Since I’m actually on vacation this week and am a little strapped for time, this review of last night’s episode of Under the Dome, “Thicker Than Water,” may seem a little shorter than usual. However, despite the length of this review, I think that Under the Dome showed that it is actually capable of creating compelling stories for its characters last night; however, the series still suffers because while their storylines may be getting more engaging, most of Under the Dome‘ characters themselves are still dull, idiotic caricatures.
There are three main positives that we can take away from “Thicker Than Water.” First, Under the Dome seems to be finally bringing back the power struggle between Big Jim and Barbie again (which has been the series’ most promising storyline). Additionally, the series finally allowed Angie to escape the insufferable Junior for an episode and bond with Norrie, and while some of the dialogue during their scenes was questionable (What the heck were Norrie’s lines about how she failed French? Who thinks to write something like that?), I really enjoyed their interaction. Lastly, even though I will NEVER be able to connect to any plot that involves Junior, I’m glad to see that with tonight’s conversations discussing Big Jim and Junior’s mother that Under the Dome is trying to tell deeper stories that involve characters’ histories and families. I think that with the right characters, such as someone like Barbie, that this could be really beneficial for Under the Dome, making the citizens of Chester’s Mill that we are asked to follow feel more like real people rather than non-dimensional stereotypes.
In addition to some character work, Under the Dome also dished out some new information on the show’s central mystery. Joe took Julia to the purple egg inside the “mini dome,” and when Julia touched it, she saw a vision of Joe telling her that the “monarch will be crowned.” The big cliffhanger that Under the Dome leaves us off on is that this “monarch” may be referring to Angie, simply because she has a butterfly tattoo. I believe this is more than likely a misdirect and that Julia’s vision is actually referring to someone else, but I also would not complain if Britt Robertson is able to get brought into Under the Dome‘s most maj
or plotline, therefore allotting her more screen time.
All in all, “Thicker Than Water” showed that while Under the Dome can do better at creating more interesting and emotionally-gripping stories, this show will ultimately sink or swim on the strength of its characters. Hopefully, Under the Dome can course correct itself and add depth, purpose, and likability to its large cast of individuals, making the show a better-formed and more enjoyable summer watch.
Other thoughts:
– I know Junior’s supposed to be crazy and everything, but frankly, his “condition” allows for some extremely lazy writing from Under the Dome‘s staff. Each week I feel like he’s against his dad, then he loves him, and then he’s against him again. Honestly, either stick with making him a flat-out villain or kill him off, because there is absolutely nothing redeemable about Junior’s character. The only thing consistent about him is that he’s annoying.
– I know it was touched upon a little bit in last week’s episode’s opening, but could Under the Dome make Julia seem just a little bit more conflicted about sleeping with Barbie? Her “How was your day, honey?” line sounded really wrong. I mean, she still believes her husband is alive, right?
What did everyone else think about last night’s episode of Under the Dome?
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