S01.E02: I Am Also A We

[Athena]

Nomi's fortunes take a dark turn, while the rest of the Sensates' connections become stronger and more dangerous.

[in2dust]

Already heaps better than Ep1. Much better pace and the story is slowly emerging. If it keeps up this pace I'm in for the entire season at least.

 

Still love Nomi (who get's the award for first name remembered by me) and her story. Wanted to punch her mother swiftly in the taint. Nothing riles me up more than the "I treat you like shit because I love you" nonsense. Ugh.

 

Officer Psychic and his Scully Sidekick have a nice dynamic going on. Don't care much about the drunk dad though. I appreciated that he didn't just immediately trust the mysterious Sayid. At that point he should trust his poilce information more than his weird visions. Good decisions. Generally I have to say that barely any character fell into the "I'm stupid for plot reasons" trap so far. Interested to see where the "Save Nomi!" plot will lead to.

 

I'm calling it now. German dude will end up with Indian bride. Also. Are all Indian brides ready to impromptu jump in when a surprise synchronized Bollywood dance number starts? Super impressive. No wonder Sharukh Khan't wants to marry her.

 

Did I blink and miss Korean Business Lady and African Bus Boy? I guess not every episode will feature everyone equally which is a very wise decision. This episode felt way less crowded than the first one.

 

Totally called that the Gay Actor's friend would be psyched about being his beard. Much better than a homophobic freakout though so I'll allow the transparency.

 

And on a shallow note: How is the entire cast so incredibly good looking. Such a diverse group of people but everyone gorgeous. Fun.

 

Quick Edit: Almost forgot to say. WOW, was I over those credits quickly. I enjoyed the shots the first time but was immediately ready to skip them the second time. Someone about the combination of music and weird cuts made it sooooo boring to watch.

Edited June 5, 2015 by in2dust

[Boundary]

Nomi's mother, ugh!!! Surely there must be a better reason for being a douche bag like that (yes she deserves that moniker).

[Eegah]

I'm definitely feeling Lana Wachowski's real life rage over her fight to be recognized as a transwoman, though knowing nothing about her family situation I'm hesitant to say just how much. Also, is Nomi's name a reference to Showgirls? Something about the "What kind of name is that" line got me thinking it was some kind of shout out and that's the only one that springs to mind.

[Chaos Theory]

Did I blink and miss Korean Business Lady and African Bus Boy? I guess not every episode will feature everyone equally which is a very wise decision. This episode felt way less crowded than the first one.

 

 

There were a couple blink and you miss it moments at the pride parade.    Both attended.  

Edited June 6, 2015 by Chaos Theory

[debi49]

I'm never going to figure out everyone's name.  This seems like it will have more sexpostion than Game of Thrones.

 

How gorgeous was the dress worn by the young Indian women (sorry I didn't catch her name) at the engagement party or whatever that was. And the accessories and hair? Wow!

[mompanga]

The show seems to be telegraphing impending couples. Safecracker & Indian runaway bride, Cop & DJ, and perhaps Sister Korean biz-woman will hook up with Zebra the Van Damme fan.  

[Arynm]

I'm feeling a bit pandered to. bollywood? check.

transgender that can't see partner? check

I like the show, but i felt a bit used.  I feel like the show is checking the boxes of hot button topics to get an audience.

The wet, bouncing dildo was a bonus

[Chaos Theory]

I don't feel pandered to at all. When the cast is all white a large portion of the audience complains about inclusivity of races/sexual orientation but when there is a large number of non-western cultures plenty of people complain that the show is just checking off boxes: personally in this show I don't think it is because each of the topics are showing diverse and interesting stories. (Trust me the story lines get complicated). We are only on episode 2 so I don't want to give it away but gender also plays a roll so if that's a thing with you you might love/hate feel used as well.

Edited June 7, 2015 by Chaos Theory

[Latverian Diplomat]

Quick Edit: Almost forgot to say. WOW, was I over those credits quickly. I enjoyed the shots the first time but was immediately ready to skip them the second time. Someone about the combination of music and weird cuts made it sooooo boring to watch.

It takes a truly great credit sequence to withstand binge watching, and I agree, this ain't it.

 

I wonder if, as more new shows are released in season-sized chunks, credits will have to evolve somehow, or just get greatly diminished.

Edited June 7, 2015 by Latverian Diplomat

[thuganomics85]

Joe Pantoliano!  I honestly can't remember the last thing I've seen him in.  Of course, he was in the first Matrix film, so I'm sure the Wachowski connection, led to this role.  Still not wild about all the cop stuff though.  They really are making the entire force (except the partner) unlikable, by acting like Cop dude committed the ultimate sin, by not just letting the kid die because he "might" end up killing someone.  You know, anyone has the "potential" to kill someone, guys.  Get off your high horses.

 

Intrigued over members of the eight actually seeing Naveen Andrews character.  Sounds like he's under suspicion by the FBI for something, but I wonder if there is more to that part.  The back and forth at the end with cop guy was nuts.

 

Should have known they find some way to work in a Bollywood moment in India.  They just can't resist.  I do like the idea of the fiancee being a decent enough guy (although that flowers thing might be crossing into crazy territory.  A bit much, dude), but it's just a simple case of her not feeling the same way.  Of course, I will be disappointed if she ends up with safe-cracker dude, whose probably the most boring character so far.  The Indian actress did look gorgeous in that outfit though.

 

Figured they were heading towards the Mexican actor being gay and the female friend finding out and willing to be his beard for whatever reason.

 

Barely any of the Korean Lady or Kenyan Bus Driver.  I guess the DJ is on the run, but it looks like she's got a big bag of money and drugs with her?

 

Nomi is still the only one whose name I know, and find the most interesting.  The whole "not being able to see their partner, combined with horrible parent" has been done before, but I sadly think this is still happening a lot, so I'm OK with it being addressed. At least it looked like Nomi's sister seemed to be supportive.  Still loving the girlfriend, even though I still don't know her name and find it easier just calling her "Martha Jones."

[Boundary]

It takes a truly great credit sequence to withstand binge watching, and I agree, this ain't it.

 

I wonder if, as more new shows are released in season-sized chunks, credits will have to evolve somehow, or just get greatly diminished.

 

I binged on Daredevil and I think I never skipped the credit sequence but I did on this. The music is a big factor, not being too busy is another. 

[90PercentGravity]

The credits are awful. Way too long. Why are they so long? It's like a two minute credit sequence that's just a bunch of stock photos and annoying pingy music. Who thought that was a good idea?

[Chaos Theory]

Although I loved the show to pieces I do agree the credits were horrible. I get what they were trying to do with them but I don't think it worked. The show might have been better off with maybe a credit sequence during the first and last episode and then skip it for the rest. This is most definitely a bingey show so a credit sequence is not needed.

Edited June 8, 2015 by Chaos Theory

[Latverian Diplomat]

Although I loved the show to pieces I do agree the credits were horrible. I get what they were trying to do with them but I don't think it worked. The show might have been better off with maybe a credit sequence during the first and last episode and then skip it for the rest. This is most definitely a bingey show so a credit sequence is not needed.

They have three minutes of credits at the end of every episode too. I presume those are episode specific, and it's probably a contract thing as to who gets their name in the beginning credits.

 

They also might have been better served with cheesy but practical picture/character name credits up front, at least for the first few episodes.

[Asha124]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=riLgCIvE9aU

They should have used this for the opening credits.

[Boundary]

That's actually amazing they had that and didn't use it.

[SoothingDave]

The credits are awful. Way too long. Why are they so long? It's like a two minute credit sequence that's just a bunch of stock photos and annoying pingy music. Who thought that was a good idea?

 

It's like Philip Glass Koyaanisqatsi

[90PercentGravity]

Except Koyaanisqatsi was really compelling and didn't have two dudes licking an ice cream.

[ottoDbusdriver]

https://m.youtube.co...h?v=riLgCIvE9aU

They should have used this for the opening credits.

 

That was so much better than the current credits -- plus the cover of an INXS song was a vast improvement over the current music.  When I first listened to the opening 30 seconds in the current opening credits with all the scenery shots, I thought Kanye had written 'Bound 3'. </snark>

 

I'm glad Naveen Andrews is back on TV -- missed him since he played Sayid on Lost, and Jonas is just as threatening (like when he took down Will the cop in that convenience store).   That scene at the end where Jonas and Will were bouncing back and forth between the cars was fun -- especially when Jonas asked Will if he was there, then who's driving your car ?

 

With JMS on board writing this, I'm intrigued to see where it goes.

[Meedis]

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=riLgCIvE9aU

They should have used this for the opening credits.

 

Those are cool credits but I'm thinking they didn't use because they gave away the "obvious couplings" between cop/d.j, safecracker/indian, and the gay/trans characters...though the pairings are clear right away.   So yeah maybe they should've used it...*LOL*.

 

I love a good Bollywood scene even if it is stereotypically used.   Will have to watch that scene again.

[enchantingmonkey]

Enjoyed the Mexican actor trying to decide how to handle his "girlfriend" showing up drunk the most, until Sayid showed up at that convenience store and gave Will an ass kicking.  That was a fun chase scene.  

 

At least the guy in love with the Kala Dandekar seems like one of the good ones, which made that situation a little more complex.  

 

I'm intrigued by what's going on with Nomi but the way the actress delivers some of her lines slightly annoys me.  It's almost like she has some kind of Valley Girl affectation.  Am I showing my age?  

[seamusk]

First off, agreed - credits don't work. I enjoyed them in the first episode, but then they were the action highlight in the pilot. But here I was just wanting them to end as soon as they started. Plus, once i saw the stock photos and got the gist I never needed to see that again.

 

This episode was better than the pilot. I'm happy to see the high profile roles for glbt. I enjoy the sci-fi element. Glad to see our friend from Lost once again. And love the conflicted but duty bound cop. Onward and upward...

[jhlipton]

First off, agreed - credits don't work. I enjoyed them in the first episode, but then they were the action highlight in the pilot. But here I was just wanting them to end as soon as they started. Plus, once i saw the stock photos and got the gist I never needed to see that again.

 

As soon as it starts, I pause and jump to about 1:58.  Right to "Produced by The Wachowskis" if I hit it right.

[Boundary]

As soon as it starts, I pause and jump to about 1:58.  Right to "Produced by The Wachowskis" if I hit it right.

 

A few seconds later you could hit "Directed by ..." which is what you *really* want!

[jhlipton]

A few seconds later you could hit "Directed by ..." which is what you *really* want!

 

I've hit that a few times -- I'm happy just to get in the "close-enough" territory!

[Febgirl]

I liked this episode much more than I did the first one.  I have to say though, that the actress who plays Nomi is just a bad actress.

Watching this reminded me a lot of Heroes, and I'm hoping this isn't going to turn into, " Save the Trans Woman, Save the world...."

[JAYJAY1979]

I hate network tv cutting away credits...but the credits for this show don't hold a candle to house of cards, oistnb, or even bloodlines credits.

[possibilities]

I like the credits, but for my slow brain they go by so fast, I wasn't even sure they were the exact same sequence every episode. I think it would be kind of cool if they slightly evolve them as the season goes on, and actually had been thinking they were doing that, because some of what I noticed the first time was different than what I noticed the second. Maybe that's an advantage of being a slow processor, it stays fresher for longer. That said, I think I've forwarded over almost every credit sequence I've ever seen on any show I've binged. Anything will get boring if you see it enough times in a short period. I think if you watch it once a week instead of 5 times a night, there's only so much anyone can do to keep things fresh.

 

I was shocked that Nomi didn't have any paperwork documenting who is and is not allowed to act as next of kin, visit in a hospital, make decisions, etc. If you have shitty family of origin, or even if you don't, you simply MUST get this stuff in writing. I forget what state they're in, but even in the most legally friendly states, you must get these things on record.

 

Also: "you'll have to use our insurance"? What kind of insurance lets you just decide to hop on and off like that as an adult? I guess I pegged Nomi as being older than 25, but maybe I'm wrong about that. Either way, though, that whole situation seemed more than fishy. Amanita should have called a lawyer or the media or an advocate right away. But I get it, that's not the TV way.

Edited August 27, 2015 by possibilities

[Holmbo]

Agreed that whole thing was kinda forced. Also one is allowed to refuse treatment in the US right?

[Chaos Theory]

If the treatment is legitimate then yes.....but even from the beginning the whole thing screamed evil scientist/illegal experiment.

Edited August 27, 2015 by Chaos Theory

[Holmbo]

If the treatment is legitimate then yes.....but even from the beginning the whole thing screamed evil scientist/illegal experiment.

True. But they seemed to want to pretend that everything was done according to the rules. Thus peoples complains about the insurance policies and the next of kin not making sense.

[myril]

Of course Metzger was evil, we know that he had no good intentions. But that he played the system was not all forced IMO. Normally you have to give informed consent to such a major surgery - assuming that you're competent to understand the nature and the consequences of what's going on. But that was the point, Metzger declared that Nomi was not competent anymore and not able to make reasoned decisions because of what was happening to her brain. We know he lied about it, but if he was deemed a specialist for these specific brain changes, and seemed he was, who would argue. Think he was a regular at the hospital, so the nurses assumed he knew what he was doing, and the family, Nomi's mom was easy to convince, she wanted to believe that there was something wrong with the brain, it gave her finally an explanation why her beloved "son" was acting so strange all over the years. Metzger made it sound like it was getting urgent, that the mass was growing fast and there was no time to lose or nonreversible damage would be done and Nomi die in a few months, he made it sound like an emergency. So Nomi's mom, after Metzger did the paperwork to declare Nomi as incompetent to make decision, made the decision and agreed to the surgery.

 

 

 Amanita should have called a lawyer or the media or an advocate right away. But I get it, that's not the TV way.

 

Calling a lawyer and media and saving the day and Nomi in no time by that would have been as much the TV way in my opinion. It seems more realistic to us based on how we think things normally in real life work, but this is no normal real life situation.

Edited August 27, 2015 by myril

[supposebly]

Ok, this is picking up. I'm actually looking forward to finding out what is going to happen.

 

That woman did NOT take no for an answer. It made me rather uncomfortable.

 

The locked-in-a-hospital plot did feel forced and a bit overdone, but I can see how it might happen for a short time, at least in isolated cases.

 

Still, I think there needs to be a bit more evaluation than signing the paperwork while the patient is unconscious.

[Chaos Theory]

True. But they seemed to want to pretend that everything was done according to the rules. Thus peoples complains about the insurance policies and the next of kin not making sense.

 

You mean her mother?  Who still called her Michael and would have happily slipped the doctor an extra hundred to switch her back to a man.   No one was asking for insurance cards and if you have a good evil HR department which Whispers probably has then all the paperwork looked positively legit.  

 

And if Amita had gone through "proper" channels by the time she even spoke to a lawyer it would have been too late to do Nomi any good.  I pretty sure Whispers had all the right paperwork to make it look legitimate enough if you don't look too closely.  

Edited August 27, 2015 by Chaos Theory

[myril]

It would have been even easier for Metzger if Nomi had stayed unconscious. Scary thought, isn't it? That it could be that easy eventually if someone really wants to and as doctor is in the position to do it. Stuff of nightmare for some people. As it was Metzger had to make believable, that Nomi was a threat to herself and others and not competent at the time to to make decisions, get an evaluation by a psychologist, psychiatrist. I am not sure what licensure he had, but likely he had some loyal person at hand anyway. At worst a lawyer called by Amanita afterwards could have proved he lied, rushed things, didn't fully do things as they should have been done, and lobotomized Nomi could then have sued the doctor and the hospital.

Edited August 28, 2015 by myril

[ElectricBoogaloo]

Nomi's mother is the worst. She chases off Nomi's girlfriend, refuses to call Nomi by her name, and then colludes with the doctor to force her to have surgery, all while cooing about how she loves her son Michael.

Ha, of course Diego's dog was named Ditka! Two episodes in and I'm convinced that every character on this show has a shitty father except Kala.

Why is everyone convinced that Deshawn is going to kill someone and Will is going to blame himself? It's called free will. Everyone has it.

Daniela seemed way too excited about becoming Lito's beard.

 

On 8/26/2015 at 7:19 PM, possibilities said:

I was shocked that Nomi didn't have any paperwork documenting who is and is not allowed to act as next of kin, visit in a hospital, make decisions, etc. If you have shitty family of origin, or even if you don't, you simply MUST get this stuff in writing. I forget what state they're in, but even in the most legally friendly states, you must get these things on record.

Nomi and Amanita live in San Francisco.