Tom Swift Season 1 Episode 6 Review: …And The Benefits of Bondage
As great as Tom Swift has been so far, it is bound to have an episode that turns out to be a confused mess. Despite the chaotic nature of Tom Swift Season 1 Episode 6, “…And The Benefits of Bondage,” reveals the episode isn’t a total loss.
The continued exploration of Tom’s friend group serves the story well when other parts of it fall to pieces. With a limited number of episodes left we deserve to have every moment be a win toward the end goal.
All along the purpose of Tom’s passion has been to find his father and save the family company in the process. So, for “…And The Benefits of Bondage” to come out swinging with a story that veers completely off course from that it’s disappointing in the very least.
The Trials of Tom Swift
First and foremost, the intrigue behind what or who has kidnapped Tom carries this episode through the first two acts. Where it loses us is in the final act — where the stakes lose themselves entirely.
The most frustrating part about this whole episode is that we are led to believe that the kidnapping has something to do with Swift Enterprises — therefore something to do with Tom’s overall goal — but ends up way in left field. That’s not to say the whole secret family legacy part of the story isn’t fascinating and cool.
Unfortunately, it could’ve made more sense to the overall plot if Lorraine hadn’t created the ruse in the first place. She can test her son’s integrity and loyalty and passion in ways that don’t involve pointless trials.
These trials take an entire episode of progress toward finding Barton away from an already limited season. Again, while this plot is really fascinating and could really add to the whole Swift family B Plot, it doesn’t serve the A plot of the show and feels like someone threw something at the idea wall and said “lets go with that.”
Safe Space — Literally.
Okay, it’s one thing to see Lorraine’s vision of a safe space for Black folks to go to where they can be themselves and find the dignity and respect they deserve. It’s another thing entirely for that safe space to literally be in space.
While Tom Swift starts with Barton taking a trip to Saturn, building a safe space planet so to speak loses me. It just seems a bit out there, even for this family that is already dabbling in space travel.
Maybe, the episodes to come will reveal more and expose Barton’s trip as being part of that creating stage. Until then I am personally going to say this space plot is a no go for me.
If there had been any kind of build up toward this reveal then maybe it would be more believable. As it stands this secret society hasn’t even been hinted at this season and comes out of nowhere as if we are supposed to trust it or care.
Team Swift
Finally, the strongest part of this episode of Tom Swift comes from the trio of Zenzi, Isaac, and Rowan — with a side of snark curtesy of Barclay.
Honestly, these three characters truly make the show as strong as it is. Without them Tom wouldn’t be able to stand on his own boy genius merit.
As much as we love Tom we love Isaac and Zenzi more. These two are characters who add depth and personality to a somewhat dull protagonist.
This episode would’ve been a total wash if it weren’t for them working with the shady Rowan to find Tom. Isn’t this the plot to every other episode — how can Team Swift save Tom today?
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.