Timeless Roundtable: The Clockblockers are Back and Stronger Than Ever
Clockblockers across the globe helped Sony and NBC travel back in time to save Timeless. After a year away from our Time Team, we were thirsty to see Rufus, Lucy and Wyatt save history, and each other, once again.
Lucy is kidnapped by her Rittenhouse mother. The Lifeboat is busted and trapped in a bunker with the Mason Industries defectors. But, the time-traveling heroes can’t be stalled for long. Wyatt leads the charge to Get Lucy Back.
Tell-Tale TV writers Allison Nichols and Janelle McCammack are joined by Talk Nerdy with Us writer Shadia Omer to discuss Timeless Season 2 Episode 1, “The War to End All Wars.”
1. Who were you most excited to see back on your screen for Timeless Season 2? Which reunion was the most satisfying to see?
Allison: The time team’s reunion, of course! I loved how elated everyone was to see each other. I’ve rewatched that scene a couple of times. It makes my heart happy.
Shadia: Definitely the Time Team! I’ve missed Lucy, Wyatt, and Rufus! It’s been way too long! And the reunion between Lucy and Wyatt because this guy was worried about her well-being SO much that when they finally reunited, it just put him at a much better ease. But I loved how she pulled in Rufus for that group hug. They’re basically a family.
Janelle: I agree with Allison and Shadia! I have been waiting impatiently for over a year to see my favorite trio back in action. The Season 2 premiere did NOT disappoint.
When Lucy spins around to hit the man and she suddenly is staring at Wyatt’s face, there is a pause. It’s a two heartbeat pause and it could fill time and space. Hope is revived and trajectories are changed in that pause.
I have never screamed “make-out!” at my TV screen so forcefully.
The reunion is rounded out by a warm, sincere hug between Rufus and Lucy, and a dismissal of his love for Lucy from Wyatt-sure, sure, you’re just glad to have “the historian” back, we believe you, buddy.
It was a powerful, sexy, tender and funny reunion, highlighting the best attributes of Timeless itself.
2. What are your thoughts on Lucy’s decision to kill the soldier?
Allison: Lucy’s changed a lot since the first season. She didn’t hesitate. Lucy was willing to do whatever it took to keep her cover, buying her time to blow up the mothership.
Maybe she made this decision because she believed her team and her chance of defeating Rittenhouse any other way died in that explosion. It was a suicide mission, and she knew that she really wouldn’t suffer from any lasting consequences, in a way.
Shadia: Ah, that was hard to watch. Because that wasn’t Lucy, it never was. But I believe that those six weeks away without her crew and her believing that they were dead really changed her to the point where she lost herself.
Obviously, she didn’t want to kill the soldier but I think she was put in a situation where she was stuck and had to make a decision. I feel like it’ll be something she’ll carry with her for a while though.
Janelle: The second Lucy pulled the trigger, I realized Timeless is not holding back in Season 2.
Just as we saw Rufus forever changed by taking someone’s life in Season 1, Lucy will never be who she was before she shot and killed a person.
I love that Timeless is allowing Lucy to have edges. Her journey through time is no longer just about fangirling over historical figures and getting her sister back.
Her journey has developed into an inquiry into the lengths an individual can and should go to protect a version of history that is deeply imperfect.
Luc’s decision also creates even more connection and equality amongst the Time Team. Now, each of them has killed.
That’s a tragic bond, but a bond nonetheless that is going to make them stronger as a team.
3. What reveal or twist was most powerful for you?
Allison: Lucy’s plan to blow up the mothership, killing herself and her mother (well, and Emma). It’s the closest glimpse we get into Lucy’s state of mind after believing she lost her friends and the war against Rittenhouse.
Shadia: That Rittenhouse is like ten steps ahead. Placing sleeper agents in different timelines and having them wait to take their order?! WILD. I think that was crazy to me because they’re really trying to change the course of history, without even thinking twice.
Janelle: I can’t pick just one. In fact, I have three favorites.
My absolute favorite is when Malcolm Barrett gave clockblockers a shout-out! He exclaimed “Clockblocker!” while trying to fix the Lifeboat and I squealed with delight.
Barrett as Rufus adds insight and irreverence to the show. For me, it transforms Timeless from great to superlative.
Second, the reveal that Lucy was going to kill herself. That gutted me.
And third, the reveal that Marie Curie’s greatest work is her daughters. To hear the first woman to win the Nobel Prize to say that was stunning.
4. What are your thoughts on Lucy’s relationship with her mom? Do you believe Lucy is right that she has lost her mother and sister?
Allison: I can’t see Lucy’s mom ever picking Lucy over Rittenhouse. I just can’t. Rittenhouse is her entire life; it seems like. Sure, she had kids, but it seems like grooming Lucy to sit at the Rittenhouse table. We haven’t really seen her do anything that suggests Lucy comes first in her book.
Shadia: I think it’s going to take A LOT for them to reconcile. The way that her mother chose Rittenhouse over her was heartbreaking. It really hurt Lucy and she needed her mother more than ever. For now, yes, it looks like she lost her mother and her sister. I wonder if she’ll ever get Amy back.
Janelle: I am still wondering about the original timeline from Season 1 where Lucy’s mom is dying. Could it be that in that timeline, Lucy’s mom had rejected Rittenhouse and as a result been susceptible to illness?
There are so many possibilities for the past and future to be different for Lucy’s family. But, we inherit the sins of the past. Lucy, sadly, is inheriting the sins of many different pasts. Even if things change, the rift and emotional wounds will remain.
5. How are you feeling about the Lyatt arc on “The War to End All Wars”?
Allison: So great. I think my favorite moment is Rufus nudging Wyatt along like, come on dude, admit you like her.
Shadia: I’M. READY. FOR. IT. I think they’re just so comfortable with each other now that this potential relationship is just easing its way through. It feels natural and I’m hoping they explore more of it this season. It’s clear that they have strong feelings for each other.
Janelle: I am glad to see that the ship is ready to set sail, at least for some kissing! I absolutely love the way hands are used on the show. The way Lucy grabs Wyatt’s face and just yearns, it was incredible.
Beyond the sexual tension, I am enjoying the internal battle Wyatt is waging on himself for loving Lucy. Even though he gave himself permission on the Timeless Season 1 finale to move on and let the past be, he carries guilt.
Jessica has always been THE one. What does it say about Wyatt and his love for Jessica that he feels a deep love for Lucy?
I am buckled-up for that romantic ride.
6. What are you most looking forward to for Timeless Season 2?
Allison: I’m really curious about Jiya’s condition. I’m excited to learn more about what exactly is happening to her, as long as it won’t kill her.
Shadia: Everything adventure, suspense and some good Lyatt moments! Looking forward to seeing how hard the Time Team will work now to take down Rittenhouse and play them at their own game. Looking forward to Jiya’s arc as well.
Janelle: I’m most looking forward to the Salem Witch Trials. This is a time period where Rufus is in grave danger because of the color of his skin and Lucy is in grave danger because of her gender.
The Crucible is one of my favorite plays, and I am thrilled to see another historically informed dramatization of the patriarchy at its worst (at least, one example).
What did you think of this episode of Timeless.? Respond to our roundtable questions with your own answers in the comments below! You can also check out our review of Timeless Season 2 Episode 1, “The War to End All Wars,” right here.
Timeless airs Sundays at 10/9c on NBC.
Janelle Ureta
Janelle Ureta is equal parts Veronica Mars, Raven Reyes, and Rebecca Bunch, but she aspires to add some Tammy Taylor to the mix. An attorney turned teacher, Janelle believes in the power of a well-told story. She is currently exploring how to tell short stories, 140 characters or less, on twitter. She loves to talk about TV, and right now she can't shut up about Timeless, Dear White People, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The 100, or Younger.