Review: Terra Nova – “Instinct” (Who Let The Birds Out?)

Air Date: Monday, October 3, 2011, 8/8c on Fox

Attack of the flying Pterosaurs!

I find myself wondering what will keep Terra Nova interesting each week—it’s the dinosaurs. You would expect more human conflict, but I hadn’t anticipated the dinosaurs would make such an impact on the colonists’ daily lives. (Let’s not forget about the incredible special effects. Those little dinos were so lifelike.) Just think of where the colonists live, how they live and who (or better yet, what) was there first. During “Instinct,” we’re introduced to a new brand of species, and it ain’t the friendly kind. Carnivorous bird-like Pterosaurs rain down on the Terra Nova locale in search of their breeding place. What a crazy premise, but it packs some excitement. Not knowing what the creatures are or what they want at first leads everyone to confusion about how to be rid of the nuisance.

I get a strange sense of déjà vu when the birds attack Terra Nova (think of Hitchcock’s The Birds). Not only that, I find myself trying to decide who will be next to die. Because you know that’s coming. Will it be Skye (Allison Miller), Reynolds (Dean Geyer) or one of the random extras walking around the set?

Observations:

Dr. Malcolm Wallace has a thing for Jim's wife

So far there are two actors on the show with British accents: Dr. Malcolm Wallace (Rod Hallett) and Dr. Elizabeth Shannon (Shelley Conn). Not to be a pain in the butt, but Jason O’Mara is Irish, so why does he have to drop his accent and speak like an American? I’d much rather hear him speaking in his native accent than the fabricated American accent he effects. It would make his character more believable in the long run and he wouldn’t have to concentrate on pronunciation so much. Yes, it bothers me.

Love the tension brought into the show with Malcolm entering the scene. He’s a former flame of Elizabeth’s and he has ulterior motives. Jim is a better cop than I realized with the way he picks up on Malcolm recruiting Elizabeth so he could have another shot with her. How creepy is that though? Get her trapped 85 million years in the past so she won’t have any other choice but to date him? I don’t trust him and I’m sure Jim will be keeping an eye out too. Although, if there weren’t any tension, the show would get boring.

Skye and Josh (Landon Liboiron) seem to be getting closer, yet he’s holding onto his love from 2149. Will Skye and Josh be able to overcome this obstacle or will Josh keep his flame burning for his lost love? Josh does put his safety on the backburner to rescue Skye from the attacking Pterosaurs. Mmm hmm…

I’m perplexed that the show takes a turn away from the surprises in “Genesis.” I am expecting to learn more about Commander Taylor’s (Stephen Lang) missing son and maybe what the Sixers are about. Doesn’t seem like that’s going to happen anytime soon though. I’m okay with the dinosaur action, but I’d like to see more about the human beings. I can relate to them more than I can an 85 million-year-old reptile.

Just what does Commander Taylor have up his sleeve?

Commander Taylor is awfully calm when talking about his mortality. Having confidence is one thing, but I think he knows he really doesn’t have anything to worry about. Jim has his back. And what about Alicia (Simone Kissell)? She’s Taylor’s right hand woman and doesn’t let anything slip past her. I’m looking forward to learning more about her character and her loyalty to Taylor. At least we know she has a sense of humor.

Jim: “One thing I know for sure about Sixers, they tried to put a bullet in your head the other day.”

Taylor: “Not the first time, won’t be the last.”

Jim: “Which is why I’d appreciate it if you hang back a step.”

Taylor: “Shucks, you might make me blush.”

Interesting conversation sparks up between Jim and Commander Taylor. Not only had I not thought the Sixers infiltrated Terra Nova, but Taylor’s right—Jim would be the perfect person to investigate. Taylor knows Jim is beneficial to him in more ways than one. Which is why I’m waiting patiently for Taylor to take interest in Maddy (Naomi Scott) and her super smarts. The girl knows her stuff. Just how much can she help the colonists at Terra Nova?

I wasn’t bored during “Instinct” but I wasn’t wowed. I don’t want to say Terra Nova is losing its steam, yet I don’t feel the same about it as I did during the series premiere. Next week’s episode looks pretty exciting. Where would the residents of Terra Nova be without their fearful leader Commander Taylor? I only hope they never have to find out. So far, he’s the best part of the show.

Tune in to Terra Nova, on Mondays at 8/7c on Fox. For more on the show, visit http://www.fox.com/terranova/.

All photos © 2011 Fox. All rights reserved.

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Writer, mother, realist, cloud lover, daydreamer, dessert enthusiast, sweet tea addict, perfectionist, and lover of life and Christ, but not in that order. http://www.fanfiction.net/~vikingloverelle

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