Episode 10, “Reunion”
Originally aired: January 22, 2004
“Reunion” served as the series’ obligatory “let’s go back to high school” episode, and although it was not a particularly bad episode, it still fell flat in comparison to what we have seen up until now. The structure of “Reunion,” as well as the guest cast of characters, contributed to a generic story set in an otherwise fascinating world. It was not the usual kinks in the series that it stumbled upon, but rather a lack of originality. That’s not to say there were not great aspects of this episode, because it did improve upon a few past problems.
Starting out by spending fourteen minutes in a relatively problem-less haze for Tru was not a strong way to begin the hour since the series is based on the concept of Tru solving problems. It was a bold idea to place the murder one third of the way into the episode, whereas most murder mystery series open with the murder, and Tru Calling has on a number of occasions; however, this move did not pan out as well as they intended it to. While it allowed us to watch most of the main characters interact as if they would on a non-rewind day, it spent too much time focusing on guest characters who we do not know, thus have little concern for, and who we will likely not see again. The incentive to continue watching instead of changing the channel a few minutes into the hour was not there. If you did not know any better, it would look like Tru Calling was a teen soap opera.
As a high school reunion episode, this one was filled with the characters you would expect to see: the jock Tru wanted a shot with but never got, the former bestie turned enemy, the outcasts, and the bully Harrison wants revenge on. On the one hand, this does depict a natural high school environment for many teens out there, so there is an element of realism to the story. On the other hand, the characters are completely stereotypical and unoriginal. In addition, it seems as if returning to high school has become a trope frequently utilized in many series aimed at young adults, and except the murder, “Reunion” did not provide a unique take on this type of story. Placing so much of the action in the high school provided a change of pace and scenery, but it also created a claustrophobic feel. The obstacles and the ramifications were small-scale in comparison to times when Tru had to awkwardly ingrain herself in the victim’s world.
The case itself was fairly well built. One suspect after another flew onto Tru’s radar, each with their own motive, making up a larger suspect pool than we have seen before. It kept the audience guessing and growing suspicious of each new character introduced. And when it came down to revealing the actual murderer and his motive, it was still surprising, although not entirely believable in the real world. Because the victim was someone with a personal connection to Tru and someone she did not particularly care for, it gave “Reunion” an added emotional punch, but it would have been more effective if the writers had not used the same idea three episodes earlier in “Morning After.”
Additional Comments:
– Now they have taken the time to explain Meredith’s absence by saying she’s in rehab. Sounds like the beginning of the end for her character’s appearances.
– I have been thoroughly enjoying Jodi Lyn O’Keefe’s character this season on The Vampire Diaries, so it was interesting seeing her in this episode in a role that I did not enjoy. The character was too shallow and had too flimsy of motivations to be sympathetic or relatable.
– Lindsay’s social skills were finally helpful in this episode, giving Tru more information on people holding grudges against Candace, the victim.
– Organizing all of the background extras at the reunion must have been a production nightmare.
– I don’t even know what to say about the fact that Lindsay left a love note in the wrong guy’s locker and it helped him realize he was gay.
– Why did Candace not run when her former teacher got all creepy and started hinting at murder? She clearly did not possess the “fight” instinct, so where was the “flight”?
Episode 11, “The Longest Day”
Originally aired: February 5, 2004
“The Longest Day” took a risk and switched up the formula of the series, also answering an important question about Tru’s ability in the process. Tru experienced the same day more than twice and learned that there is a higher purpose to saving people than just preventing them from dying. Sometimes saving someone means allowing them to die in a different way to save someone else. Instead of sticking to a singular victim, the three consecutive rewind days dealt with different murders, keeping Tru and the audience on their toes. “The Longest Day” was an interesting and different episode, but one that also felt like it dragged on forever, getting increasingly frustrating as it went along.
On the surface, this murder of the week appears to be an average one. Tru had no problem finding and following the victim. No outside force held her back in her pursuits. And she had a small group of guest characters to interact with. There was no added complication that deemed this story the appropriate one to rewind so many times, so it is a little odd; however, I am glad that this story of paternal love and of Tru’s enlightenment was told. It was a much more adult story than many of the past ones, showing a truly desperate father willing to do anything for his child.
Tru’s increasing frustration with each rewound day perfectly mirrored how the audience was feeling. Each time it looked as if she was going to solve the problem, a different person lost their life. What was most interesting about this episode was that had Tru putting together the pieces of the original victim’s problem with knowledge that she gained over the course of the three days and then going about each day in a different manner. In addition, the episode demonstrated that Tru’s gift is not just another chance to live the day over, but rather it is an obligation to save someone. She may not be able to escape this gift, and she certainly cannot help the fact that she may be asked to save others whose life choices (like committing a felony) she does not agree with. It is always great seeing how Davis comes up with possible explanations for the rules associated with Tru’s gift because it gives her another perspective and another side of the story to consider. Even though she follows her duty without questioning it, Davis has introduced the opportunity for her to understand more about what she is supposed to do and how to go about doing it.
The elements added to the rewound days that had nothing to do with the case successfully made her day seem more realistic. The broken sink, the neighbor’s song, the bad fish sandwich, the litterer, and the parking ticket all added their own flavor and drama to the story. Harrison’s eviction especially added more liveliness to the episode, but it also showed just how little Harrison has changed since the beginning of the series. Granted we are only eleven episodes in, but some character growth or some acceptance of responsibility is expected. The interaction between Harrison and Davis was strange because of their subtle and quick game of trying to one-up the other for no reason other than they are guys. But this interaction was also amusing because of the limited scenes that these two characters have shared.
Additional Comments:
– Since “The Longest Day” dealt with the negative repercussions of Tru’s involvement in the natural order of things, it makes you wonder what other repercussions she has created that have not directly resulted in someone else’s life being taken.
– The drama with Luc wanting to know what Tru is keeping from him has gotten stale.
– Why is Harrison’s goldfish the star of his post-eviction, sitting on the curb scene?
– As amusing as it was, Tru’s comment about people deciding whether they really need a phone that takes little pictures just dated this series.
– “The plan was you, me, wine, and a movie. The reality was you, wine, passed out on the couch.” – Luc
– “No, Harr, mi casa es mi casa.” – Tru
– “You have got to get your brother out of here. Ten minutes ago I found him locked inside of a crypt … and now he’s asking me how much a corpse goes for on the black market.” – Davis
