Hello Tomorrow! Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Certain Forces Once Unleashed

Hello Tomorrow! Season 1 Episode 9, “Certain Forces Once Unleashed,” uses a six-week time jump and continues its bland storytelling.

The good thing about this episode is that it is the penultimate of the season which means this insufferable show is almost over. In case you haven’t been able to tell, I’m not loving Hello Tomorrow!, and I find it to be very disappointing, especially since it’s such an interesting concept. 

The retro-futuristic alt-universe is used merely as a backdrop. It’s an element of the story that lacks depth and context, and it’s a pretty darn big element if you ask me. Although, I appreciate the aesthetic and see that as a moderately successful aspect of the show.

But the more egregious offense is the poor storytelling.

The six-week time jump at the start of the episode really makes the inadequate structure and weak writing that has plagued the whole season even more apparent. The only way we know it’s been six weeks is through the dialogue. Nothing else about the events of this episode indicates the passage of time. And, I mean, c’mon, that’s Writing 101 — “show, don’t tell.” 

Sadly, as a result, the immense acting talent is lost on this mediocre show and its dull story.

The family dynamic of Jack, Barbara, Joey, and his mother — who has been in a coma since Hellow Tomorrow! Season 1 Episode 1, “Your Brighter Tomorrow, Today,” — leaves so much to be desired. It tries to make up for that lost time here, but it is way too little, way too late in the game.

However, Joey wearing the wire (that ridiculously cumbersome wire) is the most interesting thing he’s done so far on the show. I’m ready for Jack to get his comeuppance, for him to finally have some ramifications for his actions, and I support Joey’s plan to expose him, I just wish he had executed it better. 

The father-son scene before the Volts game is about as emotional as anything created by a chatbot, honestly. It fails to achieve even a semblance of character depth or development. Joey should feel so unsatisfied with Jack’s answer for why he left. Even Jack calls it a “shit reason” himself.

Speaking of being unsatisfied, poor Shirley’s story takes a turn for the worse. As if that is possible. The character’s journey has been a big disservice to Haneefah Wood and her capabilities.

Likewise with Herb. He is a fascinating character played fantastically by Dewshane Williams, but he is completely sidelined — both as a character in the story and as a performer on the show. 

Similarly, I have liked a lot of moments with Myrtle and Les, as well as the two of them together, but their story has stalled out. And this business about his dog isn’t effective enough renew interest in their relationship.

I have no hope that the season finale will change my mind about this show. It’s been, simply put, a disappointment on all fronts. 

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

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New episodes of Hello Tomorrow! stream Fridays on Apple TV+.

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