Killjoys Season 1 Episode 3 Review: The Harvest
Henry A. Otero
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If the first couple of episodes were about establishing the world and tone, Killjoys Season 1 Episode 3 was all about character development.
Let's face it, explosions and butt kickin' are fine, but if we don't fall in love with these guys there's no series. Typically, genre fans want to learn everything about a character in the pilot. We're only three episodes in, let's give the writers a chance to tell their story.
I've enjoyed the chemistry of three leads from the get go. This week, we just got to know them a little better. I think delving into issues of insecurity and sibling rivalry makes the Jaqobis brothers more human. Poor John, did he have to lose an ear to prove his worth?
The opening scene at the R.A.C. set the tone for the hour. I've said this before, but I completely buy Aaron Ashmore and Luke Macfarlane as brothers. Their interaction is so genuine and comfortable, I'm surprised this is their first gig together. The brothers are great, though I'm hoping they don't get past their crap too quickly, because that story must be interesting. It's coming together impatient fans; just all part of the ride.
John's been working his butt off for six years and suddenly his big bro outranks him. Hell, I'd be frakkin' pissed, too, though I doubt I'd go to the lengths he did to prove himself. It was hilarious when John introduced himself as "sponsoring agent" and Keera Deen said "don't give a shit." The poor guy, you could just tell things were not going to go his way (again).
To top it off, D'avin set a course record. Okay, so the guy's good, but Johnny's the brains, no doubt about that.
Keera Deen: Why do you want to be a Killjoy?
D'avin: Um, I believe in what the R.A.C. stands for and...
Keera Deen: No. Don't care. Try again.
D'avin: My team is excellent and I think that...
Keera Deen: Strike two. Tell you what hero, get back to me when you figure it out.
D'avin: I don't fit in anywhere else. I'm not cut out to be a civilian and I'm done being a soldier. I'm not good at a lot of things, but I'm good at that. And I would be good for the R.A.C.
I loved Johnny's little "I swore that I wouldn't cry" moment. Well, until he learned that D'av was cleared for Level 4 work. Obviously his PTSD – or “battle brain” – condition is going to be a series long arc. Again, I think the writers are establishing these details early, and I'm curious to learn more.
Next, we rejoined our Level 5 Killjoy, and though she tortured her kill order a tad, I was surprised Dutch let him go. Then again, how could the audience root for a hero that kills so indifferently? Dutch spared the guy, but she also ignited a war with Khlyen. You can bet he's coming after her and their showdown's going to affect the Jaqobis brothers as well. Quick note: I'm really diggin' the music on this show!
Before D'avin's big bar brawl, we got a peek at Jakk which we learned last week is the Quad's crack. That drug's going to continue as part of this series in big way, mark my words. Aside from proving himself a kickass fighter yet again, that scene was also Doctor Pawter's introduction. It was a strange setup, sure, but their attraction was instant. D'avin and Pawter are going to be Kiljoys' power couple. Yeah, I'm already rooting for them.
Still, it was cool to see Johnny sneak in a little sexy time with N'oa. It was an interesting twist that her husband turned out to be the missing target.
Dutch: Where is the target?
John: On Leith, during Harvest Fest. So we grab Vincent, make some joy, blow it all on pumpkin beer and grackle... all while we soak up the sun. Did I mention that we're going to be going undercover? You love undercover.
Meanwhile, D'avin and Pawter struck a deal. A ride on Lucy to Leith in exchange for her signing off on his psych eval. Pawter said Dutch doesn't like her. There's obviously history there, will we learn more via flashback? All I know is that I fell for Sarah Power's Pawter in just a couple of scenes.
The minute the tracker went into John's ear, I knew he was in trouble. However, I never imagined he'd cut off his own ear. Eeeek! Good thing the trio has Pawter on their side. Wasn't it great that while John busted his ass in the Martell Hokkery, Dutch wined and dined the man himself? John wasn't kidding when he said Dutch always gave herself the better cover.
Martell was easily impressed with Dutch, and she played him expertly, while John aggressively name dropped Vincent. Yeah, he was a little too obvious, don't you think? Luckily, Shyla took a liking to John and before we realized it she was spilling her guts.
Speaking of aggressive, Pawter injecting that herbalist with some kind of fever was insane. However, the woman's mention of fewer Westerlyn's in the Quad again hinted at civil unrest. D'avin's look in that scene was priceless. Pawter figured D'av out pretty quickly, but I think she realized he's a good guy. Which is why she signed off in the end. That's not to say D'avin was clueless about the good doctor. He realized she had a bit of a messiah complex, wanting to fix broken people. Hopefully the two will manage to help each other out.
John: Well this just got creepy. What do you think? Workers chopping and running or serial killer with an ear fetish?
Dutch: Either way, why hasn't Martell reported them missing?
Though Dutch was just worried about John's ear bomb, that only made him feel more incapable. In a way, she forced his hand. Which is why he went along with the ear chopping bit. So, Vincent was running a Jakk operation and turned out to be a real jakk ass. Johnny proved himself though, which was a nice surprise. Dutch and D'avin didn't exactly have to rescue him. My boy Johnny had it all under control.
Vincent was only concerned with saving his own ass. I'm glad it turned out they took a little joyride so his Visa expired and he was sent to the mines. Do you think Shyla somehow survived and will seek revenge? Or did she die out there in the forest?
Pawter and D'avin had their moment, and the mysterious army doctor came up again. I'm assuming we'll meet her soon. Johnny got his ear reattached and all's well that ends well in the Quad.
Again, this installment was all about character development, and I'm even more invested in this team now. Honestly, I love this world and its people. My only hope is that the showrunners and cast are able to continue telling stories next season. Is it too soon to start a #RenewKilljoys Twitter campaign?
What did you think of "The Harvest"? Did Johnny need to prove himself? What do you make of Pawter? Will D'avin leave when he finds that doctor? When will Khlyen come for Dutch? You're up my friends, go ahead and sound off in the comments below.
NOTE: Killjoys Season 1 Episode 4 is titled “Vessel” and airs on Friday, July 10.
