Timeless Roundtable: Forever Young JFK

Timeless Season 2 Episode 5, “The Kennedy Curse,” shifted format by bringing someone from the past, a young JFK, to the present.

Social media! Modern medicine! Integrated schools (well, this school at least)! We were treated to all sorts of new intrigues on the episode.

“The Kennedy Curse,” gave us a few fantastic fights: Emma vs. Wyatt; Agent Christopher vs Carol; and Rufus vs. Jiya and faith. Timeless and its fandom continue to fight for a Season 3.

We hope Timeless is like Emma — victorious despite wearing some serious high-heels.

Tell-Tale TV writers Allison Nichols, Janelle McCammack are joined by Jacki Pytlik, host of Sipping Sisters Podcast, to discuss “The Kennedy Curse.”

• Allison Nichols (@AllisonBlairN)
• Janelle McCammack (@schoolsoutlaw)
• Jacki Pytlik (@UretaYah)

1. Timeless took on the topic of God and faith this week. What do you think about Rufus and Jiya’s discussion about believing in a higher power?

Allison: I love that Timeless went there with Jiya’s visions. This is a very interesting conversation to have, especially considering they travel through time and, at least recently, alter events.

They essentially play god and decide that someone who maybe previously died deserves to live.

Jacki: I’m going to be honest, I’m a little worried about my Riya heart!

Rufus and Jiya seem to have polar opposite beliefs in a higher power. This is definitely a relationship killer.

It is very hard for couples with differing religious beliefs to be in a relationship.

This combined with the issues of the premonitions and Rufus seeming to not being very supportive of what is happening with Jiya and her concerns about these visions, I’m worried!

I hope this isn’t the last conversation on the topic. There’s a lot to unpack regarding Jiya’s visions, and how/why she got them needs to be discussed and maybe one day answered.

Janelle: When Riya started talking about fate and God I thought, “Of course this would come up! I can’t believe the Time Team hasn’t talked about faith before!”

I was thrilled to see the couple grappling with the very pivotal issue of faith.

Even though Rufus has been quite rude to Jiya for the last two missions, and this conversation is really no exception, I am glad to learn more about where Rufus’ belief system.

I relate to Jiya’s perception that a repeated result, even when Rufus has altered the past, indicates a divine intention. But, I also relate to Rufus’ frustration with people relying on an invisible force to bring healing or resources and not seeing that people need to do something.

It is a complicated and sensitive topic, even without time travel!

It is meaningful that Rufus and Jiya are scientists. Often, belief in science and belief in a higher power are viewed as mutually exclusive.

“The Kennedy Curse” showed that belief systems are as complicated as the people who believe them.

I really hope that the discussion and exploration continue just like it has: without providing an easy answer.

2. What was your favorite part of Young JFK’s storyline?

Allison: I really loved watching him be a fish out of water. It was cute seeing him make friends and try to wrap his brain around this new time.

Jacki: My favorite part was when Young JFK learned about the Kennedy Curse.

I wish they hinted more at the end of the episode if Young JFK tried to change his siblings’ outcomes.

I did find it interesting that they still had him assassinated, but it was in a different city. They stated that it was meant to be.

Rufus really doesn’t seem to mind changing history at all!

Janelle: I loved Young JFK’s interactions with Kayla.

So often, we have seen JFK with women who are given two-dimensional portrayals. Marilyn Monroe and Jackie O are types, not people, in how they are shown in the media.

Kayla is a developed and non-stereotyped woman of color.

It was a real joy to see how Young JFK started to objectify or shmooze Kayla, but she just ignored it and lived as she is: a full human being.

I actually think it was a gorgeous way to showcase some of the progress society has made.

Reina Hardesty as Kayla was perfection. It was an amazingly nuanced performance. I would love to see her (and Young JFK!) back on a future episode.

3. How do you feel about Lucy’s decision to encourage Jessica to stay with the Time Team? What’s going to happen with Lyatt!?

Allison: Lucy put Wyatt’s needs ahead of her own. She knows how much it means to Wyatt to have this second shot with Jessica, and she does not want to stand in the way of Wyatt’s happiness. It’s a very selfless act, and it had to be extremely hard for Lucy to do.

The problem is that you can’t turn off your feelings. Lucy and Wyatt are going to struggle with how to work together and be just co-workers. They’re a team, and they’re in sync with each other.

Jessica is already aware that Wyatt and Lucy are more than just co-workers, and watching them work together is probably going to become an issue for Jessica.

Noble intentions aside, Lucy and Wyatt are drawn to each other. They can’t fight it.

Jacki: Has Lucy ever heard of “too many cooks in the kitchen!” The Time Team is getting a little large.

I understand why Lucy is encouraging Jessica to stay. Lucy cares for Wyatt and how important Jessica is to him.

I think that this actually hurts Wyatt because he is not remembering why or how his relationship was before Jessica’s death.

I think very shortly the same issues they were having in their marriage are going to come to the surface and make the time bunker a very awkward place to be.

But, that means there is definitely hope for Lyatt!!

I think it might take some time, but I think Wyatt is going to eventually realize that after Jessica’s death he moved on and he is not the same person he was and they cannot have the same marriage/relationship that they had before Jessica’s death.

Janelle: I understand why Lucy overcame, or overrode, the pain she felt and asked Jessica to stay.

If Lyatt is going to work out long-term, there can’t be any chance that it could have worked between Jessica and Wyatt.

I am also frustrated by her choice. I think it is an example of how selflessness is overrated in characters.

I want to see both Wyatt and Lucy fight for their relationship. They can save each other over and over, but when it comes to fighting for their love, they acquiesce.

I hope that Lucy gets to the point where she is able to be an understanding friend but also tell Wyatt: I love you, you love me. Pick me.

As far as Lucy’s relationship with Jessica goes, I love how awkward it is. I know there are many folks that like Jessica, and I am a fan of how the women aren’t catty or back-stabbing.

But, it was over for me when Jessica said, “But, she’s a teacher,” dismissing Lucy’s vast accomplishments. Nope, sorry, not gonna be liking your character, Jessica.

4. What do you think Flynn’s motive is to be there for Lucy in her heartbreak?

Allison: I feel like he’s lonely. No one really wants him there in the bunker. He doesn’t have any friends.

Lucy’s been the nicest to him out of everyone. I think Flynn wanted to return the favor. He obviously is aware of Lyatt and knows how hard it must have been for Lucy to take a step back so Wyatt and Jessica can be together.

I don’t think there’s any hidden agenda behind Flynn’s actions. I think he wanted to be nice and start to build up more of a friendship with Lucy, which I am all here for.

I love those two.

Jacki: Ahh, I cannot tell!

Is it romantic? Friendship? I don’t know. What I do know is I’m okay with both options.

I like the idea of giving Wyatt a little competition for Lucy’s heart.

Janelle: I love Flucy’s chemistry. Flynn gives really great eye smolder and sass.

His motives are very difficult to read, but his sexy and fascinating personality has me crossing my fingers that they are not entirely platonic.

But, I think Flynn’s gesture to join Lucy on the tiny, tiny, couch, with a beer in hand was a gesture of solidarity. Flynn has been through some heartache, and Flynn has lived in the past for a long time; Lucy is in good company.

Flynn was surprised to learn about Wyatt and Lucy’s romantic struggles. So it wasn’t in the journals from Season 1. That means we are in uncharted territory.

5. We got to see Agent Christopher as a Bunker Mom on the episode. What do you think about her development? What would you like to see in future episodes?

Allison: I’m glad we are getting to know her a bit better. We haven’t really seen her off on her own.

I hope we continue to showcase and develop the relationships she has with everyone on her team. We obviously know she has grown attached to them, but it’s not often shown.

Jacki: I love Agent Christopher! I really love her development this season.

She has had some amazing lines, that just make me love her even more.

I would love to see her take on more of the role of a surrogate mother for Lucy. They are fairly close in age, but I think that Agent Christopher could really be a great sounding board for Lucy.

Janelle: Agent Christopher is a total badass momma bear, who lives to protect the Time Team without ever worrying about the glory.

Ever since she stood up for Rufus, Lucy, and Wyatt on the Season 1 finale, she has been one of my favorite and most trusted characters.

On “The Kennedy Curse,” we get to see her fierce loyalty and strength. She doesn’t lie to Lucy about the risks of continuing to time travel.

I also know that Agent Christopher will be working overtime to protect Lucy, her bunker daughter, and her biological daughter anyway way she can.

I want even more story for Agent Christopher, and I hope we see her less on the bench and more in the game for the rest of Season 2.

6. Write three words and a GIF to describe your reaction to that fight sequence.

Allison: KICK. HER. ASS.

Jacki: Ouch, Ouch, Ouch!

Janelle: Kickin-ass in HEELS!

Where do you stand on the Timeless love square? What did you think of “The Kennedy Curse?”

Respond to our roundtable questions with your own answers in the comments below! You can also catch up with our review of Timeless Season 2 Episode 5, “The Kennedy Curse,” right here.

Timeless airs Sundays at 10/9c on NBC.

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