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Summary:
Shalimar, investigating a telepathic transmission from a renegade pack of new mutants, find three ferals trying to sabotage Tricorp Botanical. The saboteurs escape, but Mutant X is able to identify them through a tattoo. The ferals are members of Dark Star, an international covert operations team. On a mission in Bogotá, the Dark Star team was treated with an experimental drug created by Tricorp Botanical in partnership with Genomex. The drug, based on the plant rafflesia pricei, killed off most of the team, and left the remaining two survivors, Beau and Angel, as mutated ferals. Dr. Harrison, the scientist in charge of the experiments, needs a living subject to complete his studies. As Angel falls ill from drug, Adam sends Jesse, Shalimar, and Beau to Tricorp to obtain a sample of rafflesia pricei. Shalimar and Beau are captured and taken to Genomex, but Jesse is able to escape with the plant sample. Shalimar breaks free and helps Beau to escape Dr. Harrison’s final examination. Adam cures Angel of her illness, but both Angel and Beau remain ferals. The episode ends as Angel, Beau, and Shalimar say farewell to the fallen members of Dark Star.
Theme of Episode:
Identity – Beau spends a good portion of the episode morning the death of his team – without them, his role as a soldier is no more. When given the identity of a feral, he again has a sense of belonging, a sense of being a member of a team. Heck, he seems to positively relish in this.
Centric:
In regards to the Mutant X team, this episode is slightly Shalimar centric due to all the ferals being about, but everyone gets to enjoy at least one cool scene – even Emma who is used the least during the episode. But Mason Eckhart plays a dominant role in the episode as well – overall, very well balanced.
Best Lines:
Shalimar: “We’re just here to talk”
Angel: “People who just want to talk don’t make that type of entrance.”
Brennan: “She’s got a dramatic streak, okay?”
Eckhart: “Adam gets the living and we get the dead”
Eckhart: “I’m concerned by your concerns, Dr. Harrison.”
Harrison: “It’s just the scientist in me. It’s all about control.”
Beau: “My squad is gone now.”
Shalimar: “That’s not true. You’ve got a new squad – a new pack.”
First Appearance:
Dr. Harrison, the head scientist of Tricorp Botanical – the thorn in Mason’s side. He is appropriately sleazy enough in the episode to let you know that this is a guy who needs to be watched constantly. Dr. Harrison character is a reoccurring one, showing up again in “Double Vision”, “Lazarus Syndrome”, and “A Breed Apart.”
Plot Holes:
Why would Mason be interested in a process to genetically alter a human being into a New Mutant? It is explained in the episode that he wishes to create a perfect soldier that is able to eliminate the Children of Genomex. But isn’t he then creating yet another problem in his search for a solution to the first problem?
Isn’t Emma a tele-empath? Then why is she able to pick up telepathic transmissions from Dark Star? By using meditation techniques, she is able to not only determine that Dark Star is going to attack Tricorp Botanical, but she is also able to make the connection between Dark Star and Tricorp.
Last but not least, why is it that Brennan is the one who is able to determine that the tattoo that Shalimar notices belongs to a covert operations team?
Silly Science:
Believe it or not, the plant rafflesia pricei actually exists (these two sites have further information on the subject: www.simplygreen.com.sg/misc/rafflesia.html and www.homeaway.com.my/destraffcntr.htm). However, it’s found in Malaysia, not South America. In any case, it’s wrong to describe a plant as rare, a hybrid, and genetically engineered. The three terms mean three different things – pick one term and stick with it.
Adam’s statement that the “genetic difference between human beings and yeast is a single strand of code” is just wrong.
Also, we get to see Adam using some of his cool science ability. Grinding of plant samples using a mortal and pestle – good science technique. Using a disposable transfer pipette for drawing blood – bad science technique.
Other Things Noticed:
The interaction between the ferals is nicely done. Shalimar becomes very protective of the two new ferals. In return, Angel and Beau treat her as an equal member of their squad. At the Dark Star hideout, all three ferals pick up on the arrival of Eckhart’s agents, much like a cat or dog hears something that you do not. Poor Brennan looks absolutely clueless in this situation.
Jesse is placed in a situation where he needs to phase through a wall carrying a large plant sample, but before his power upgrade at the end of Season One, he was limited in that he could only phase himself and his clothing. By tossing the sample through a high open window, he manages to get both the sample and himself out of the building. Very cool.
Brennan gets to do something cool as well. This is the first time that we see him use his ability to heal, as he shocks Angel’s heart back to life.
Rating: 3.5 Wadjets
 
There is a lot of good in this episode – interaction between the ferals, interaction between Eckhart and Harrison. But the plot holes, science mistakes, and Beau’s accent (it sounds as though the actor had been channeling too many Schwarzenegger films) detract from the final product.
Vindibunny
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