Genre: Sci-Fi | Drama | Comedy

Air Date/Time: Monday, April 30 at 9/8c

Network: Syfy

Creators: Andrew Cosby and Jaime Paglia

Director: Mike Rohl

Writers: Terri Hughes Burton and Ron Milbauer

Series Summary:

Eureka seems like any other cozy, Pacific Northwest town, but is actually a secret community of geniuses assembled by the government to conduct top-secret research. What they’ve unwittingly created is a place where anything imaginable can happen … and does. Eureka stars Colin Ferguson (Sheriff Jack Carter) Salli Richardson-Whitfield (Allison Blake),Joe Morton (Henry Deacon), Erica Cerra (Jo Lupo), Neil Grayston (Douglas Fargo) and Niall Matter (Zane Donovan). Co-creator Jaime Paglia and Bruce Miller are executive producers. The series is produced and distributed by Universal Cable Productions.

The first three episodes of the final season of Eureka have been marketed as a bit of a trilogy, the title of the third episode being a tip o’ the hat that something conclusive will be happening this week to the alternate, online universe where the Astraeus crew is currently mentally residing. Having now seen all three, I agree that the first three episodes are not unlike a three-act play, or more accurately like a classical symphony; the first movement was bright and bombastic – four years later! and Sheriff Andy was such an evil villain! – and pulled us in, the second movement was serious and moving – Carter’s devastation and determination were palpable – and the final movement returns with a faster tempo as it brings it all home.

The steady beats of this episode mean that the lack of many actual surprises isn’t tiresome since it moves right along, but that motion doesn’t quite hit the benchmark of the twists of part one and the intensity of part two. On the other hand, earlier seasons of Eureka just might have stepped back from the bold move taken at the end of last week, and the fact that it doesn’t do so this week bodes well for the rest of this season.

Carter is back to being a bit goofy and stumbly, and I miss his more intense character from last week, but this is the Carter of Seasons 2, 3, and 4, so it’s comfortable and familiar. Fortunately Fargo’s character ironically takes on Dr. Marten’s trait from last week, enthusiasm without silliness, other than one tiny backsliding moment. This week’s performance standout is Joe Morton as Henry. His Henry from the other side is absolutely chilling, not unlike Kavan Smith’s Andy from the season premiere. Erica Cerra and Colin Ferguson also have nicely creepy alter egos as Non Player Characters (and Erica Cerra is given an opportunity to show off her amazing good looks), but Joe Morton actually makes me sit back in my chair, wide-eyed. Very nice work from the very excellent Mr. Morton.

The effects are well done again, with a new one that provides a cool visual. Music, editing, lighting, sound, camera work and directing are all solid. There is one scene setup that is a little hard to understand the first time around,  but  it’s used a couple more times in the episode and with repeated use it works.

Although the first three episodes are a three-part arc, we are also shown in this episode that the repercussions of the month the crew spent “away” will continue into the episodes to follow. That would be terrific. I always prefer my Eureka with a slight edge. Add a little bit back in, either with twists or intensity, stick with the strengths that this production has proven it can achieve, and this final season will continue to be a gift to longtime fans and new viewers alike.

I give Eureka: Season 5, Episode 3 “Force Quit” Four Out of Five Stars.