Episode Discussion: 2.08 - In Plain Sight, Take 2

[mustangcandi]

This is the general discussion post for 2.08 In Plain Sight (or as I like the call it, the chocolate covered Colby episode. What? He wears chocolate brown a lot during this one.) Please conduct all general discussion here by posting your own comments and replying to others

Comments

[izhilzha]

This is one of my all-time favorite episodes. I know a lot of people don't like it much, and I get why--the plot is pretty depressing, and it's one of the few eps that doesn't end with a (relatively) happy family scene.

But this was the first time I encountered in fiction the idea that collateral emotional damage can affect a person every bit as much as direct emotional damage--Charlie's guilt over the past is as real as what the little girl suffered. (The writer visited this idea again when she wrote/directed "Power.")

It's different from what TV shows usually do--the usual approach would have been to have a main character be a survivor of similar abuse. But what the show actually does is fresher, and every bit as realistic, as I can attest.

(I loved it so much, I wrote two episode tags.)

Plus, the conflict between Don and Charlie is really well drawn, here. <3

[dawnebeth]

And Iz writes very good ep tags! Hey, girl, nice to see you around. I've got to find time to watch in the next few days.

[mustangcandi]

The things you've pointed out there? Some of the best reasons to watch Numb3rs and the reason I miss the show so much. They just don't make them like this anymore.

And while the episode is pretty depressing, this has always been one of my favorites as well... and not just because Colby makes me think of chocolate for most of the episode. LOL.

[rillalicious]

I'll comment as I watch here.

I love that this one opens up with the action already going on. I like that feeling of just jumping right in with the team already at work.

Don's gum chewing just GETS me. Every time. OMG.

Megan is so awesome when she's all in charge. And after the explosion, her reaction is just fantastic. I love the way Don just gets her. And then when she's interrogating the guy, she is so badass.

Another little characterization note I love about this ep is what they do with Colby in that scene. He so easily could have been the stereotypical big, dumb, sexist jock from the midwest, but the way he defers to Megan in the interrogation and lets her do her thing is so refreshing. It's such a minor thing, but it really stood out to me the first time I saw this one.

David is hot. <3 I haven't mentioned that yet.

I love Don's genuine shock at hearing how many documented cases of child exploitation there are.

Megan's and Charlie's intensity in this episode just blows me away every time I see it.

[ym4yum1]

My dears, I'm sorry I'm late. It was a difficult episode for me. I am a big sister too, so I've been in conflicts like this.
I get Charlie. He was always protected and shielded in his own world. When Megan said "I don't know what I would've done, or what Don would've done" I understood him. Don is the person who Charlie admires the most. He always wanted to impress his big brother, to be like him. And in his mind the one chance he had... he blew it. Doesn't matter what Don or the FBI did, or if Lib is safe now. Jessica wasn't. That's the guilt Charlie is feeling and no one can do anything about it. Charlie cannot forgive himself. And he ended up attacking the one he loves.
But I'm Don's... irrevocably. He always has to understand and look after Charlie. But who takes care of him? Not fair at all. Gotta love to him for this too, as if I need more reasons... ;)

That's why my review is huge... Almost 400 caps. And with DVD commentaries by Diane Farr, David Krumholtz and director J. Miller. At ym4yum1, http://ym4yum1.livejournal.com/24094.

[dawnebeth]

I forget how much I like this one--Charlie really passionate about something other than math! He usually dislikes conflict and tries to back away from it but here, he HAS to find the girl. Don's almost dismissive of Charlie's quest since he's focused on the agent who died and solving that end of the case, so they are on opposing sides. Don may be forceful, but Charlie ends up finding the evidence that chances the game completely.

I was fascinated with the way the picture of the little girl is hidden inside the picture of the house.

Larry and Charlie together are always a joy--Larry's "Curiousity--not great for cats, but very good for scientists" makes me laugh.

And Charlie and Larry looking up at the stars in the middle of the night waiting for the super computer. Don's amazement at how busy the computer lab is in the middle of the night is funny. What, he thinks the FBI are the only ones who work all night when they have to get a job done?