One Sentence Review

Surprisingly enjoyable considering it concentrates on one of my least favourite characters

Episode Synopsis

Find it here

Thoughts and Analysis

After the last episode in which Bryce played a major role was my least favourite in the series so far I had relatively low expectations going into this episode. While I am still not that big a fan of Bryce I did however find Believe to be an enjoyable episode, even though there was not enough development in the main plot for my liking.

In terms of development of Bryce’s character we learn that the reason he was suicidal in the opening episode is that he is suffering from cancer which is likely to be terminal (quick search shows 5 year survival is <25%, and in general cancer + metastasized = poor prognosis). This was made worse by him not confiding in anyone and it appears this hasn’t changed until Olivia finds out. I also have to agree with Olivia that just because you see yourself alive in 6 months does not mean you can take if for granted and that it is just as likely he is alive because he takes an experimental treatment that because he does not.

Moving on to Keiko, I found myself liking her character, and she seems to be almost as strongly affected by her Flash Forward as Bryce was his, as it seems to have given her hope that she can follow her dream. There were two (linked) aspects of her back story that I didn’t like, the first was that the work culture was slightly too stereotypically male dominated and I wonder if the writers made her Japanese simply so they could get away with the tea serving scene. The second linked to this was that I got the impression that the “subliminal message” of her background was  “isn’t modern America great compared to those overly traditional Japanese”.

In terms of the story itself, I found it to be a nice first chapter of a modern day love story, though I did find a few of the coincidences a bit too corny, especially the final one were Keiko and Bryce were returning to the America on the same plane but not aware of each other. It also appears from the dialog in the Flash Forward that this is their first time meeting and it could be the only reason they meet is because they see each other in their mutual Flash Forwards. The other bit of possible foreshadowing is a possible love triangle with Nicole as she and Bryce appear to be getting closer.

In terms of other developments, Mark and Aaron’s relationship seems to have evolved into one of friendship following the blow up about the text and Tracey being an Alcoholic herself. The way this plot is developing Aaron will have to tell someone else or get some support since as he is an alcoholic himself, having Tracey buying and leaving bottles of alcohol around is asking for trouble. Speaking of which, if she is supposed to be lying low where is she buying the drink from? as if Aaron has lived in the area some time isn’t there a risk of being recognised.

On the subject of the text, firstly I have to ask Why was the text message still visible on Olivia’s phone? surely it should have gone into storage or been deleted by this point, as I have never had a phone which kept a message like that, especially as you would imagine she would have had several text messages since she received it. In terms of who sent it, I think it is clear that Mark believes Director Wedeck sent it as Mark apologised to Aaron and is going to Hong Kong behind Wedeck’s back even though it is sure to annoy him. If he did however, is another matter entirely.

I also have to question why they are going to Hong Kong, since unless they have an idea of the woman’s identity all they have is a voice to go by. To me this seems like a wild goose chase, though knowing how TV works they will probably find her a few minutes after they leave the airport.

So all in all while not the most electrifying episode of FlashForward it was reasonably enjoyable and hopefully next week it will be back to the main story arc.

Episode Rating

7/10