Review: Y: The Last Man 1X03 – “Neil”
[Editor’s Note: This review may contain spoilers]
Director: Daisy von Scherler Mayer
Writers: Eliza Clark, Katie Edgerton
Starring: Diane Lane, Olivia Thirlby, Ashley Romans, Ben Schnetzer, Amber Tamblyn, Marin Ireland
Reviewed by: Brad Filicky
Summary
The first big dilemma that we face in this episode is the return of Regina Oliver (Jennifer Wigmore) who was found alive in Israel and just happens to be ahead of Senator Jennifer Brown in line of succession. This allows that sneaky so and so Kimberly room to plot and scheme to grab power. Meanwhile, Nora has had enough and decides to bury her husband and move on. She’s accepting what’s happened and it’s time to leave the old life behind. Yorick is reunited with Jennifer. Needless to say, keeping him a secret is both a top priority and essential. Jennifer convinces him that he has to find geneticist Dr. Leslie Mann. Yorick protests but eventually acquiesces and agent 355 is given the job of escorting him to Boston to find the one doctor that might be able to help save the world. Agent 355 convinces the two pilots that brought them back from New York to help. They take off in two helicopters. the one carrying the two pilots explodes.
Positives
The introduction of Regina Oliver is an intriguing complication. How will she embolden Kimberly? How will Jennifer maintain power and hide Yorick? So many questions that can lead to fun storytelling as the season progresses. Ashley Romans is really coming into her own as Agent 355, imbuing her with a sense of mystery while making her grounded and real. Kimberly is fast becoming one of those characters you love to hate and that’s always fun. The social commentary is still on point.
Negatives
The negatives of this episode fall pretty much on Yorick’s shoulders. It was kind of annoying to hear him whine and be sarcastic in the midst of an apocalypse. I don’t fault him for wanting to find his girlfriend, but there are bigger concerns here. Come on man, don’t add to your mom’s already mounting stress, be a part of the solution. It’s OK Yorick, we know you’ll grow up. You don’t have a choice.
Verdict
Another strong episode. As annoying as Yorick was, Agent 355 took up the slack. Jennifer’s mounting troubles are getting worse for her, but more fun for the audience. Oh, we hate you Kimberly, but that’s why we love you. Despite all the drama the show does a really good job of keeping the social issues it’s trying to talk about in the forefront and relevant.
