Take Two Review: Stillwater/Family Ties (Season 1 Episodes 10 and 11)

Take Two shows its wide range with Season 1 Episodes 10 and 11, “Stillwater” and “Family Ties.” These two episodes aired back to back, but couldn’t have been more different. Take Two can do both silly, fun episodes and dramatic, serious episodes equally well.

On “Stillwater,” Sam tricks Eddie into driving two hours away to meet with a boy whose mother is missing. Sam has such a big heart that she isn’t able to turn the boy away, even after he insists his mother was abducted by aliens. However, she knows Eddie would never take the case.

Eddie: What exactly do you think this thing was? …Aliens?

Sam: Alleged aliens!

As they discover more evidence, Eddie changes his tune.

The town of Stillwater is perfectly creepy. The people give off this weird, back country vibe that makes you uneasy.

Just like Eddie and Sam, I found myself buying into the possibility aliens could be involved in this case. It hits all the extraterrestrial cliches but spins an intriguing story nonetheless.

I really enjoy the twist that the abduction seemingly cures victims of their diseases. It adds an element that initially makes it much harder to believe mere humans are only putting on a big show.

Eddie and Sam’s abduction is totally predictable, but that voice jammer tool is awesome. I want to try it!

In the end, the kidnappers are nothing more than people trying to cover up a corporate mistake. At least they’re giving the victims free medical care, right? Despite the fact that it is by abduction and trickery…

Sam and Eddie: That was not so Swift!

Take Two Season 1 Episode 11, “Family Ties,” opens on a completely different note. We meet Christine’s brother, Tyler, as he calls her in a panic while hiding from some scary-looking gang members.

Take Two has done an excellent job all season mixing in enough realistic drama to allow the audience to take the show seriously. While it always seems like a safe bet Eddie and Sam won’t be hurt and the good guys will win in the end, the show still has complicated dilemmas and genuine danger.

Eddie’s protective streak shines on this episode. He may not be in love with Chris, but he cares for her and her family deeply. He works hard to keep them both physically and emotionally safe.

We also see more of the impact Sam’s addictions had on the people around her. The show has previously discussed how Sam is perceived by the public, but how her family feels is much more important to her.

Sam: I’m the only one in the family that doesn’t have a PhD.

Eddie: If she’s that smart, she’ll forgive you.

It seems like Eddie may be the only real support Sam has. He lets her into his inner circle and that means he will be there for her whenever she needs him, whether she needs someone to talk to about her fight with her sister or someone to jump on top of her when bullets start flying.

Only on crime shows can a moment where two people almost get shot be so romantic. I swear it looks like Sam enjoys Eddie literally shielding her from gunfire.

Everyone is safe for now, and Tyler isn’t going to prison. But I have a feeling that loan shark isn’t going to cash in her favor from Eddie at a convenient time.

Other Thoughts:

• I want to know how the kidnappers actually pulled off their alien crimes. That’s some elaborate stuff.
• Sam’s list of crimes against her sister is hilarious! Sending a stripper to her dissertation?! Giving her a pet monkey?!
• “Looks more like cocaine. What? I have some experience.” Oh, Sam.

What did you think of these episodes of Take Two? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Take Two airs Thursdays at 10/9c on ABC.

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