Roswell, New Mexico Season 4 Episode 12 Review: Two Sparrows in a Hurricane
Roswell, New Mexico Season 4 Episode 12, “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane,” is the perfect storm this series needed as the story comes to an end.
It is a jam-packed hour full of epic love, alien science, and wild action sequences, three things we will fondly remember the series for once it is over.
And as I mention Roswell, New Mexico‘s legacy, I must start with the love stories woven throughout this series and prominently through this episode, from the opening monologue focusing on the risks you’ll take for love.
It is love — and the hope that springs from the thought of your soulmate — that ultimately save the day.
Max and Michael face unknown, frightening futures, and their strongest sources of inspiration come from Liz and Alex, furthering the depth of these connections that have driven the series since the very start.
I appreciate how both of these scenarios play out. Michael’s greatest asset is his brain, and Max needs to use his blue flame, which terrifies him, to save them all and get back to Liz.
Alex’s insistence that Michael will find another way to open the portal is powerfully romantic. Michael wouldn’t let him give up all day, and now it is Alex’s turn to give Michael the same hope. They feel like true partners, reiterating why they’ll make excellent husbands.
The last five minutes of “Two Sparrows in a Hurricane” are some of the strongest of the season. We feel the urgency bleeding out of these characters. They want happy endings with their loved ones, and they need to get out of the liminal space.
It is an edge-of-your-seat ride until the very end, which is why the episode works so well.
While some parts of the episode jump around faster than is realistic to get to specific points in the story, it works. The season as a whole struggled to maintain the right pace, but now it is at the end zone, and the series needs to land the ship.
I’m okay with rushing through how Isobel and Max find Michael and Alex at the diner, and then find Bonnie in a matter of minutes. The plot needs to finally move to get them to the portal for their final showdown with Clyde.
The showdown with Clyde, which has only begun, is promising now that he feels like a true threat.
It’s about time the main cast shares a huge action scene, and the showdown looks even more exciting now that the aliens will use their powers to their fullest potential — especially Max and his awesome blue flame.
The alien lore is enticing when it focuses on the capabilities and strengths of the characters. We prefer watching them harness their abilities to work together and save one another like a true family.
Outside of the liminal space, Liz and Kyle experience a similar race to the finish line, but their scenes at Deep Sky still push Liz to express emotions she’s pent up for seasons.
Liz’s addiction storyline, though initially rushed and confusing, allows for necessary discussions about her need to always be the one in charge. She makes it so hard to let others help her because she feels like she is the only one who can save them.
However, the past four seasons have proven how smart and capable her friends are. Liz needs to trust that they can save the day too.
I will admit that it is difficult to watch the tension between Rosa and Liz, but it is necessary for the emotional stakes of the story. Sisters are complicated, and so is addiction, which is why Rosa refuses to give up on Liz.
This storyline showcases some of Jeanine Mason’s best work on the series. She embodies this role so fully, and we feel every ounce of panic Liz feels when she breaks down.
It is stellar work as we prepare to say goodbye to Roswell, New Mexico‘s heroine.
“Two Sparrows in a Hurricane” is a rollercoaster of an hour, proving the capabilities of the cast and the potential of the story when the writers hit the correct emotional beats.
The episode finally raises the stakes as Clyde gains enough power to become their most powerful enemy while connecting the ensemble after spending the season on separate tracks with sporadic overlap.
It is an excellent lead-in for the series finale, forcing everyone into the main conflict and allowing the story to end in one final battle.
Stray Thoughts
- Kyle and Isobel’s romantic timing is very on point for this series. It always speeds up right at the end.
- Max punching Clyde is perfect. I have no notes.
- Shivani’s presence is wildly unnecessary, and I can think of better ways to push Liz to her darkest place. However, her goal isn’t that different from what some of these characters have done for their own loved ones.
- “All I’ve ever wanted in my entire life was to make you happy” is both heartbreaking and beautiful, in a way only Michael Guerin can deliver.
- I caught a vibe between Maria and Eduardo’s daughter, but there is a romantic spark between Maria and Dallas. And what about sweet Gregory Manes?
- Isobel and Max taking care of Alex is a very sweet moment as our resident Malex stans.
- The inconsistency with Alex’s disability in the latter parts of this series will always disappoint.
What did you think of this episode of Roswell, New Mexico? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Roswell, New Mexico airs Mondays at 8/7c on The CW.
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Julia Paino
Julia is a TV and pop culture enthusiast who gets too emotionally invested in her favorite characters. She loves making people laugh and is always down for a Taylor Swift sing-along. She is firmly on Team Stefan and has been since 2009. Follow her on Twitter @juliampaino!