EUReKA Season 4 Episode 15 Review: “Omega Girls”

Usually I stay clear of previews and sneak peeks of upcoming episodes of Eureka, which is a beneficial approach for any show or film. However I accidentally found out that Zoe would make her return tonight, after leaving the show early in Season 4 (a year ago! It feels like a while). I’d like to think I would have been surprised - she was not on my radar.

The Beverly Barlowe story finally took center stage after sitting on the back-burner these last 2 episodes. With Allison being the unwilling puppet, Beverly’s evil plan was unveiled: a heist to steal all of Eureka’s research. I always thought it would have something to do with the Astraeus mission, so it was nice to be wrong on that count. I was worried the Barlowe story would parallel the space mission for the remainder of the season.

And surprisingly, it’s up to the returning Zoe Carter (Jordan Hinson) to save the day. I thought her appearance would echo her visit home earlier in the season, instead she does her best John McClane impression here. It actually works; her cat-and-mouse exchange with Barlowe was entertaining. Zoe’s tough exterior intimidated Jo, making it easy to buy her as a force to be reckoned with, a role Zoe never really had to play before.

And the Die Hard heist plot was so refreshing. Actual villains with an agenda were wreaking havoc on purpose. Usually it’s a perfect storm of circumstances that provide the peril for Eureka, but not this week. Just good guys and bad guys, a formula that allows this blogger to park his overtaxed brain.

The Good: Zoe held her own this episode, and it was a welcome change of scenery. Not only are we getting someone different to save the town, but having most of the cast knocked-out felt like a format change for the show.

A few callbacks in this episode: A few references to Barlowe and her therapist guise of Season 1. We got to see Section 5 again (not since Season 2, I believe). The Titan Rover and that little robot from earlier this season also made appearances. A few admissions of the 1947 storyline to Zane and Zoe, which seems overdue.

The relationship stuff was minimal but fun to watch tonight. Henry and Zane comparing notes was a nice scene - you don’t see the two conversing like this ever. Zoe and Jo’s squabble over Zane was typical fare, but it’s not often you see Jo squirm.

The gratuitous Allison-getting-dressed scene was the greatest intro of any episode of Eureka ever. Accusations of pigheadedness can be sent here, or in the comments below

The Bad: A lot of setup was needed for this episode, and now the story arc is over. I can’t help but think this could have been condensed more, or perhaps executed within a single episode. There could still be repercussions, but that is open-ended. Some data was stolen, but what and how much no one knows. I was hoping for a bigger fallout or payoff from a 4-episode arc. Time will tell.

Carter’s Spidey-Sense appeared during a kiss with Barlison. Men do not have this kind of intuition, ladies. Pure science-fiction.

At first I groaned that Barlowe used a weapon that can knock out everyone in the town (thanks to the inoculation shots). It made me think: Why not just do that to begin with? Waltz into Eureka and take what you want! But they cleverly instituted the need for Allison’s DNA clearance at GD. Still, the plan hinged on her being Director. That got me thinking: what if they targeted Fargo instead? A comedy goldmine.

The Ugly: Barlowe talking trash about Allison’s wardrobe and Fargo’s couch is as evil as it gets in Eureka.

Barlowe’s two goons were throwaway characters. Probably would’ve been better if they were turncoats instead - like Dr. Parrish or another semi-regular.

Ming-Na returns as Senator Mikaela Wen, who warned Fargo 5 episodes back about earth-shattering changes in store for Eureka. Her appearance only served to remind me she was wrong. Or did she mean the space mission? I still have no clue.

Notable: For those keeping score, that was indeed the first time the helicopter pad has seen some use on the show. They built an entire CG exterior of the GD building to make that shot happen.

No Dr. Parrish (Wil Wheaton), Dr. Martin (Felicia Day), Deputy Andy, Vincent, S.A.R.A.H., or even an interior shot of Cafe Diem this episode. Even Fargo was reduced to a cameo. What a weird episode.

Anyone else find it weird the opening title and credits don’t appear until about 10 minutes into the show? You got your Astraeus news reel, a recap, six minutes of show, then title.

Barlowe as Allison Blake: “You like what you see?” to the slack-jawed goons.

Another tidbit I learned prior to the episode airing: this is Salli Richardson’s (Allison Blake) directorial debut. I don’t give much credit to Directors and those work behind the scenes, opting to dwell on the story and characters presented (my bad). Salli has proven herself more than capable here. All the girls really shined tonight, a credit to Salli’s knowledge of the characters. Though I really cannot support anything that would keep the lovely Richardson from being in front of the camera, amirite? Accusations of pigheadedness can be sent here, or the comments below.

Was making Allison Director of GD a nod to Richardson directing the episode? Clever wink-wink there.

A lot of Eurekans were on the street when they were knocked-out. I think Barlowe interrupted a parade. Evil.

Way to reuse that set: the rocket launch tube, the reservoir for the PALS lenses, and now the supercomputer room.

James Callis was in this episode twice - in the recap, but cleverly obscured. They’d have to pay him if he was clearly shown. Dear Callis: sue SyFy into giving you a regular role on Eureka! One can hope.

And no, tonight’s episode (or at least the title) has nothing to do with SyFy’s new series, Alphas. I’ve been watching that show, which is a police procedural meets X-Men. Not an ideal candidate for a crossover with Eureka. Alphas is dark and serious, Eureka is light and funny.

Grade: A great episode that put a few story arcs to bed, all while boldly venturing off-format. Certainly validated the setup that occurred in the previous three episodes. A-