(Without reading the existing review) So, the "story" insists on carrying from the previous episode. The events of the teaser sequence are probably intended to get us excited, but those of us who've watched TV and movies for years recognize it only as a pile of clichés. To name but a few: a pointless countdown (in real life, there would be an *immediate* result), high tech lock that is useless because it is not bulletproof, explosives that conveniently detonate *in the order* you've run past by them. Groan.
The makers seem to think the fact that Callen does not know his own first name, only the initial G, is a compelling premise enough to warrant an *Arc* Plot. Are they serious? What makes G special enough to warrant a past that is mystery to even him? Were this a science fiction or fantasy show, G could turn out to be some sort of Chosen One or anything along those lines - but this is supposedly a *real* world show.
It does not help that the plot keeps piling on cliché scenes and pace-wise seriously lacks momentum. Stupidity level is increased when Eric makes use of the frustrating Enhance Button trope (search the net and you shall know). Unnecessary B-plot further increases the tedium. This is supposed to be a season *finale*, for frak's sake! At least there is some decent action, but nothing that meets the levels a season finale should deliver. There should be either a MASSIVE sequence or one involving the death of a major character. Incidentally, the parent series NCIS has pulled the latter one of twice already, both times in an absolutely brilliant way. Why doesn't the quality of that show seep onto this one?
In the end, the twists here just don't have the impact they are supposed to have, thanks to poorly done groundwork. In order for them to work, there needs to be a buildup. Contrast Callen's story with Peter's story in Fringe. Now *that's* how you do it: the mystery's end (Fringe episode #2.16, Peter) that the makers of Fringe have been carefully building up to for 35 episodes is a massive pay-off. And it wasn't even a season finale! This 6/10* fluff doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell to stand up to the best finales, especially as they are supposed to make the wait for the next season almost unbearable (see, *for example*, the new BSG and Lost for season finale cliffhangers of absolutely the highest order).
*) HOW THE RATING IS GIVEN: Since the average between the lowest rating (1) and highest rating (10) is 5.5, everything gets a starting rating of 6. After that, points are either added or subtracted depending on the actual content: Plot, script, acting, directing, music, production values and so on. Also, the content is weighted against previously rated works, which act as a guideline. Also, to get the lowest or highest possible rating, the work must approach the worst or best thing ever seen, respectively. And as the laws of probability state, both are *extremely* rare.
The makers seem to think the fact that Callen does not know his own first name, only the initial G, is a compelling premise enough to warrant an *Arc* Plot. Are they serious? What makes G special enough to warrant a past that is mystery to even him? Were this a science fiction or fantasy show, G could turn out to be some sort of Chosen One or anything along those lines - but this is supposedly a *real* world show.
It does not help that the plot keeps piling on cliché scenes and pace-wise seriously lacks momentum. Stupidity level is increased when Eric makes use of the frustrating Enhance Button trope (search the net and you shall know). Unnecessary B-plot further increases the tedium. This is supposed to be a season *finale*, for frak's sake! At least there is some decent action, but nothing that meets the levels a season finale should deliver. There should be either a MASSIVE sequence or one involving the death of a major character. Incidentally, the parent series NCIS has pulled the latter one of twice already, both times in an absolutely brilliant way. Why doesn't the quality of that show seep onto this one?
In the end, the twists here just don't have the impact they are supposed to have, thanks to poorly done groundwork. In order for them to work, there needs to be a buildup. Contrast Callen's story with Peter's story in Fringe. Now *that's* how you do it: the mystery's end (Fringe episode #2.16, Peter) that the makers of Fringe have been carefully building up to for 35 episodes is a massive pay-off. And it wasn't even a season finale! This 6/10* fluff doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell to stand up to the best finales, especially as they are supposed to make the wait for the next season almost unbearable (see, *for example*, the new BSG and Lost for season finale cliffhangers of absolutely the highest order).
*) HOW THE RATING IS GIVEN: Since the average between the lowest rating (1) and highest rating (10) is 5.5, everything gets a starting rating of 6. After that, points are either added or subtracted depending on the actual content: Plot, script, acting, directing, music, production values and so on. Also, the content is weighted against previously rated works, which act as a guideline. Also, to get the lowest or highest possible rating, the work must approach the worst or best thing ever seen, respectively. And as the laws of probability state, both are *extremely* rare.