QUICK LOOK: Eureka – “The Ex Files”

This week’s Eureka is possibly the best episode of this season which, in a season of five star episodes, is saying quite a bit. While new fans of the show will be treated to a new Eureka-unique dilemma that needs to be solved (and this one is a doozy), long-time fans get an added treat of seeing some favorite characters return to the show. Let’s go ahead and get it out of the way, yes, Ed Quinn is back as Nathan Stark. However, it should be noted that this is not the Stark of the new timeline, nor is he back in a permanent way. However, Quinn is amazing in this one-off return and you’ll find yourself missing him all over again. As you know from last week’s bombshell ending, Beverly Barlowe is back, which may have new comers scratching their heads as to why she is such a big deal, but just wait until characters other than Grant find out she’s around. Fireworks will seem tame. And in the end the theme of the episode ends up being couples therapy resulting in something towards the end we’ve been waiting nearly five years for. Watch it, you’ll know it and you’ll be giddy about it.

My favorite part of this episode is the script. Amy Berg has a lot to do here and she handles it with a deftness that is rarely seen. She has continuing plot elements that are carefully threaded amongst a dense story that features returning characters, multiple simultaneous conversations and some emotional payoffs that need to all be perfectly balanced. Any one of those elements are usually fodder for a big season finale, let alone all of them, but everything flows succinctly. This is a funny, poignant, happy, heartbreaking episode all rolled up into one dynamite sushi roll of a visual treat (yes, I used a sushi metaphor, deal with it). And the possible implications of the finale scene are pretty staggering. Plus, pay close attention to all the dialogue. It flies at you fast, but it is sharp and witty and delivered by everyone with impeccable timing.

We’re only eight episodes in with another twelve to go for the fourth season. I can’t wait to see what the amazing Eureka cast and crew have waiting for us!

“The Ex Files” airs tonight at 9:00 PM on Syfy!