Retrospective: Haven, S3, Ep. 312 - “Reunion” (The Skinwalker is revealed)

Retrospective: Haven, S3, Ep. 312 – “Reunion”

Air Date: Thursday, January 17, 2013, 8/7c on Syfy

Rating: ★★★★★

“Audrey, when the barn comes, are you gonna go inside?” – Dwight

After waiting a month for the penultimate episode of Haven, I am extremely delighted “Reunion” doesn’t disappoint, I think, however, the minor incident in the episode that deemed it inappropriate for viewing at its original date and time was a tad over-exaggerated. Kudos to Syfy, though, for making the decision to respect the families of the Sandy Hook school tragedy. “Reunion” is an intriguing and captivating episode that surprises you when you least expect it.

Observations:

Duke gets a whack on the head and poof – he’s a teenager again!

Things go a little haywire at the local high school reunion. One of the class nerd’s “trouble” becomes unruly as it begins transforming the reunion guests to their former high school glory just before they are murdered. Even Duke (Eric Balfour) gets transformed. I think we all knew Duke was a handful in high school. Jake Stern, who plays young Duke, is very convincing and as adorably charming as the grown up version. Young Duke even snags the eye of the former prom queen Janine (actress name) again just like he did in high school but she’s a bit more voluptuous than she used to be. Her “trouble” doesn’t seem too bad until you truly start thinking about it – everything Janine touches turns to “delicious cake,” which makes eating healthy to maintain your girlish figure somewhat difficult.

***

Arla Cogan, The Colorado Kid’s wife, is The Skinwalker and she makes her mission known to Duke that she needs Audrey to lead her to the barn and to James.

What really makes “Reunion” a fantastic episode are the events happening outside of the reunion. Nathan (Lucas Bryant) and Audrey (Emily Rose) discover that the facial parts “The Skinwalker” collected will resemble Arla Cogan (guest star Laura Vandervoort), the wife of James, aka The Colorado Kid (Steve Lund). Now this presents a unique challenge. Why is Arla after Audrey? In the “Last Goodbye” episode, The Skinwalker killed Claire (Bree Williamson) and as Claire, she tells Audrey, “Your son knows how to stop the troubles.” Say what? Confused? Same here. I’m completely enthralled with every single word and action throughout “Reunion.” The revelations are plenty.

***

One of the most shocking turns of event happens with the two most suspicious characters in Haven, the Teague brothers, Dave (Richard Donat) and Vince (John Dunsworth). They do their own investigation and capture Arla. As you all know from previous episodes, Arla, The Skinwalker, while wearing Tommy (Dorian Missick), tortured both Dave and Vince in an attempt to get answers about the barn. With the tables turned, I worried the guys would become a little violent despite Arla being a beautiful blonde. But when Arla mentions there is “another way” for the troubles to end without losing Audrey, Dave coldcocks Vince and offers Arla freedom for her knowledge. WOW! I didn’t expect that to happen at all! I knew the Teague brothers loved Audrey when she was Sarah and Lucy, but damn, Dave, way to go with that sock to the head.

***

Dwight (Adam Copeland) has been like a quiet giant waiting in the wings. We know The Guard (the tattooed people) had something to do with his daughter’s death and he resents them for it. And despite Dwight’s unique trouble of being a bullet magnet, he wants to help Audrey. I really like Dwight. He’s grown on me since season two and Copeland is doing a great job of giving Dwight a ‘gentle bear’ persona. But we all know when push comes to shove, Dwight will gladly throw down the gauntlet and fight.

***

Even if you can’t feel your feet Nathan, you can still feel Audrey in your arms.

One thing that puzzles me is Nathan. We know he is in love with Audrey, but why does he hesitate so much to profess his love? When a woman asks you to dance, especially the woman you love who may potentially disappear into a creepy barn for the next 27 years, you dance, damn it! And the song was “On Bended Knee” by Boyz II Men. Seriously, I was transported to the early 90’s when pagers were all the rage and my bangs were a fluffy mess.

***

Arla doesn’t want Audrey dead. If she did, she would have shot Audrey in the school gym instead of Robert (Shaun Benson) whose trouble causes the big reunion debacle. Arla needs Audrey to find the barn where her beloved James is. But why is James in the barn? As we see him emerging from the barn alongside Agent Howard (Maurice Dean Wint), I know things are about to get crazier in the season finale “Thanks for the Memories.”

[nggallery id=489]

For more on Haven, go to http://www.syfy.com/haven.

Follow the show on Twitter @Syfy using hashtag #Haven, as well as cast members @EmilyroseLA, @EricBalfour, @davehaven, and @vincehaven. For Eric Balfour fans – follow @EricBalfourfans.

LIKE Haven on Facebook.

Biography of the Author(Read Below)..
Latest Posts (view them )..

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.