The Librarians Season 1 Episode 5 Review: And the Apple of Discord

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Flynn is back, Cassandra turns evil, and Jenkins has a secret past. The Librarians Season 1 Episode 5 has plenty of fun moments, but it only barely scratches at the character development I'm dying to see.

But first let me begin with my favorite part of this episode: Evil Cassandra. Cassandra is usually polite and sweet-- she's the one who squealed when she found on Santa was real in The Librarians Season 1 Episode 4. So something about seeing her strutting around attacking villains and planning to destroy the world is really satisfying. What's even better is that she uses her knowledge of math and numbers for evil. Let's not forget, though, that Cassandra is the one who betrayed everyone early on in the series.

Having something that shows the "worst version" of each character is a smart way to show character development, as Cassandra shows best. The problem is that it still isn't enough. I would have liked to see more of Evil Jacob, or explored more reasons behind either of their actions. In fact, perhaps too much time is spent on Flynn, leaving less time for development of the others.

That's not to say the addition of Flynn isn't useful. It is. He's still a central figure in this story, whether or not he'll be in many episodes. A reminder of his significance and his place in this world every now and again is a great idea-- just not at the expense of the main characters.

The most important thing about Flynn's return is that we see through his eyes how much the Librarians have grown and how everyone is working together as a team. Flynn is impressed to see that Jacob can talk Cassandra down before she loses control, and that Ezekiel and Jenkins are able to collaborate. He sees that Eve has been a strong leader for the group, and feels secure in relinquishing control over the Library.

What doesn't work is whatever romance is brewing between Eve and Flynn. In The Librarians Season 1 Episode 2, they kiss, as though it's the end of one of the original films. It comes out of nowhere then, and it isn't much better when it happens in "And The Apple of Discord." Again, what is lacking is the development. It's all just too rushed.

I do continue to enjoy the fun moments that take place in this show, and I appreciate the light-hearted nature. I also appreciate its use of classical mythology. The Apple of Discord comes from Greek Mythology, and it is an object that ultimately leads to the Trojan War. In the classic myth, three goddesses fight over it because it is "for the fairest," and that's interpreted in an interesting way for our Librarians.

I'm excited to see what happens with Jenkins. He alludes to a secret past more than once, which is particularly interesting when it involves some sort of relationship with the main villain, Dulaque. John Larraquette is wonderful anyway, but there's some potential for great things with his character.

Overall, I'm still really enjoying this series. It's nothing if not entertaining, but it is definitely time for more character development.

What did you think, The Librarians Fanatics? Be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below!

Need to catch up on the season so far? You can always watch The Librarians online via TV Fanatic.

And the Apple of Discord Review

Editor Rating: 4.0 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.3 / 5.0 (46 Votes)

Ashley Bissette Sumerel was a staff writer for TV Fanatic. She retired in September 2017. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.

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The Librarians Season 1 Episode 5 Quotes

I love this job.

Jacob

A giant winged fire-breathing dragon is coming here?!

Eve