'Sanctuary' - Veritas

'Sanctuary' - Veritas

The series pulls a mean, mean prank on us this week

By KATIE SAWYER
11-24-2009

This article may contain spoilers.

“Sanctuary” pulled a mean, mean prank on us this week. They made us think, for 45 minutes, that the Big Guy (Christopher Heyerdahl) was dead, that Magnus (Amanda Tapping) had murdered him and that the sanctuary was being turned over to Declan (Robert Lawrenson).

Poor Henry (Ryan Robbins), Will (Robin Dunne) and Kate (Agam Darshi). They’re simply pawns in Magnus’ scheme to find out the true motives of one of the telepath’s actions. She was right, of course, and the telepath was caught in the trap.

The telepaths goal was to catch “Big Bertha,” who is simply an idea at this point. We haven’t seen her yet, but she’s an abnormal with serious power. What does she look like? I’m dying to know! And why did the telepath want her? For the Kabol? I doubt we’ve seen the last of the telepath yet, as she didn’t die in the end.

It sure seems like a lot of people want to get into the sanctuary and take control. The Kabol, Declan and whatever abnormal is after them this week are always after Magnus for some reason. If the place is a sanctuary for all, as it claims, why are so many people threatened by it?

What Worked

Finally, a purpose for Declan. Is it true that he wants to take over the sanctuary? Just because he didn’t become head honcho at the end of the episode, doesn’t mean that he doesn’t still want to take it from her? Apparently the London one isn’t enough for him anymore.

This episode didn’t paint Kate in the annoying light that most of them do. No lame wisecracking and silly games, it seems that she’s resigned herself to life in the sanctuary. Maybe now that she has a purpose, she doesn’t need to act so annoying all the time.

What Didn’t Work

It was just plain mean to joke that the Big Guy was dead. I was more than happy to find him gone, even though it did feel cheap for them to introduce the story with his death -- not have a dramatic death at the end of the episode -- like most shows.

That should have been a clear indication that he wasn’t dead, but my wishful thinking got in the way of my logic.

If they do, someday, decide to get rid of the Big Guy, the news will be met with tears of joy. He’s silly and pointless -- he’s the sanctuary’s answer to Jar Jar Binks. Wouldn’t you rejoice if George Lucas killed him?

On another note, when does this show take place? Kate references Amy Winehouse ... so they must be in this world in this time. How else would she know about Winehouse? We’ve only ever heard a reference to the Old City and London, so it’s Earth ... but when? Perhaps Winehouse will do something so crazy that her stories will live on for centuries, and even future generations will have heard of her.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

 "Sanctuary" stars Amanda Tapping, Robin Dunne, Ryan Robbins, Agam Darshi and Christopher Heyerdahl. "Veritas" was written Damian Kindler and Alan CcCullough. It was directed by Amanda Tapping. "Sanctuary" airs Fridays at 9 p.m. on Syfy.

About the Author: Katie Sawyer is a writer for the BlipNetwork who has an degree in English literature from Arizona State University, and is currently pursuing her master's degree in education. She lives in Phoenix.