EUREKA
Season One
Created by: Andrew Cosby & Jaime Paglia
Starring: Colin Ferguson as the extremely relaxed US Marshal (soon to be sheriff) Jack Carter, Salli Richardson-Whitfield as Carter’s and Eureka’s babysitter Allison Blake, Jordan Hinson as Zoe Carter – the rebellious daughter, as well as a lot of other great actors both known and unknown.
Screen date (US): 2006
Date seen: 19.07.08
Reviewed by: neko
Trailer:
Review: OK, this is a television series, not a film. It’s harder to evaluate, both since they usually pick up or drop down in quality by the season (or sometimes episode), and you never know what to expect. I’m reviewing Eureka based on the pilot and the 2nd episode. I do this because that’s how I decide if I’m personally going to follow a series or not. With Entourage for instance, I needed to see the first four episodes before deciding to keep watching. And then again, I didn’t actually start to love the series until late in the first season.
But Eureka worked for me. It’s a science fiction series, with a few gags in between. It’s somewhat like a Disney film, but then again more like Desperate Housewives. I can’t really decide where to put this, but it’s safe to say that the plot for a TV series is original enough for me to get interested.
The plot: Jack Carter is a US Marshal, driving his rebellious daughter Zoe home after she once again escaped from his separated wife, and on top of that pretended to be an air stewardess. A serious offense of course, and Carter has enough on his mind when suddenly a dog appears in the middle of nowhere. He manages to steer clear, but crash into a tree. After walking all trough the night, they get to a quiet small town. Seemingly. But this small town is Eureka, hidden by the government to foster the greatest minds of the nation into developing all sorts of new inventions. Carter is an easy-going guy, and doesn’t mind much that 5 year olds read advanced science, pieces of motorhomes vanishes into thin air or that everything really is a bit off. He gets sucked into a somewhat big case when the sheriff looses his leg, and with his relaxed temper, charming smile, and quick wits, he impresses and overcomes even the smartest of scientists in this little town. Finally solving the case and getting the old sheriff back on his feet, he returns back home, only to be promoted. To sheriff of Eureka.
There’s potential for a nice love story or two in here, there’s the strange characters that you know is up to no good, there’s family issues, bizarre happenings and lots of geeks and cool gadgets. The tempo of the episodes is fairly relaxed, and although Carter didn’t have time to shower or brush his teeth for two days in the pilot, I didn’t flex a muscle. I liked that! This is something you could watch any time of the day – it’s pure entertainment.
In words: science, investigation, inventions, gadgets, fun, comedy, relationships, family, sci-fi, mystery
Reminds me of: A Disney Original Movie with a twist of Desperate Housewives.
Sounds fun, so maybe I’ll try it. Hope the pilot is good!
I love Eureka for so many reasons. One of them was the fine performance of Ed Quinn. He works so well up against Jack Carter/Colin Ferguson. Why the hell did they kill him off?!! The show seems as though it’s really missing something now. Jack Carter’s loony sister and the Thorn character(Frances Fischer) is not a good trade off and doesn’t replace the intelligence/sharp wit of Nathan Stark. I know that anything can happen in Eureka,…..I just hope the creators/writers will see fit to bring him back. I suppose that’s according to Ed Quinn wanting to return of course. I just wish there was someplace to go to get some solid information on this wonderful television series.
Hammer
Response to Hammer: I rarely watch TV and Eureka is the exception. However, the recent storylines lack the intelligence and charm of Season I & II. Specifically, I too feel that the show is missing critical balance and chemistry with the loss of the character of Nathan Stark. I felt that he was part of the show’s foundation. Moreover, his storyline was developing with complex and unexpected attributes: Then, withthout preamble, Stark disappeared in ‘I Do Again’. I hope that the writers / creators read the blogs and are sensitive to the viewers perspectives. And if Ed Quinn reads this, please know that you and Nathan Stark are sorely missed!