Tom Swift Review: …And the 4b Curl (Season 1 Episode 2)

After such a strong start to the season, you would think this episode would measure up. Sadly, Tom Swift Season 1 Episode 2, “…And the 4b Curl” feels more like a filler episode than a story expansion. 

Not a whole lot happens to move the plot along which shouldn’t be the case so early in the game. In fact, this episode could’ve done with a bit more Eskol espionage than just a few sightings of Rowan — yawn. 

Who to Trust

There is still a major cloud in the air around who in Swift Enterprises can actually be trusted. Sure, we know that Zenzi and Isaac are ride-or-die Tom Swifties (yes I just repurposed Taylor Swift language). But what about Lorraine or Claire?

While I love that Tom is so close to his mom — it’s not a queer narrative we get to see often with the Black community — I can’t help but question her motives. After all, she got angry at Tom for defending himself against the bigoted Darbys. 

Is social decorum that much more important than Tom standing up for who he is? Or is there another reason at play with her?

I don’t want to question her because I do like the character. However, it’s definitely hard to discern where her loyalties lie and how much of her actions are fueled by grief. 

With Claire there hasn’t been any reason to trust her at all — from day one. She is manipulative, cunning, and ambitious. A combination that doesn’t mesh well with staying true to the Swift name.

That being said, she also shows restraint during the scene where she realizes an invention makes people susceptible to coercion. There is a case to be made though, that she shows restraint in order to further her endgame in the long run.

Tom Swift is fantastic at making us question each and every character’s motives no matter which side they are on.

The Elephant in the Room

Arguably the only stand out thing about this episode is Zenzi and Tom’s argument and make-up. These two are family both blood and found and it shows strongly in this episode.

Zenzi just wants what is best for Tom, while also ensuring that she supports him in all his decisions. So, naturally she would be hurt that Tom didn’t tell her a vital piece of information about his feud with Chris Darby.

It’s the typical best friend dispute that is used by TV and movies the world over. One friend thinks they are saving the other friend pain and suffering by keeping something from them. 

While this is an overused trope, it’s a trope because it actually works. Tom shows just how much he’s actually gone through in his life by shedding light on this incident.

Yes, Tom has lived a life of luxury but he’s also lived a life marked with criticism and bigotry based on who he is. Zenzi knows that better than anyone, so it’s wonderful to see them finally be honest with each other about everything and come to an even deeper understanding of each other.

Plus, we get a moment of Zenzi calling out Isaac’s clear attraction to Tom, which we love to see. 

Rowan

The scenes with Rowan are confusing and honestly not that important to the overall plot. It doesn’t make sense to put so much focus on Rowan hand delivering each of these invitations. 

And yet, Tom Swift has which leads me to believe that maybe there is some importance to it down the road. Either way, Tom trusts him a bit too much for my liking.

Hopefully, now that Tom has realized Barclay is compromised and that Rowan is the culprit things will divert to distrust. Of course, Tom doesn’t do anything halfway so his switch up is going to be in true Tom fashion. 

It’s great to see Tom hasn’t lost his drive to be unapologetically himself despite the clapback he’s been getting from his mom and others. That’s one thing that is refreshing to see in him — unflappably his queer self no matter what.

Further Thoughts:

• Realizing that Isaac is trans and pansexual is ticking even more of my representation boxes for this show. Keep them coming!
• Zenzi has FLAWLESS fashion. Girl is an ICON and she knows it.
• Tom putting aside everything to partner with Chris Darby is proof positive that he has what it takes to be a CEO — hear that Lorraine?

 

What did you think of this episode of Tom Swift? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Tom Swift airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.

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