Beacon 23 Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Rocky

Beacon 23 Season 1 Episode 5, “Rocky,” is its strongest yet, incorporating flashbacks into the present-day narrative to answer long-held questions. It’s a breath of fresh air in an otherwise rocky (excuse the word choice) season. 

“Rocky” also brings the consistently captivating Stephen Root into the fold as Solomon, the enigmatic former Beacon Keeper whose death is shrouded in mystery. You can always count on Root to make the most interesting, exciting choices as an actor. This outing is no exception, as Root’s bravura performance is easily a highlight. 

In addition to spending more time with Solomon, a fascinating, if flawed, character, Beacon 23 finally fills in the blanks regarding Halan’s arrival at the beacon. Stephan James and Root play off each other well, as the writers peel back more layers to this story. 

“Rocky” cleverly discloses some answers while opening channels for new questions. We’re finally seeing the (very) slow-burn narrative yield dividends in this episode. So far, Beacon 23 has walked the strange line between too fast and too slow regarding the pacing and storytelling.

However, “Rocky” is a testament to this gamble paying off. Whether the remaining three episodes maintain this momentum remains to be seen. Hopefully, We’ll get a hefty dose of action with the QTA on the way. 

Circling back to the performances, Lena Headey is solid as always. Even when the material is subpar, Headey rises to the challenge. While Aster’s lack of remorse regarding her killing Coley, especially considering their complex romantic entanglement, is confounding, it makes one curious enough to want to know why she’s unremorseful.

Headey and James’ chemistry is less confounding despite their respective characters’ complicated arcs. It’s not electrifying or magnetic in an obvious way, but there’s an easygoing undercurrent to it. It’s not forced or over-the-top. 

Halan’s hallucinations are done well, with the editing seamlessly blending Aster and Gashade in particular. That seamless execution makes these hallucinations bewildering for audiences as well as Halan. Plus, who wouldn’t wonder what Gashade was trying to tell Halan, brain virus or not? 

“Rocky” is a significant step up, even from last week’s improved installment. Beacon 23 is finally finding its footing. The episode deftly marries intrigue, science fiction, puzzle box, and thriller elements. This successful marriage feels like the story the writers have been trying to tell from the beginning. It’s a much-needed reinvigoration. 

Stray Observations: 

• Halan and Rocky (my name for the silicate) = a buddy road trip comedy waiting to happen. Bring it on. 
• I sincerely hope it’s a character choice on Stephen Root’s part to give Solomon painted nails. They look fabulous. 
• Harmony’s dry sense of humor kills me. Petition to give her more sarcastic one-liners, please, and thank you. 
• Did anyone else get major The Expanse vibes when Aster and Halan watched the mineral deposits swirl outside the GWB? Solomon’s rocks are the new protomolecule (sorry, protomolecule).  
• Something tells me Halan and Gashade had a thing before her death. 
• What are those rocks? Are they aliens? Are they used to communicate with extraterrestrials or some kind of conduit? 
• Will we see Aleph (formerly known as Milan Aleph) working for QTA in our current timeline since he’s immortal? 
• Calling it now: Aster saw this rock formation as a kid, hence why we heard a child laughing when she mentioned it to Halan. 

What did you think of this episode of Beacon 23? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Beacon 23 drops new episodes every Sunday at 9/8c on MGM+.

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