The Ark season 2, episode 10 review, “It Should Have Been You”: Goodbye old friend

The Ark season 2, episode 10 review, "It Should Have Been You": Goodbye old friend

As a seasoned space traveler and engineer myself, I can truly appreciate the unique qualities each crew member brings to the table aboard the Ark-1. The show has done a marvelous job in differentiating Ian from Spencer, giving him his own voice and purpose on the ship. It’s essential for any team to have diverse skills and perspectives, just like we need screwdrivers and wrenches in our toolbox.


In the tenth episode of season 2 for the series “The Ark,” we experience a poignant start where a lieutenant who truly deserved more bids farewell, serving as a sobering reminder that dieting is not exclusive to any particular person.

Caution: This post contains SPOILERS for The Ark season 2, episode 10.

The new episode starts following directly from the last one titled “Cycle of Violence.” The captain from the Eastern Federation has survived his operation, yet at the price of Spencer Lane’s life. Unfortunately, there was no means to save him. It’s evident that Kabir is filled with guilt for not being able to do so.

As the crew of Ark-1 bid their emotional farewells, Spencer is given a fitting send-off by being launched into space. This event mirrors a funeral at sea, as the deceased cannot be taken with us, so we must let go where it occurs. His departure was honorable and tears flowed freely among the crew.

In this scenario, Brice will have to assume a more prominent role, stepping into the position of second-in-command. However, an unexpected turn of events has him occupying the number one spot instead, during the course of the episode.

The Ark season 2, episode 10 review, "It Should Have Been You": Goodbye old friend

The Ark season 2, episode 10 review: What happens in a coma stays in a coma

Following Spencer’s departure, Ian is seeking solace somewhere on the ship. However, he finds the gazes of the other crew members uncomfortable. Unfortunately, Garnet is too preoccupied to pay him much attention. Every time she looks at him, she can’t help but remember Spencer.

In a twist of events, the malfunctioning FTL machine compels her to alter things as Garnet, Ian, and Marsh slip into a coma. Remarkably, they find themselves sharing this comatose state, with time passing more rapidly within it compared to the exterior world. As the trio grapples with their situation, all of a sudden, Marsh regains consciousness.

It seems that Marsh agreed to participate in some human trials for the implants prior to Maddox using his daughter, but Marsh himself was an unsuccessful test subject. The implants in his body were all taken out, except for the one in his brain which had been left in place. This specific brain implant is what caused Marsh to regain consciousness, but now it’s malfunctioning and requires removal.

In my perspective, as a fervent admirer, I find myself deeply moved by the predicament Kabir and his companions are facing: not only do they struggle with their current situation, but they also grapple with the challenge of awakening Garnet and Ian from their prolonged coma. Years of their lives have been swallowed by this slumber.

As the team rouses Garnet from her coma-like state, she finds herself slipping back into it due to her powerful bond with Ian. This realization leaves them both contemplating a startling truth: if they wish to return to their previous lives, they must willingly remain in this dream-like coma. However, the question arises, are they willing to make this sacrifice? Garnet appears ready, but Ian, understandably hesitant, grapples with returning to a world that may not accept him.

It’s understandable for him to feel anxious. Kabir manages to rouse both of them from their comatose state upon noticing they were clinging to each other. As Garnet stirs, she releases Ian’s hand right away. It is apparent that Ian recalls the coma dream and yearned for the continuation of their relationship in that alternate world. However, Garnet cannot follow through with this. She’s back in a reality without Spencer, and she must grieve his loss. The environment around her will constantly remind her of Spencer, making it seem inappropriate to move on with Ian despite the events in the coma dream.

My heart goes out to Ian. He’s not a bad guy. Sure, he’s angry at the way he was created and what he was used for. He has the right to be angry. He’s still human, though. He still has feelings, and those feelings he had in the coma dream were real. We need to see him acknowledge those feelings and face Garnet about them before the end of The Ark season 2.

I’ll put it this way: Ian isn’t striving to be like Spencer, and that’s a good thing. While he possesses engineering abilities and could potentially secure a spot on the ship, he’s not aiming to replace Spencer. In his own words, Ian acknowledges the need for self-discovery. The series has effectively distinguished Ian from Spencer, so it doesn’t feel as though Ian can step into Spencer’s shoes.

The Ark season 2, episode 10 review, "It Should Have Been You": Goodbye old friend

Eva is back to being Chief of Engineering

Ark-1 has decided on a course of action regarding Eva. They believe she will opt for them instead of the Eastern Federation, so Eva is once again the Head of Engineering. However, Trust feels frustrated by this decision because he doubts Eva’s loyalty. Yet, how many times has he himself misled Garnet?

Brice manages to get Eva and Trust to work together. Brice points out that Trust is a necessary part of the crew, but if he remains stubborn about losing his position as Chief of Engineering, he’s going to get them all killed. I love the way Brice is able to get through to Trust. He’s blunt and honest, giving Trust a choice: death or sucking up his pride. Brice doesn’t want to be captain, but he pulls through when needed. He also proves that you don’t need skills in a particular subject to have good ideas. Sometimes, it’s all about life experience.

On this particular instance, Trust swallows his ego. As a result, they manage to repair the Faster-Than-Light (FTL) drive, enabling Ark-1 to pursue the EF ship to the planet. This action enables Garnet to fulfill her pledge and bring about harmony between the GSA and the EF.

The Ark season 2, episode 10 review, "It Should Have Been You": Goodbye old friend

Dr. Marsh’s chip is sure to become a bigger problem

As a gamer, if you believed the chip was merely a one-time plot device, you’d be off the mark. The Ark doesn’t operate with such triviality; there’s something far more substantial about these chips. And guess what? For a change, Trust was on the right side of things.

Kimi obtained secret documents from Ark-15 prior to her departure. Upon Strickland presenting her with a chip from Marsh’s brain, she accessed those documents. These chips were engineered for mind control, and it was disclosed that Maddox intended to develop them. He objected because in the wrong hands, mind control chips could pose a risk. Ultimately, he considered human ethics.

Indeed, it seems Maddox has assumed control of the company and resumed her research. This might not come as a shock given Kelly’s situation with the implants. It appears she was under their influence, but by recognizing this and finding a way to break free, she managed to stop. However, it’s worth noting that Maddox’s work didn’t start or end with that particular experiment.

Are there any other individuals who possess these brain implants, you wonder? Is it Kelly who has one? The crew of Ark-1 appears somewhat nonchalant regarding this matter, given their intense focus on reaching the life-sustaining planet. However, one must consider what potential consequences may arise when they and Maddox finally arrive at their destination. What could be the broader implications of this situation?

The Ark airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Syfy.

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2024-09-19 06:41

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