I was actually kind of excited for "The Helpers", because Brian Dietzen, who plays Palmer in this series, cowrote this episode. After seeing this episode, I can say that "The Helpers" had its moments, but certainly wasn't great.
Let's start with the good.
. The production values of the episode are great. "The Helpers" is well-directed and the music fits the scenery. The acting's fine for the most part. When Brian Dietzen is given an opportunity to do more than say sometimes unfunny one-liners, he can really pull it off. Dietzen gives yet another very good performance here. Elle Graper is unfortunately one-note agreed. Wished to have seen a lot more emotions from a girl, who might lose his dad to a deadly toxin. Still am not so into Casey as well. Diona Reasonover hasn't convinced me yet.
. There are touching moments in this story, especially liked the speech Palmer gave to her daughter on the importance of living. The message was beautiful and reminded of "Keep Going", which is one of the best episodes of "NCIS". Raven, the villain of this case, has a potential to be quite threatening to "NCIS". Some jokes work well too and the beginning of the story was very promising.
But...
. The mystery feels padded. Do agree with a previous reviewer, who said that the story is too focused on Palmer and his kid. The villain and the case itself feel in the background sometimes. Do agree too that there is lack of intensity here, because of Palmer's daughter doesn't seem to take his dad dying very seriously and the staging is not the best.
Overall, a mixed bag.
6/10 HK.
Let's start with the good.
. The production values of the episode are great. "The Helpers" is well-directed and the music fits the scenery. The acting's fine for the most part. When Brian Dietzen is given an opportunity to do more than say sometimes unfunny one-liners, he can really pull it off. Dietzen gives yet another very good performance here. Elle Graper is unfortunately one-note agreed. Wished to have seen a lot more emotions from a girl, who might lose his dad to a deadly toxin. Still am not so into Casey as well. Diona Reasonover hasn't convinced me yet.
. There are touching moments in this story, especially liked the speech Palmer gave to her daughter on the importance of living. The message was beautiful and reminded of "Keep Going", which is one of the best episodes of "NCIS". Raven, the villain of this case, has a potential to be quite threatening to "NCIS". Some jokes work well too and the beginning of the story was very promising.
But...
. The mystery feels padded. Do agree with a previous reviewer, who said that the story is too focused on Palmer and his kid. The villain and the case itself feel in the background sometimes. Do agree too that there is lack of intensity here, because of Palmer's daughter doesn't seem to take his dad dying very seriously and the staging is not the best.
Overall, a mixed bag.
6/10 HK.