As the title would suggest, this episode is mostly a giant homage to E.T. It doesn't come off as derivative, however. It captures the heart behind the film and carries it into its own plot. We get a good glimpse at what Ray's childhood was like and it results in some significant character development.
It all feels natural and the episode does a good job of working in what we already know of Ray into what we see here. His love of Arthurian lore is even given a nod, as invoking that rhetoric is a way that Zari manages to gain his trust.
Speaking of, even Zari manages to show some layers that she wasn't able to in her debut episode. If it seemed odd that I never even brought her up, it's because she was just kind of there. Here, she has an arc as she goes from skeptical loner to making a genuine attempt to forge the sort of bond that Ray talked about in the show's opening scene.
The others each get moments as well. Mick is apparently a fan of musicals. It adds some depth, but having Mick's lines delivered in Purcell's growly voice did add another layer to the scene's humor.
Even the dominators get some depth. Well, at least one does. With a baby dominator missing, it's not surprising that the mother comes looking for it. When she is reunited with her child, she is visibly happy and doesn't push the conflict any further, choosing to leave instead.
I'm torn on the Martin sub-plot. Even if the series recap didn't remind you that he was about to have a grand-daughter, it's pretty obvious that Stein wouldn't have any sort of nefarious intent. It made that whole plot line seem a little hollow. It pays off, however, as Jax and Mick's reaction to learning the truth does end up being rather heartwarming. Jax is stunned that Stein thought that they would have a problem with Stein wanting to be there for the birth of his grandchild and even Mick is determined to get him there after he sabotages the jump ship to keep Stein from what he thought as ratting them out to the Time Bureau. The latter even brings cigars to mark the occasion.
Not surprisingly, this episode also provides a healthy dose of humor. It seems like Nate is being relegated to comic relief as he spends this episode lusting after Ray's mom. It is used to fuel the romantic tension with Amaya, but hopefully he's able to contribute more in future episodes.
This episode delivers everything you come to watch this show for. It seems like the show really has found its groove as every episode this season has managed to bring the goods. Hopefully the momentum can continue. I have to really book it on these as the fourth season starts in a month. Granted, I'm behind on pretty much everything, but this has more of a ticking clock to it. I don't want to fall into the same trap I did before and have to wait for the new season to hit Netflix before I can watch it.
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