Tom Swift Season 1 Episode 7 Review: …And the Book of Isaac

As the season starts to wind down, Tom Swift has one thing to say to it’s viewers — expect the unexpected. 

After last week’s tumultuous reveal about Lorraine’s real mission, Tom Swift Season 1 Episode 7, “…And the Book of Isaac” couldn’t possibly have any more surprises, right? Wrong.

One of the great things about this episode is that it finally gives focus to a character that has been a mainstay this whole time, but never really in the spotlight, Isaac. Also, can we talk about that moment between Isaac and Tom there at the end? Please!

Isaac’s New Beginning

Learning about how Isaac came to be a part of the Swift family is as much of a story as Barton still being alive. Honestly, I care more about Isaac’s past than I do about the senior Swift’s future — I said what I said.

Knowing that he is part of the family because he saves Barton from an attack from a stranger is really fascinating and adds to what we already know about Isaac — he’s here to protect everyone. Finding out that the stranger is none other than Rowan; other worldly shocking.

It’s details like this that keep Tom Swift barreling toward the climax while also keeping us invested in the lives of all these characters. So far, we’ve had little reason to fully trust Rowan and honestly this big reveal doesn’t increase that trust at all.

However, it can’t be denied that something in Rowan’s blood saved Isaac from certain death at the hands of The Way Back. It’s just not entirely certain what exactly it is. I’d put my hand on it being something mystical or witchy in nature.

It’ll also be curious to find out if Rowan’s blood will have lasting effects on Isaac overall. I mean, Rowan overrode the commands for Barclay who’s to say his endgame isn’t more in line with The Way Back than we currently believe.

The Way Back Just Got Bigger

It’s one thing to have spent this whole season believing that Congressman Eskol is the only one working with Tom while also working against him. However, the biggest reveal yet is that Susannah Robb is also part of this plot to overthrow Swift Enterprises. 

While she hasn’t been that big of a character yet, she’s still be toing that line between fully trustworthy and a little bit iffy. Up until “…And the Book of Isaac,” I didn’t give her much thought at all.

However, when she put her phone close to Quinn’s tablet during her tour with Zenzi things get a bit suspicious. After all, if nothing else, Tom Swift has been teaching us that hacking technology is as easy as pie to these techy individuals. 

Sure enough, her actions set off a chain of events that give the viewer reason so suspect, if no one else. It’ll be interesting to see what she plans to do with Tom considering she no longer wants him dead. 

If nothing else, this woman is not to be messed with. She doesn’t shy away from making the tough decisions such as killing someone. 

Queer Representation Continues to Impress

Overall, this episode does a great job of also weaving in topics of queer representation without making any of it stand out. The sheer normalcy of Isaac’s identity, Tom’s sexuality, and Quinn’s political statements works wonders on queer representation.

The fact that Isaac is a trans, pansexual man has always been the most casual of references on this show. Diving into Isaac’s origins with the Swift family doesn’t change that in the slightest.

It’s beautiful to see the topic brought up about Lorraine’s seeming uncomfortableness with Isaac through a discussion on church and queer individuals. She shuts him down and reassures him that she doesn’t hold with such beliefs which in turn gives us all a positive spin on the religion and sexual orientation conversation.

Meanwhile, Tom continues to unabashedly flirt with every moving body of the male identity. It’s refreshing to see such fluidity with sexuality in general but especially so within the black community. 

This show doesn’t hold back from letting us know that the queer community is family no matter who they are. Even a character as small potatoes as Quinn is allowed the freedom to say something as bold as “trans rights” to a visiting investor without anyone batting an eye. 

The casual representation is what continues to set this show apart. 

 

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

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

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

15 TV Shows Canceled Way Too Soon