellamy (Omar Epps) and Maggie (Devin Kelley). Bellamy and Pastor Tom check to see whether Jacob (Landon Gimenez) is able to sense Rachael as he did with Caleb (Sam Hazeldine). Jacob tells them he can’t but when the camera first pans down to Jacob’s hands, he is rubbing them, much like Rachael is doing when the camera pans to her hands. Do Jacob and Rachael share an involuntary connection or is Jacob purposefully lying to Bellamy and Tom? If so, why?

Henry (Kurtwood Smith) continues to be one of my favorite characters on Resurrection. I have especially enjoyed watching his evolution of emotions towards Jacob throughout the season and how his transformation impacts others around him, as we see from his conversation with Sheriff Langston (Matt Craven).

Henry: “When I heard about Caleb, how he disappeared, I was terrified. Then I realized I could lose Jacob, I finally understood.”

Sheriff Langston: “Understood what?”

Henry: “That boy has brought life into my home again.”

I really enjoyed the tension and misdirection in “Schemes of the Devil,” especially when Rachael suddenly turns evil. My heart raced as I tried to figure out whether Rachael is telling the truth or just trying to scare Gary. When Sheriff Langston arrives at the cabin without backup, I started to wonder whose side he would take due to his earlier conversation with his brother Henry. I doubt I am the only one who is shocked at how everything plays out but it helps set up the jaw dropping ending.

MATT CRAVEN, KATHLEEN MUNROE, KEVIN SIZEMORE

Sheriff Langston (Matt Craven), Rachael (Kathleen Munroe) and Gary (Kevin Sizemore).

Maggie and Dr. Eric Ward (James Tupper) continue to study the blood work of the returned people when they discover Caleb’s blood sample, like Caleb himself, has vanished, leaving behind empty vials. Jacob and Rachael’s samples, however, remain full. I am curious to find out more about the returned people’s blood. While Caleb’s disappears, I wonder what, if anything, happened to Rachael’s during “Schemes of the Devil.”

With USA Network’s White Collar being six episodes, FX’s Fargo ten, and ABC’s Resurrection only eight, short seasons seem to be the ‘in’ thing these days. Whether that is good or bad remains to be seen, but I wonder how it will impact future storylines of these shows verses the common 13 or 22 episode season formats. With the season finale next week, Resurrection has far too many questions needing answers. I wonder how much won’t be addressed because of the short season.

That brings me to my one gripe about “Schemes of the Devil.” The writers spent so much time building up the drama between Pastor Tom and his wife Janine (Lori Beth Sikes) about Rachael in early episodes that after seeing Tom’s reaction in “Schemes of the Devil” to what happens to Rachael, I was hoping to see a scene where Tom processes everything. Unfortunately, he is absent for the rest of the episode. Hopefully, some of that will play out in the finale.

What makes “Schemes of the Devil” so enjoyable to watch are the several ‘ah-ha’ moments. The writers do an outstanding job of inserting clues where you have a good inkling of what’s going on but aren’t absolutely sure of it. When the reveal does come, despite having the feeling you know the answer, it is done in a way where you are right, yet still surprised. One example is the scene with the little girl at the park with her mother. You sense something is off as their clothes appear outdated. I don’t know about you but I suspected they were more returned people. I can’t remember the last time the figurative light bulb went on in my head this much, realizing something moments before it happens, and I love that.

Watching Sheriff Langston standing there in a daze as all hell breaks loose makes you wonder at the same time he does, what about his wife? I can’t be the only one who was excited watching the sheriff race home only to be heartbroken as the woman turns around and you realize Maggie had the same idea. Then, there’s one of several big ‘oh my God’ moments when you see the other house and realize who is inside.

“Schemes of the Devil” has to be my favorite episode of Resurrection so far. The writing is amazing and the twists and turns kept me on my toes. The final ten minutes of “Schemes of the Devil” is written so well, it is phenomenal to watch. I am anxious for the season finale but I am even more excited to hear from Rachael. It’s interesting she is wearing the same red dress from when we first saw her in “Two Rivers.” Does she remember the past few days or will she be starting over, wondering once again, “Did I die?”

Tweet me @staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Schemes of the Devil.”

Tune in to Resurrection on Sundays at 9/8c, only on ABC.

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Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.