This week’s
episode of Mind Games, “Pet Rock,” was written by Donald Todd and directed by
Timothy Busfield. Busfield is also an executive producer on the show and may be
best known to many as an actor. However, his directing credits include Damages,
Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip, and Without a Trace. I always think directors who have been actors get the best performances out of their actors.
In this
week’s episode, the team is trying to rescue a girl from a cult and her parents
are their clients. The twist in this episode is that the cult leader is also a
master at manipulation and he outmanoeuvres them. Once again, Clark (Steve
Zahn) is the conscience of the group and decides that he won’t simply
re-brainwash Sophie (Emma Dumont) to go back to her parents, but will instead
make her strong enough to make her own decision. Naturally, at first, it looks
as if she will simply follow Jonah but in the end she does make the right
decision. Before that can happen, the team must panic and be about to be sued,
however.
While I
like that they don’t follow a completely predictable path, this is now the
third episode and it’s about time that they actually look like they know what
they are doing and have a case that is complicated, yet still works out as they
plan for it to.
I did like
that Edward (Christian Slater) actually told Clairee (Wynn Everett) the truth
about Beth (Katherine Cunningham). I doubt that Clairee is, in fact, gone for
good, but I did like that they got rid of her being Clark’s pet rock. I’m
afraid that relationship just never rang true for me. I did like the squeaky
pig that Clairee left as her replacement!
The show is
starting to hit its stride with a reliable formula and generally solid
performances. I do like that Clark has been toned way down from Zahn’s over the
top performance in the first episode. We still get the point. I like that they
are moving Edward more toward a character that is likeable.
I did like
the sub-plot of Sam (Jaime Ray Newman) trying to get herself hired. It was a
nice touch for her to manipulate both brothers, even if she was inevitably
found out. I did wonder if Sam came in one door because Claire went out
another...
What did
you think of the episode? Do you want to see Claire back? Did you like how the
case worked out? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
