Under the Dome Review: Death Toll Rises

The death toll Under the Dome continues to increase.

Each day (episode) since the Dome formed over Chester's Mill,, the town has lost one resident. The killing was either by the Dome itself, another resident or someone who used the Dome as a murder weapon.

In "Imperfect Circles," that pattern changed with four presumed deaths (Could Norrie's plea to save Alice be answered?): the Dundee brothers, Boomer and Alice. Also, a baby was born. 

I'm not sure if these deaths are supposed to mean something in the bigger picture of the Dome, but it seems likely. Why else would the first six episodes have included exactly one death? It has to mean something, right? If not, that would be just another letdown regarding the show. Starting with last Monday's episode, the series has finally become what I was expecting from the get-go.

The mystery of the Dome is finally being revealed. Initially, I expected Barbie and Julia to be the ones to uncover the its secrets, but I'm loving the dynamic between Joe and Norrie. Their connection to the Dome has been one of the only well developed storylines of the show. I watch each week to see what they will find out, while also witnessing them become closer and closer.

Joe and Norrie's fearlessness is admirable. They don't hesitate to touch the Dome even though others have died. It's a good thing that Joe paid attention in school, otherwise they wouldn't have had any hope of finding the center. I'm not sure what I expected them to find, but I know it wasn't another mini-Dome with an egg inside of it. Wow! What is it? And why is it there?

At this point, my best guess is that it's alien in nature and that both Dome's were created to protect the egg just like a Hen sits on her eggs. Which would mean that the Dome could be an alien life form itself or controlled an monitored by an alien. It definitely has the ability to sense people and probably read people's minds in some manner. The visions of Harriett's husband, Greg, and Alice in the forest would support that theory.

Besides the mystery of the Dome, quite a bit else happened with the main characters. Julia and Barbie hooked up and are an item now. However, she wanted Barbie to stay while he was ready to run out. That was short-lived as they ended up back together fairly quickly. I like this pairing, but the truth has to come out sometime, right? And then what....

Big Jim and Junior were on a killing rampage. The father and son really aren't that much different. They both have unhealthy ways of looking at situations and then act on them. While Jim is definitely smarter than his son, he still acts rashly. Jim solves his problems through killing and now so does his son.

By the end of the season, I wouldn't be surprised if Junior redeems himself, while his father ends up being a disgraced former leader. Though, given the lengths Big Jim has gone to protect his leadership role and power, he could kill his own son if necessary. Boomer's death was brutal. Big Jim not only took him out, but did it in a scary and threatening manner. He'll certainly get his propane back now.

In contrast, Alice's death was peaceful and full of love. Both Caroline and Norrie were able to say their goodbye. And Harriett named her newborn daughter, Alice. That moment was bittersweet. If the Dome doesn't end up saving Norrie's mother at least a part of her will live on in the first baby born under the dome.

Carla Day is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.