Tom Swift Review: …And the Liftoff to Saturn (Season 1 Episode 1)
When you think about playboy billionaire tech genius the first image that comes to mind is probably Tony Stark. However, Tom Swift Season 1 Episode 1, “…And the Liftoff to Saturn” aims to change that image to the young heir apparent to Swift Enterprises, Tom.
From the start, things are intense and filled with mystery. The writers do a fantastic job of trying to draw us in by presenting complicated and interesting characters right out the gate.
Tom Too Immature?
One of the big themes for this episode is how the older people in Tom’s life think he isn’t serious about anything and makes his own rules about the money and tech he has access to. It keeps us on our toes asking whether or not we can trust that judgment at face value.
Tom definitely makes some immature, careless decisions, but he also has his heart in the right place. The fact that his mother doesn’t want him focusing on his father’s mysterious “death” is telling to me as a viewer.
By the episode’s end we know that the congressman is involved in the explosion of the Swift spacecraft, but there is a case to be made for the mother as well. Something just doesn’t sit right with me about her — which, again, shows how adept the writers are at creating a compelling story.
It’s clear from the word go that Tom is being misjudged by people who can’t be trusted — which is sad considering its his own mother. Just like Tom can’t be judged by his passionate actions around the time his father took off in the spacecraft, other characters can’t be judged at face value either.
It turns out that Tom might be the most mature, right hearted character out of everyone. He is determined to bring his father the justice he deserves and by doing so, keep Swift Enterprises in the Swift family — here’s looking to you Claire.
Shady Bodyguard
One of the most interesting characters is Rowan, one of the congressman’s bodyguards. At first he appears to be shady and distrustful as ever.
However, when the chips are down he saves Tom from what is definitely certain danger. Yet, in the final moments he’s nodding his head along to Eskel’s plan against Tom.
While Tom Swift is making a case for only giving a little in order to create more questions, it would be nice to know if Rowan can be trusted. As Tom goes about his mission to find his father he’s going to need all the allies he can find.
It’s a clear case of a wolf in sheep’s clothing because Rowan is definitely playing both sides. It’s not certain yet which side he is most trustworthy towards, but he has given Tom some vital information regarding his safety — so my money is on Team Swift.
Having him in Eskel’s inner most circle is going to help Team Swift in the long run because he can be their eyes and ears on the enemy — if he choses to be. Honestly, there is a solid trust building between Rowan and Tom that I want to see explored as the season progresses.
Who’s Tom’s Number 2?
One of the great things about Tom Swift is that he has multiple people who are willing to go to bat for him and protect his family name at all costs. Of course I am talking about Lino, Zenzi, and Isaac — the infamous trio.
They each bring their own style and flair to Team Swift so it’s hard to decide who is really Tom’s Number 2. I don’t feel like even Tom has that figured out, he manages to see their value and decide who is most important based on what they are facing.
It’s the sign of a true leader that Tom can enlist each of them to their strengths at the drop of a hat. He knows that Zenzi will use her brains and her looks to get whatever they need which comes in handy at the university party.
He also knows that if it’s surveillance and espionage his boy Lino is number 1 pick due to his hacking skills. And finally, there is the ever present, ever solid, ever strong Isaac who is the best one to have on a mission that requires the utmost secrecy and support.
Honestly, I wouldn’t be upset if a little romance starts to build between Tom and Isaac — they play off each other that well. I know Isaac is charged with protecting him, but still it would add to the drama and fun of Tom Swift.
Stray Thoughts:
- It’s going to be interesting to see if Tom figures out his AI has been hacked and whether or not that means he will go low-tech during his search.
- Bringing Ashleigh Murray onboard for this cast is an EXCELLANT choice. Her performance as Josie on Riverdale is one of my favorites. So I am sure Zenzi will quickly become a favorite.
- Levar Burton as the voice of Barclay is another genius move for the show.
- We love seeing a queer lead be more than just queer in name. Tom dealing with his grief by banging a guy at his father’s funeral — we love to see it.
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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Mads Misasi
Mads is a part-time entertainment journalist and full-time marketing content creator. They love any and all TV Dramas with a few sitcoms mixed in. Join in the fun talking about TV by following them on Twitter: @dorothynyc89.