Welcome to this week's (belated) installment of FlashForward analysis.
Before I begin, I wanted to let you know that it was announced today that ABC has ordered a full season of FlashForward! This is fantastic news, and it ensures that we will be treated to a complete first season. My hope is that it will be renewed for a second season and beyond, as interest in the series grows and the ratings steadily increase week by week. The word of mouth for this show appears to be quite strong, and I am very encouraged by the feedback I've read and received.
As a reminder, throughout each post I abbreviate FF for flashforward and GBO for global blackout.
Without further ado, let's start dissecting last week's episode of FlashForward, "137 Sekunden."
On a Personal Note...
This episode hit a little closer to home in two specific areas. Many of you may be new to this site or unfamiliar with me, so I want to be as upfront and honest with you as possible. I happen to be gay and Jewish, facts that are very rarely relevant to the analysis of the many shows I watch and write about. Neither is a secret, but in this case I felt it necessary to share as much to preface my thoughts about both Janis Hawk and Rudolf Geyer. I am not disclosing this to be controversial, and I certainly hope that it does not deter you from further following my FlashForward perspective.
Rudolf Geyer
The easy guess is that the murder he refers to that led to his re-entry into the U.S. on 4/29/10 is Noh's, but I think otherwise. My belief is that something Geyer gives or says to Benford leads him to Noh's future assassin, and that Benford kills the man who intended to kill his partner.
Geyer mentions that he had a stint at Treblinka, which is one of the more horrifying concentration camps that the Nazis set up for strictly extermination purposes in WWII. For this reason alone, I seriously hope that they never give this character a redemptive moment on the show...and that my above theory proves to be wrong so that he is not recognized for helping to prevent the murder of an FBI agent.
Janis Hawk
In WWII, in addition to Jewish people, the nazis targeted and persecuted those who were either openly or deemed homosexual (primarily men). In my opinion, Geyer's historical disdain for gay people led to his insinuation about Hawk's sexuality, in an attempt to get under her skin in Munich during his prison interrogation. But I believe that her lack of response and later contemplative state in the bar indicates that he may actually have been on to something. I actually would not be surprised at all it they reveal that Janis is gay. And although I briefly sported a thumb ring myself in the early 1990's, it was purely a fashion choice (and faux pas in retrospect). :)
Last week I suggested that Dr. Bryce Varley may turn out to the be the father of Hawk's baby. Assuming that what we've seen in Hawk's FF comes true...although I can't wrap my head around how this is logistically possible, given the amount of time it takes to secure a sperm donor and then successfully impregnate - it is rather interesting to consider that perhaps Hawk doesn't have a boyfriend or husband at all. I suppose that Hawk may turn out to be a bisexual character. Either way, it is still up for debate whether her FF tears were joyful or sorrowful, and whether or not her boyfriend/girlfriend/donor were also in the room at the time.
Is it possible that Hawk, in an enormously selfless and generous gesture, becomes a surrogate for someone in her life who is trying to get pregnant but did not have a FF; someone who wants more than anything to provide a family for whomever she is leaving behind when she dies in the next six months?
Demetri Noh
Trivial question: why would Noh take Zoey to a motel for a quick roll in the sheets rather than his/their house? It simply struck me as odd, given that after a traumatic incident and recent union with a loved one...I'd want to feel as comfortable as possible, at home where it is safe and familiar.
Kate Stark
We know that Kate will still be working at her bar in six months, and that Benford will have fallen off the wagon by that point. Something tells me that he'll be visiting that bar before season's end.
Marcie Turoff
Marcie Turoff was stationed at the Mosaic Collective booth at Comic-Con earlier this summer, and I thought that she was an actress hired just for that occasion. I mentioned her in my last post because I'd heard that she was going to become a real character on the show. And now I have to assume that the Marcie referred to by Wedeck is indeed her.
Nhadra Udaya
The woman who calls Noh to tell him that she read about his murder is Middle Eastern (as is the actress portraying her; Shohreh Aghdashloo is Iranian-American)...and on Benford's bulletin board in his FF, there is a case file with a photo of a Middle Eastern woman named Nhadra Udaya. Thus, it seems as if Benford will certainly be helping to prevent his partner's murder.
It may be too soon to introduce conspiracy theories that are a stretch, but I wouldn't be surprised to learn that Udaya has a connection to Aaron Stark or his daughter Tracy. Aaron is ex-military and Tracy was stationed in Afghanistan when she was allegedly killed. That Udaya read about Noh's murder in an intelligence report indicates that perhaps she is also involved with the military or government. Then again, it seems as if she is making that phone call from somewhere in Asia, so I might be way off course.
One of the more intriguing aspects of Udaya's call to Noh is that the cityscape behind her on that balcony appears to be intact, as if the GBO did not affect that locale at all...
Mrs. Wedeck
In the FF of FBI Director Stan Wedeck's wife, she sees that she will be a mother to a young boy with whom she is not familiar with at this point. We then see that boy at the FBI funeral service, and it appears as if his father died during the GBO.
Is it a safe assumption that this boy's mother did not experience a FF, that she will also die in the next six months? It would you explain how and why the Wedecks would come to adopt the orphaned child.
Zoey
I am thrilled to see Gabrielle Union as Zoey, Noh's fiance. I also love that she is a criminal defense lawyer, because that puts her on the opposite side of the table from Noh and the FBI. It would be a fascinating twist if Zoey wound up having to defend Suspect Zero or any of his/her cohorts who may have had a roll in the cause of the GBO.
Hypothetically speaking, if you knew in advance that on April 29, 2010, the entire world was going to experience a 2:17 blackout, wouldn't you want to be at home? I did not see many guests on the beach in the brief glimpse of Zoey's FF that we were privy to, and I'm guessing that is because most people would not want to travel anywhere near that date. I'm curious whether or not Noh or Zoey will ask any of their invited guests what THEY saw during the GBO; if any of their visions placed them on that tropical beach six months from now.
One thing is for sure...some of the most important people in Noh's everyday life (Mark, Janis and Stan) are definitely NOT on that beach on 4/29/10.
Animals & Blackouts
In both the 1991 and 2009 blackouts, we see entire populations of crows seemingly black out. In the 2009 GBO, we witnessed both a random kangaroo and a dog in a car after the incident. Did either of those animals experience a blackout, or do the causes of these blackouts only affect smaller or airborne animals?
In Somalia, we watch the young boy witness the crows falling out of the sky, but we never see what happened to the sheep he was herding...
Somalia
I have to admit that I was so focused upon what I've dubbed the 'White Crow Monster' in the sky above the Ganwar region of Somalia in 1991 that I failed to notice the very tall pole protruding into the sky above that area until I watched the episode for a second time.
It seems to me that they specifically chose that region and year because of the Somali Civil War, which started in 1991. While it was not a war involving chemical warfare, my first thought was that they're hinting that the crows and villagers blacked out due to an airborne virus emitted from that extremely tall pole. That the White Crow Monster seems to either be originating from or hovering above the pole leads me to believe that it IS chemical in nature. Given that the episode was primarily about an imprisoned nazi, I could not help but draw a parallel between the gases emitted in concentration camps to the toxins that may have been discharged in Somalia in non-lethal doses from that pole.
Religious Possibilities
Fair warning - I am not at all familiar with the Bible or Kabbalah outside of literary references that I have researched over the years. I know that many of you are more spiritual and/or knowledgeable, so feel free to school us all in the Comments if any of this might be relevant to the series...
As I continued to ponder the significance of April 29, 2010 (or D-Day, as Noh refers to it), I started to wonder if there were any end-of-the-world predictions out there that were posted long before FlashForward was even a glimmer in David Goyer's eyes. I did not find any, but I did come across many references to one passage in the Bible that jumped off of the page...Mark 4:29.
"But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle because the harvest has come."
I have no idea if or how this relates, but there you have it.
Mark Benford is clearly one of the central players in the series, and if his FF is any indication, his involvement on an international level may be the most important by the time April 29 of next year rolls around.
In addition to the the fact that the numerical value of the Hebrew word for Kabbalah is indeed 137, the numerical value of the Hebrew words for Prophecy and Wisdom combined add up to 137. Both of those elements appear to be of great importance as the journey toward 4/29/10 inches closer, especially given the frequent use of the word 'prophet' on the show.
I believe it is also possible that Geyer introduced Kabbalah as a hint to Benford that he has encoded messages in the Bird book that he passed on to him.
Tattoo You
I'm not sure if this is an Easter Egg or if I'm simply imagining it, but it's worth mentioning nonetheless...
When Noh goes to LAX to pick up Zoey, there is a star on the digital display (above) that strongly resembles the three stars that are tattooed on one of the men who is coming after Benford in his FF.
Crazy Theory of the Week
The Somali boy who witnessed the blackout in 1991 is an associate of Suspect Zero and/or D. Gibbons. We will see him awake during the 2009 GBO in a future episode, and will recognize him immediately by the scar across his face. After all, that young boy was the only person who seemed to be awake during the one in Somali the first time.
LOST But Not Least
Now that the first three episodes of FlashForward have aired, those who are on board know for sure that is it NOT Lost, nor is it trying to be. That being said, I had to laugh when we find out that Kate works with Jack in a bar frequented by Aaron.
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Thank you for taking the time to visit and read the above. I encourage you to leave comments if you have further thoughts about or would like to offer theories of your own!
Because this is a new site analyzing a very new series, I am trying to get the word out to FlashForward fans everywhere. If you are enjoying what you read here, and happen to be discussing the show either in person or online with your friends and family, I would really appreciate any recommendations; you could pass along/post a link or simply have people find me via Google (using the search word JOpinionated, you will find a link to all of my sites). If you link here from your own site, please let me know so that I can add your URL to my FlashForward Friends blogroll. Thanks in advance!
-Jo
15 comments:
A great review. Thanks, Jo!
I'm so glad I read your wrap up. I didn't catch the pole, the star, and so many other things. I wonder though...could Geyer's mention of murder refer to the crows? I'm thinking of the phrase "a murder of crows" instead of a flock of crows.
Ive been a longtime flollower of your writings and have 2 of your prize pins... i just have a couple things to say about your write up about FF S1E3 "137 Sekunden"
first the "murder" that Rudolf was refering to was the murder of crows ( which is the name given to the grouping of crows... like its a flock of geese or herd of buffalo or a pack of wolves.. just the name of that species' group). it wasnt talking about homicide... but then you get into things that obviously u have high stakes in and are closed minded about... like ur jewish and homosexual attributes. i dont mean any offense but ... dont be so sensitive about those things... above all we are human... so if Rudolf has a moral life change around to be seen in a good light.. so be it. wether he WAS a nazi over 60 years ago shouldnt mean jack sh*t cuz he has been human all his life and has made good and bad choices like a human does... so i say to you .. and ill do this only once cuz i like what you write and i feel its ok to express my view like you have the right to do as well... get over it. A. its a show watch it for the material... and dont get so sensitive about the subject matter.... we are all human ... live in the now... cuz if we remember the hate.. it will still exixst...
Anonymous, I truly wish you would have left a real name and email address so that I could address you privately.
I appreciate your feedback, and decided to address each of your points as constructively as possible.
No one except the creative team behind FF knows for sure what murder Geyer was referring to. As I have openly stated before, my site is purely speculative. My thought about that murder was simply one of several hundred theories out there, if I had to guess.
I do find it rather ironic that you are calling me close minded. I don't think any Jewish person in the world should ever be told or expected to ever 'get over' the Holocaust. That, my friend, is a particularly insensitive piece of advice. I chose to disclose that I am Jewish because of the specific subject matter in this episode; it informed my perspective in this case.
Of course you are entitled to your opinion. I own and operate this site, and decide upon and create all content. it is my right to share personal anecdotes or feelings whenever I feel it is appropriate, just as it is your right to choose not to continue following along. There are plenty of other FF sites to choose from if you are not a fan of my style.
I could have chosen to block rather than approve your comment, but given your anonymity, I was not given much choice to address you in return.
-Jo
Hey,
I'm Jewish too, and found some of the scenes with Geyer quite upsetting - which only shows to me how well they were written! I don't think they'll be redeeming him anytime soon. But if they do, I hope it's as well-written. It still left me troubled though, in the aftermath of the episode!
I'm not sure where all the connections fit here. I loved Zoey's FF adding a whole new angle to Noh's. I mean, if he died in March, why would she see herself in a wedding dress? That's plenty of time to cancel said wedding with no groom. Am wondering more and more whether his death is a set-up. Though, still don't really know why he'd then have no FF.
I like the show, but I think perhaps I'm not 100% committed to it yet, something that will come over the weeks and which I don't want to rush too much.
Hope Jack Davenport isn't a baddie though, too many British baddies ;p
Ok, so you made me think about it some more. I think at least one FF will be someone's dream. Take your pick ;p
Love your blog (this one as well as LOST). You provide very interesting insights. P.S. As a Jewish man, I, too, can never forget the Holocaust. I trust the writers will treat that subject with respect and Geyer will not be redeemed.
Loved your analysis Jo! As usual, you pick up on so many more elements than I.
I had my own theory of Zoey's FF. I thought she was asleep and dreaming of her wedding, after the tragic murder of her fiance. Or in the future prior to the black out, they eloped prior to his murder and she was dreaming of the actual event during her flash forward.
I love your thoughts on Janis...Especially that she may be a surigate for Noh and Zoey. Very interesting & I can't wait to find out what is truly in store.
I was bothered by the use of the Nazi as well and I'm not even Jewish. I don't think you need to be a specific race or follow a specific religion to dispise humanity's evil.
I'm not sure the folks will be having another blackout. They've had the blackout and saw the future but I don't think that pinpoints to a time when they have a blackout. Something must happen on that date and at that time, I just don't know what.
There are quite a few Lost-ish elements to the show that I can understand the comparisons, they've even using many names. It's like Lost enough in the sense that the audience is givens clues and mysteries to chew on but really the two shows are very different.
Jo I always love your ideas and analysis!
I was really bothered by the idea that Noh would take his fiance to a motel, too! Doesn't he have a house or something? Weird.
Also, in the This is not Lost but there are a lot of things that relate vein, the actress playing Kate is the same one who plays Cassidy on Lost..... I thought that was funny that there are so many cross-overs.
Is anyone thinking that the FFs could be a set up - ie. each character is now creating the future they saw, but they couldn't have seen the future that would've existed if the FFs hadn't happened - ie. Mark's FF is entirely about figuring out the FFs, and his wife's is most likely related to him exhausting himself by trying to figure out the FFs. The FFs are a self fulfilling prophecy that each individual is making come true by their own paranoia.
But how they could be so thorough, detailed and connected is a mystery...
Btw... how is it that Tracy's remains are identified? Are some of the FFs not correct?
Jo,
I was eagerly anticipating your blog on last week's epi. Love it. The thing I love about blogging is that you are giving your own thoughts and theories, and it's your prerogitive to do so.
I'm wondering if the boy who saw the crows was awake during some blackout, or if it was just a test run that didn't black out people. Didn't notice the big post until you pointed it out - very interesting. I'm loving this show, and your blogs!!!
Hey Jo!
Great write up. I don't think you stepped "out of bounds" here at all. Everyone writes with their own point of view and you made it clear where you were coming from, so even if someone disagrees, I don't think they should have a problem with it. Now...
The main thing (sadly I have nothing more profound) that stuck out to me was the Demetri/Zoey trist in the hotel. I thought the same thing- what the heck?!
Unfortunately I had a bunch of interruptions while watching this epi and should go back and watch again. But my only other thought is that maybe Zoey's FF, in particular, is a dream. But then there's Aaron's FF too. Somehow I don't think his FF is a dream, but then what the heck does it mean if his daughter's DNA remains came back confirmed that it was her?
Hi Jo! It's Brian Labrucherie and his girlfriend Chelsie!
We are now religious watchers of Flash Forward and loving every minute of it. We had to leave you a comment because we aren't sure if you or anyone else has posted about this little LOST connection we saw in the show.
In either episode 1 or 2 ( we aren't sure right now ) we notice a sign in the background for OCEANIC airlines which has some tag line to the effect of " a perfect flying record" or something like that! check it out. Maybe the world of flash forward and the world of LOST are more interconnected than we think?
We sure hope so!
Brian & Chelsie :)
Zoey's FF looked very, very different than the others to me, with its 'waviness', and dream-like look. The others shown so far seemed much clearer. But I'm going to rewatch the series so far to be sure.
As for the non-home hook-up, my initial assumption was that Noh had to get back to work, where she would also be likely be heading after several days away, and maybe bringing her home was too far away?
The most shocking aspect to me was when they referred to something that happened in 1991 as "nineteen years ago", like it was a freakin' eternity. Is this what getting older feels like? Sheesh!
I would also like to add that the only Nazi I might have been inclined to forgive...MAYBE...was Kate Winslet in The Reader. Possibly because she showed us her ass. I said maybe!
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