Fox’s new series “Terra Nova” aired its second episode of the season on Monday, and even though it didn’t have the same exciting feel that the first episode did, it still provided audiences with a good story. Here are three thoughts about Monday’s episode, “Instinct.”
Positives
I think the show’s producers are doing an excellent job keeping “Terra Nova’s” main attraction, dinosaurs, involved in the storyline. Perhaps more importantly, the show introduced viewers to a different type of dinosaur: the Pterosaur. It has to be tempting for the producers to throw a T-Rex at us right away and get us excited, but by using a smaller, lesser known animal, the T-Rex is saved for a more dramatic entry onto the show. It’ll also keep me coming back for more each week as I wait for the main story to unfold.
With the Pterosaurs, “Terra Nova” managed to keep the plot somewhat realistic, which is something I’ve been impressed with thus far. As the episode moves forward, we find that the dinosaurs are harassing Terra Nova because the compound is located on their mating grounds. This behavior is found with many animal species around the world and helps make the plot more believable. The show’s producers deserve some credit for that.
Another thing I liked about the episode is how Jim Shannon continues to struggle to find his place within the family. Jim is interrupted multiple times as he tries to make love to Elisabeth, and he even has to deal with another doctor (Dr. Wallace) who he believes has romantic intentions toward his wife.
It was important for the show to spend more than one episode dealing with Jim’s return to the family. It wouldn’t have been realistic storytelling if the producers simply moved on and had Jim face no more issues while integrating back into his family. However, “Terra Nova” did an excellent job addressing the challenges Jim faces.
Negatives
I wrote about this before, but I’m going to say it again. The clothing is awful. The characters are all wearing similar apparel to what we wear today. Given how fast fashion changes, it’s completely unrealistic. I know it’s too late to address this now, and maybe there is an explanation for this coming in the future, but it really it bothers me that Jim is running around in a flannel shirt and jeans.
Another issue I have with “Terra Nova” is the lack of character development in the first two episodes. We got a cursory view of the Shannons in “Genesis,” but what makes them important to watch? Why should I pay attention to them? The show’s plot did little to advance the Shannons in this episode, and I think that’s a mistake. Viewers are supposed to care about the main characters being attacked by Pterosaurs, but I don’t understand why I should. Hopefully, “Terra Nova” focuses soon on why the Shannons are important to the settlement and the show.
Miscellaneous Ideas
During “Instinct,” Commander Taylor asked Jim to find out who inside Terra Nova is leaking information to the Sixers. I’ve given some thought to it, and I suspect its either Skye (Allison Miller) or Alicia (Simone Kessell). I don’t have much of a reason yet why I suspect either character; it’s mostly just a gut feeling. Skye did lie to Taylor at the end of “Genesis,” which automatically raises my suspicions. Alicia happens to be his second-in-command, which gives her the most access. Then again, there’s also a fair chance we haven’t met the traitor yet.
Another question that needs to be answered is why anyone from the future would want to sabotage Terra Nova. Isn’t the settlement humanity’s only chance for survival? I’ll be looking for clues on that mystery in the coming weeks.
Overall, the show is coming along nicely, and I can’t wait for next week’s episode. You can watch “Terra Nova” Mondays at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox.