We learn more about Charlie himself in this episode, more about 01 Boxer’s intentions, and more about Vexcor’s plans for our version of earth.

Title: “Diamonds”

Cast

Jeffrey Pierce as Charlie Jade
Patricia McKenzie as Reena
Tyrone Benskin as Karl Lubinsky
Michael Filipowich as 01 Boxer
Michelle Burgess as Essa Rompkin
Marie-Julie Rivest as Jasmine/Paula
Danny Keogh as Julius Galt

Plot:

01 Boxer makes some bizarre changes to the Betaverse version of Vexcor, while Charlie’s attempts to locate an ring of his that was pawned connects him to another part of Vexcor’s plot for our world.

Reena goes on the first mission for her new masters, but the results are not what they expect.

High Point:

The conclusions to the two main plots. I cannot say that Reena’s actions were unexpected, but the ending left us hanging, with a changed direction after her recent, degrading experiences. Eckman’s reaction to information about the true nature of the plot in which he has become involved is nicely ambivalent. He’s a man almost struggling with his conscience, and that seems all too believable.

Low Point:

Filopowich’s bizarre turns as 01 Boxer have often been among the most entertaining moments in the show. This week, they lingered too long on his doing nothing more than being 01 Boxer, and it started to grate.

The Scores:

Originality: 4/6.

Effects: 5/6.

Story: 6/6. This episode is one of the few to tell something like a self-contained, coherent story which, potentially, could be understood by someone unfamiliar with the show. At the same time, we also learn more of Jade and Jasmine’s backstories.

Acting: 5/6. Patricia MacKenzie once again stuns as Reena. 01 Boxer’s potential employees seemed a bit overdone.

Emotional Response: 5/6. The episode works well, and Eckman gave us a real sense of someone uncertain about his commitment to a plot that is darker than he originally imagined.

Production: 6/6.

Overall: 5/6.

In total, “Diamonds” receives 36/42

The Timeshredder’s reviews can be found here.