Charlie Jade: Things Unseen

Charlie Jade and Blues Paddock join forces… And other things.


Title: “Things Unseen”

Cast

Jeffrey Pierce as Charlie Jade
Rolanda Marais as Blues Paddock
Tyrone Benskin as Karl Lubinsky
Michelle Burgess as Essa Rompkin
Marie-Julie Rivest as Jasmine/Paula
Patricia McKenzie as Reena
David Dennis as Sew Sew Tukkars
Danny Keogh as Julius Galt

Plot:

Charlie Jade and Blues Paddock investigate Julius Galt, and we learn just how far Vexcor will go to create pasts for the employees they’ve parachuted into Betaverse. We also learn more about Reena’s programming. Meanwhile, in Alphaverse, Sew Sew Tukkars compromises himself, but in a way which might eventually work to his advantage.

We see no more this week of the enigmatic Man in Black (is there another kind?), and 01 Boxer gets a week off, but a new character, an assassin with an artistic bent, has Jade in her sites.

High Points:

The X-Filesesque investigation into Julius Galt’s past, and the new developments with Reena (which blow away some of my speculations in last week’s discussion) bring us into serious Tinfoil Hat territory.

We also learn, definitively, that Vexcor does not reign unchallenged in the Alphaverse.

Low Point:

Could the assassin have been dressed any more conspicuously? I recognize that this show has strong stylistic elements, but this character might as well have gone into action in a t-shirt emblazoned with Hired Killer and a hat topped with a red flashing light.

The Scores:

Originality: 5/6. The first half of this episode features jarring, choppy editing which captures (I think) a sense of the characters’ perceptions. The show’s experiments with presentation aren’t always successful—the first half was in places confusing– but they are original. The ending also takes an atypical approach to the use of clips from previous episodes.

Effects: 5/6.

Story: 5/6. The last few episodes have given us a much clearer sense of where this story may be heading. The first half of this episode suffers somewhat from its choppiness.

Acting: 6/6.

Emotional Response: 5/6

Production: 6/6.

Overall: 5/6.

In total, “Things Unseen” receives 37/42

Additional Comments

This season features at least one more episode. In addition, a special recap/clip episode, “Can of Worms,” will air on Space July 28.

7 replies on “Charlie Jade: Things Unseen”

  1. DVDs?
    For those of us NOT in Canada, has there been any mention of a DVD release of Charlie Jade?
    It sounds really interesting… but I can’t get it here in the States…

    • Re: DVDs?

      For those of us NOT in Canada, has there been any mention of a DVD release of Charlie Jade?
      It sounds really interesting… but I can’t get it here in the States…

      Getting any kind of information on this show can be frustrating, at present. The headline item in the official site‘s “news” section is the April 16 premiere! If I hear anything, I will post it. I assume the DVDs will eventually be released.

      • Re: DVDs?

        I assume the DVDs will eventually be released.

        I am trying to keep my fingers from typing “filetype:torrent charlie jade”…
        I like to vote with my wallet when something good comes along.

        There is only SO LONG I can stand the anticipation…

      • Re: DVDs?

        Getting any kind of information on this show can be frustrating, at present. The headline item in the official site‘s “news” section is the April 16 premiere! If I hear anything, I will post it. I assume the DVDs will eventually be released.

        This is one of those shows that’s totally made for a DVD release too, with its long, continuous story. Unfortunately with it only airing in Canada right now (is anyone other than Space showing it yet?) it seems unlikely to be released on DVD anytime soon, there just aren’t enough people who know about the show.

        • Re: DVDs?

          Getting any kind of information on this show can be frustrating, at present. The headline item in the official site‘s “news” section is the April 16 premiere! If I hear anything, I will post it. I assume the DVDs will eventually be released.

          This is one of those shows that’s totally made for a DVD release too, with its long, continuous story. Unfortunately with it only airing in Canada right now (is anyone other than Space showing it yet?) it seems unlikely to be released on DVD anytime soon, there just aren’t enough people who know about the show.

          Yes, thankfully the AXN channel in Poland is airing it, too. I’m sooo happy they chose this show instead of another cheesy series…
          But as I know I won’t get the DVD release here soon, I prefer to get it on VCR every week.
          I also wonder if we’ll get to see the additional part “The Can Of Worms” here, too, I do hope so.

  2. Emotional Response: 6/6
    When Blues was giving Charlie the "I’ve seen this before" rant & Charlie walked out the door, I couldn’t help but think "Dammit Charlie! You just screwed up your chance at an ally!"
    And the parallel bedroom scenes, that was excellent. You definitely get the idea that people are ‘moving on’.

  3. Speaking for Many
    I’m with Bombadil. I’m in the US and would LOVE some intelligent SF. I’ve looked at this and found a source for Region 2 DVD’s, but it would seem they’re only the first season and they’re nearly $200. Does anyone know if there are any plans for a US release, or at least Region 1 DVD release? Desiring minds want to know! :)

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