Review - FlashForward Season 1 Episode 9 Believe

I'm not going to spend much time on this review for several reasons. One, because the episode hasn't aired yet, and two, because I spent way too much time lambasting the show last week. If you haven't watched the episode, and don't want to be spoiled, don't read ahead.

I finally have a theory on all the yelling and unlikable characters. It's intentional. This week, there were several scenes in which certain characters are screaming at each other. Something I've noticed is that people scream on FlashForward a lot more than on other shows. What the intent is that whenever there are two characters alone, there is increased tension just because you expect them to be angry at each other. Maybe you think I'm being satirical, but considering the terrible writing, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch.

"Believe" was far more character-based than any other episode, and to an extent, it actually worked. We learn that Bryce was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma which he kept hidden. He then travels to Japan after Olivia finds out, and begins his search, ending in disappointment.

The episode also focused on the girl he saw, Keiko. She had a generic story with getting a job, feeling crushed by the insular Japanese culture, and finally going to Los Angeles with her guitar. The Japanese actress Yuko Takeuchi did a good job with both the emotional scenes and

I loved the irony in the end that the restaurant was actually in LA and that Bryce had gone to Japan, almost missed her, and now is close to her again. How great is that?

I still have no idea why Genevieve Cortese was cast. First of all, she's a terrible actress. After watching her for a season on Supernatural, I was practically begging to bring Katie Cassidy. And then there's the fact that she doesn't look the part. We're supposed to believe she was in the military? Her story with the PMCs may be interesting, but her character is dragging it down.

Score: 8.6/10