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Warehouse 13 - Mild Mannered

Petes love of comic books helps in finding an artifact that gives superhero abilities

This review may contain spoilers.

Now that the Warehouse was basically back to normal, it was time for Pete (Eddie McClintock) and Myka (Joanne Kelly) to be sent to Detroit on the hunt for another artifact. This week, the artifact allowed for the comic book fan in Pete to fully indulge in fun. Sci-fi fans of Fireflylooked forward to this weeks episode as it featured both Jewel Staite and Sean Maher who were both involved with the artifact.

Pete always referred to comic books throughout the show, and this time his knowledge came in handy. The artifact gave the wearer the superhero powers of Petes favorite hero the Iron Shadow, but as always, with great power comes great responsibility. The user of the artifact was putting not only criminals in danger but also everyone else as the powers could become dangerous.

Myka and Petes investigation led them to a small diner where Loretta (Jewel Staite) waitressed. By talking to Loretta and Sheldon (Sean Maher), the mild mannered guy who hangs around, they get a better idea that the artifact user had good intentions, but the artifact is gaining too much power.

Back at the Warehouse, both Artie (Saul Rubinek) and Claudia (Allison Scagliotti) dealt with their issues. Artie kept seeing MacPherson everywhere, and assumed that he was being haunted. Never one to leave anything to chance, he contained Rasputins prayer rope to prevent MacPherson (Roger Rees) from resurrecting. However, it actually turned out to be a chance for Artie to truly say goodbye to his old friend since they have some connection through the use of the Phoenix pin. Perhaps it will not be the last they see of MacPherson.

Claudia dealt with her feelings of betrayal towards Leena (Genelle Williams). Even though it was unintentional since Leena was under MacPhersons control, Claudia couldnt just let it go. The conflict between the team could potentially jeopardize the effectiveness of the Warehouse. After all, dont forget that H.G. Wells is still at large.

Pete and Myka tracked down the Iron Shadow until eventually figuring out that it was Sheldon who had recently been robbed and was using Jacob Kurtzburgs belt. Again, his intentions were good since he just wanted to make the world safe for his love Loretta, the powers were going to destroy all of Detroit since it ultimately changes density.

Eventually, Claudia came to their rescue with a cool suit and gloves. Although Pete was desperate to be the hero, the little side effect of possible impotency gave Myka the chance to fulfill many fansfantasies. Finding Sheldon at a shut down factory, Pete and Claudia distracted him until Myka, making a poignant entrance in her tight superhero outfit and gloves, came to diffuse the power. They found out that it was the briefs and not the belt, and soon all was well as Sheldon eventually got the girl as he and Loretta kissed.

Another day, another few artifacts contained, and they all ended up a happy team in the end as Pete admits to feeling more at home there after all. Happy endings in sci-fi shows usually mean that something more sinister is on its way. Perhaps well see more than just the usual mayhem in the future.

What Worked

It was fun to get a comic book focused episode, especially since there are so many adaptations of them getting a lot of attention these days. Even though it was a made up superhero, it was fun seeing Pete geek out as well as the writers having some fun as well. There were definitely some possible shout outs happening in this episode.

The blatant quote of power and responsibility is of course from Spider-Man, but there are a few possible others. The use of the name Sheldon might be from The Big Bang Theorywhere Sheldon exists as an enormous comic book fan. Claudia yells, Allons-y, which connects with Doctor Who. Then there was the mention the 98-pound weakling. Those who read comic books might remember the ad for Charles Atlas for pumping up in the back of those comics.

Its the subtle points and hints to things to which others may be able to make a connection that brings a sense of inner fun and allows the writers to wink at their fans and acknowledge them.

What Didnt Work

It is great that the show is getting some great guest stars, and it was fun seeing Jewel Staite and Sean Maher together. However, Mahers portrayal of the weakling Sheldon fell a little flat.

It felt like the two actors were there to allow them a blatant kiss in the end to satisfy any Fireflyfans. The character of Loretta seemed to peripheral, and definitely did not allow Staite to truly shine. Its a shame, since both actors are fun to see together, but both could have used some more lustrous material.

Giving Credit Where Credit Is Due

Warehouse 13 stars Eddie McClintock, Joanne Kelly, Saul Rubinek, Genelle Williams, Allison Scagliotti, and CCH Pounder. Mild Mannered was directed by Constantine Makris, written by Benjamin Raab and Deric A. Hughes, and featured Special Guest Stars Jewel Staite and Sean Maher.

Warehouse 13 airs Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on Syfy.

About the Author

Jenn Falls is a staff writer for Airlock Alpha currently working on her graduate degree in literature while living in Portsmouth, Va. She is obsessed with movies made from books, British sci-fi shows and zombies. She thanks her older brother Matt for introducing her to the world of science-fiction, and especially for her love of Star Trek and Doctor Who.
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