Review: Alcatraz – S1, E12, “Garrett Stillman”
Air date: Monday, March 26, 2012 at 9/8c on FOX
Rating:
The build-up to the two-episode Alcatraz finale teased about the possibility of the ultimate mystery being revealed. As I waited for “Garrett Stillman” to begin, I wondered if viewers would be victims of the same empty buzz syndrome present in other shows that were all hype yet didn’t deliver? Or will viewers be rewarded with a generous and exciting payback for a change?
The verdict: keep reading because these two connected episodes are a must-watch!
From an overall standpoint, “Garrett Stillman” is the first half of a process that to lays down a concrete foundation for next season’s storylines. With excitement, I can report that this finale takes us deeper into the exciting 1960s mythology while also focusing on the personal impact the Alcatraz mystery has had, and continues to have, on its key players. “Garrett Stillman” provides the key (pun intended) to unleash some key secrets that make the prospect of Season 2 really exciting.
Greg Ellis plays Garrett Stillman, a former British military strategist with an IQ off the charts.
It’s no shocker that blood continues to be at center stage in this story, a fact underscored by Lucy’s (Parminder Nagra) attire. Her dress, in a rich shade of scarlet red, reminds us constantly that her amazing recovery stems from a transfusion of Webb Porter’s colloidal silver-infused blood. I can’t help but wonder if, in spite of Lucy’s readiness to re-join the team, will there be potential side effects from carrying the blood of a serial killer? Almost recovered from her comatose state, Lucy is ready to continue pressing for answers about who is behind the re-emergence of the 63s; this time, however, she encourages Doc (Jorge Garcia) and Rebecca (Sarah Jones) to ask her questions.
It is fairly obvious “Garrett Stillman” is centered on Lucy and I’m glad because she is one of my favorite characters in the show. In spite of Hauser’s (Sam Neill) refusal and disinterest in apologizing to Rebecca and Doc for all the secrecy, Lucy shows what a class act she is. She also goes as far as complimenting Doc for the improvements he’s made in their search database.
I like how Nagra infuses Lucy with a sense of dignity and humanity. For example, she encourages Rebecca and Doc to ask her questions. Doc, the ultimate Alcatraz scholar, asks why there aren’t any records of her in the prison’s documentation, and what it was is like to make the jump from 1963 to 2012. These are great questions but he lets Lucy get away with answers that focus on the music and people she missed. Seriously? Voices in my head shout a myriad of questions —I mean, what a way to waste an opportunity to get concrete details! I also get how the writers want to show us the human and emotional side of the mystery, focusing on how the “jump” affected, and still affects, the personal lives of all the key players. It leads us down a path that is both romantic and tragic, a welcomed element to further humanize the story beyond solving mysterious riddles and psychological patterns or motivations.
Unlike Hauser, Lucy acknowledges Rebecca and Doc’s contributions to the project. Her exploration of the enhanced database quickly leads us to Team Alcatraz’ next case: the re-emergence of Stillman (Greg Ellis), a former British military strategist with an IQ off the charts and a knack for armored vehicle heists. Stillman is a gamesman who enjoys game boards and real life chess games, as well as studying patterns of predictability in humans.
During the Stillman-related prison flashbacks, we witness yet again how Warden James’ hands- on approach is not a benevolent educational mission, but part of a bigger personal plan. Assistant warden Tiller (Jason Butler Harner) is right in being suspicious of James’ comings and goings.
Warden James (Jonny Coyne) always has an angle for taking a personal interest in individual inmates.
As the episode progresses, it becomes clear that Warden James clearly understands a thing or two about human psychology. He points out to Stillman he doesn’t trust anyone; yet, he’s trustworthy as shown when he takes care of his accomplices. However, it is Lucy’s insights about understanding the inmates’ thoughts to decipher the root of their behavior that yields huge benefits, particularly to Rebecca and Doc.
It’s interesting that Harlan Simmons (Steven Grayhm), a “Cal Sweeney” character, makes an appearance in this episode. Does anyone find it peculiar that Simmons hasn’t been seen since the 1970s and that it’s easier to get an audience with God than with him? Hmm! Stillman is after a mysterious package that Simmons’ company is moving via… armored trucks!
As the episode comes to a close, the agendas of those behind the Alcatraz mystery become clearer as important developments are unveiled and a brand new 63 surfaces with a whole other set of loyalties. Is the new inmate following orders from someone else and if so, whom? Oh and did I mention in addition to the two existing keys, there is a third one too?
To find out what that this third key opens, you’ll have to watch part two of the Alcatraz finale: “Tommy Madsen.”
Tune in to Alcatraz Mondays at 9/8c only on FOX.
For all things Alcatraz, visit the show’s official site at http://www.fox.com/alcatraz.
Photos ©2011 FOX. All Rights Reserved.
elleL
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