"Double Helix" - Episode #105 (slight spoilers below) (Click here for synopsis)

This is likely the strongest entry yet in the series with just a few weak points.

The storyline was a great one, with the Nietzschean/Thann conflict a logical opportunity for Dylan to take in attempting to reestablish the Commonwealth. I did notice that the rest of the crew seems to share little enthusiasm about this, which should be addressed, since this was the reason they 'signed on' with Dylan in the first place. Also, I hope to see Dylan forced to think through and enunciate a bit more of a strategy for restoring the Commonwealth than he has to date.

One concern is that the Andromeda's ability to readily defend itself seems inconsistent with earlier episodes where they had largely exhausted their military capabilities. Perhaps they found or made replacements for their military hardware 'off-screen'. However, there is the danger of ignoring their status as an isolated vessel with no support system, and doing this would do damage to the series premise (as happened on "Voyager").

As far as character development this was obviously an episode in which we learn an enormous amount about Tyr and Nietzschean motivations. The idea of this genetically engineered race being focused on producing superior progeny is interesting, though it does seem somewhat empty if it is the only strong motivation for the race. The Nietzschean's are not particularly well portrayed, but Tyr's character is outstandingly handled and it is not until the end of the story that we really see how much he was or was not willing to sell out his crew.

The only other regular character focused on is Dylan, who begins to seem more like a 'real' person with the ability to learn from his mistakes and have a real understanding of those under his command. His final scene with Tyr is priceless, and although it is sought of sad he can not really trust Tyr, it does lay the groundwork for an evolving relationship between these characters.

Overall the science of the show continues to be fairly believable and well done, but there are some 'holes'. One of these is the apparent ease of boarding the ship (again!) which makes little sense given the internal defenses the ship was said to have. Also, the 'technobabble' nature of the threatened self-destruction was a bit too reminiscent some weaker moments in other series. Finally, the Nietzschean's do not give much evidence of having the kind of high tech society that you would expect.

The rating for the episode is given below. For information on how my rating system works, click on this link.

Reviewed 11/07/00 by Larry Kramer.

© 2000 Larry Kramer (See Copyright Disclaimer)