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Review: #Haven , Season 2, Ep. 209 “Lockdown” (An outbreak or just another case of the ‘troubles?’)

Air Date: Friday, September 9, 2011 10/9c

Rating ★★★★★

Could Haven be plagued with an outbreak or is this just another case of the “troubles?” My money is on the latter and with the heavy stench of betrayal in the air, the “troubled” are going to be in big…trouble.

Eric Balfour as Duke

There’s a new Chief in town. No, really, Nathan (Lucas Bryant) has been replaced as Chief of Police by Merrill (Ron White), a plant from the contemptuous Rev. Driscoll (Stephen McHattie). Embittered by circumstances involving the “troubled,” including his wife leaving him for a “troubled” man, Driscoll’s vendetta against all who have a special affliction seems quite grandiose. The root of Driscoll’s hatred runs deeper than a love lost and I wonder if it has anything to do with Duke (Eric Balfour). Why is Duke so “special” and why does he have to prove his worthiness to Driscoll?  

A possible contagion has Chief Merrill putting the police station on “lockdown.” Immediately I feel negative vibes oozing from Merrill. His condescending attempt to sound authoritative makes me want to knock his teeth in. You know when you can see the disdain of prejudice pouring off someone – their aura is a murky brown and ugly. Things are getting very muddy, luckily Haven’s resident cleaner, Dwight (guest star WWE Superstar Edge), is on hand to help Nathan.

Lucas Bryant as Nathan

There’s a reason Nathan’s late father trusted Dwight – seems Dwight shares a commonality with many of the townsfolk. “Bullets tend to find me.” Damn, that’s one helluva “trouble” to have – bullet magnet! It might be fine if they are sitting idly by, but it’s the ones being fired from guns that would give me pause. Edge isn’t too terrible an actor, either. He’s no De Niro, but he ain’t that bad. And Nathan is looking incredibly sexy in “Lockdown.” I’ve always thought he was attractive (though I do prefer my men a bit more beefy). I sure as heck wouldn’t kick him out of bed for eating crackers!

Audrey (Emily Rose) after her and Chris break things off

Audrey (Emily Rose) seems anxious since Chris (guest star Jason Priestly) is back in town but when he comes bearing kisses, she’s hesitant to return them. Maybe she’s not big on PDA at her workplace but I think it’s more than that. I’m not sure if it’s been the month of separation after their very quick courtship or if she’s just not able to let anyone get too close because she’s afraid of losing control. What I do like about her is she stands her ground. When Chris says he “needs” to be with her, she knows that needing someone and wanting someone are two completely different things. She may have momentarily contemplated going after him when they break things off but I’m glad she doesn’t. I don’t think he’s right for her but still can’t pinpoint why exactly.

Evi (Vinessa Antoine) runs outside to provoke a response...

There are snipers outside to prevent anyone infected from leaving. But when Evi (Vinessa Antoine) foolishly runs out thinking her association with Driscoll will save her, she’s wrong. How convenient – there’s a doctor, Hugh Underwood (Dylan Neal), among the quarantined. Too bad he couldn’t help Evi or the Chief. It seems Merrill may have known more about the “troubled” than originally thought but that along with his association with Driscoll doesn’t save him. Being pals with Driscoll is deadly! As Merrill begins to turn grayish-black, he looks at Nathan and says, “Your kind won’t win.” An ominous threat spewing from his blood-drenched lips; it’s moments like these that make Haven such a darkly decadent treat.

Jason Priestly as Chris Brody (he also directed this episode "Lockdown.")

Does anyone else find Audrey’s immunity to the “troubles” odd?  Maybe that’s her affliction – immunity. Unfortunately, Chris isn’t immune. After Audrey discovers the source of the poisonous affliction is a young woman named Nikki (Kristin Booth), Chris tries to use his own “troubled” charm asking Nikki to “do that voodoo that you do.”

A victim of abuse at the hands of her husband, the mysterious Dr. Underwood, Nikki’s unleashing her pent up emotions on everyone who comes in contact with her. Audrey gives Nikki the encouragement she needs to face Hugh, telling him to “Rot in hell!” which he does, instantly while everyone else, including Chris, return to normal.

Observations:

  1. I am not 100% sure Evi is dead. Something tells me she might have a “trouble” of her own. Despite my dislike for Evi, I didn’t want her to get shot. There’s still some juice left in that lemon to squeeze.
  2. The creepy intense stare down between Audrey and Driscoll worries me. Audrey may be the reincarnated Lucy Ripley – whom she bears an uncanny resemblance to. Could Driscoll be one of the reasons for Lucy’s disappearance?

Another intensely intriguing episode, Haven continues to hold my curiosity in the palm of its hands. Priestly also directed this episode…not too bad. But, what’s up with the seven Twitter-infused episodes? I’ve only counted two so far and if there are only 13 episodes per season, only four episodes remain.

Tune in to Haven Fridays at 10/9c only on Syfy.

Follow the show on Twitter @Syfy #Haven and follow @EmilyroseLA  @EricBalfour  @davehaven and @vincehaven  And for Eric Balfour fans – follow @EricBalfourfans

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Photos © NBC Universal/Syfy.

 

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.