"The Mathematics of Tears" - Episode #112" (slight spoilers below) (Click here for synopsis)

Not a standout perhaps, but a good solid episode that highlights some of the growing strengths of the series.

The acting was good and almost each of the characters were well developed or at least well handled here. The exceptions were the absent Trance, and Rev Bem who really had relatively little to do here.

Sorbo is continuing to seem more comfortable in his role and Dylan continues to seem more believable as time goes on. Tyr was well done and as usual had some of the best lines ("fighting while listening to Wagner is the most fun I've had in months")! Rommie was also excellent in her interactions with the other ship and her deep concern for her 'sister' in her distress. Finally, Beka and Harper while not having large roles somehow seemed a bit more believable than in some past shows.

I found the plot intriguing and while suspicious of the 300 year old crew, for quite a while had no idea how it was going to be resolved. Without giving away too much of the story I must say that the resolution, why mostly believable, was a bit simpler than expected and somewhat disappointing to me. The story was still enjoyable, but with all of the build up in teasers and in the episode I expected a resolution that was less straightforward.

One point that I personally found poorly done was when we had Jill's memories of her affair displayed. The scanty costuming was no doubt for the young male demographic. If the memories had been given more time and Jill's growing emotions better displayed through dialogue, then it might have more impact. However, in general I thought that the actress playing Jill (Monika Schnarre) was one of the show's better guest stars to date.

The science seen in this show was consistent with the past episodes and generally well done. However one problem was Rev Bem's DNA analysis. My degree in biochemistry is years old and rusty, but I find it hard to believe Rev's advanced instruments would detect the difference between human DNA and android DNA. These androids are human-like, but given the response to external commands and durability under heavy fire, it seems they are not human 'clones'. I point this out because the whole later plot hangs on this. One other point that was hard to swallow was Harper being able to initiate an android diagnostic while in the middle of running for his life.

As I said, this was overall a good solid episode and while I found points to 'pick on', I still enjoyed it and hope to see the plots continue to improve.

The rating for the episode is given below. For information on how my rating system works, click on this link.

Review 02/09/01 by Larry Kramer       Updated 10/26/01.

© 2001 Larry Kramer (See Copyright Disclaimer)