Discussion Post: 2x09 "The General" | 2x10 "Chinatown"

[wendelah1]

I'm putting up the post early because I'll still be at my mother's house when the episode begins airing. (Happy Mother's Day if you're celebrating.)

This is the discussion post for episode 2x09, "The General" and 2x10, "Chinatown." It is meant for folks who are watching the show on the U.S. schedule, but you should feel free to join in any time after you've seen the episode. On Global, the episodes are airing on separate days, but since no one objected, I'm combining both episodes into one post.

Air Date: May 6, 2018 in the U.S.
"The General"
Written by: Matt Whitney
Directed by: John Showalter
"Chinatown"
Written by: Tom Smuts and Nancy Baird
Directed by: Greg Beeman

I've already posted the NBC promo so how about something different? This is the Wondercon appearance of Goran Visnjic. It was a nice surprise to see him alone because when he's in a panel with the rest of the cast, he never gets a word in edgewise.

Watch on YouTube

Pilot, Thinker, Soldier, Spy: The Epic “Timeless” Season Finale Twofer | The heroes help Harriet Tubman raid the Confederacy before leaving their heart in San Francisco (Smithsonian Magazine)
Timeless ends its season with a finale so good, it can't be cancelled… right? (AV Club)
Timeless Needs to Be Renewed After Breaking Our Hearts and Brains (TV Guide)
'Timeless' Star Abigail Spencer Explains the Shocking Finale Reveal (Exclusive) (ET online)

Timeless recap: Bloodshed and betrayal in an explosive two-part season finale (EW)
Timeless Season-Finale Recap: ’Til Death Do Us Part (Vulture)
Timeless EP on Finale Twist, [Spoiler]'s Fate, Flynn's 'Deep Feelings' for Lucy (TVLine)
Timeless Finale Recap: Should Shows On The Cancellation Bubble Do Season-Ending Cliffhangers? (Uproxx)
‘Timeless’ Season Finale: Death Of Major Character Teases New Timeline As NBC Drama Awaits Its Fate (Deadline Hollywood)
'Timeless,' Awaiting Renewal, Ends Season 2 With Massive Cliffhanger Tell us something we don't already know! (Hollywood Reporter)
Timeless co-creator explains finale shockers — and plans for season 3 (EW)

Remember, if you can, watch in real time, tweet in real time, etc. If you're recording the episode to watch later, it doesn't count in the ratings and it won't help our cause. In that case, watch On Demand, or on Hulu, or at the NBC website as soon as you can. Those are the numbers that matter to the network because those are the numbers that matter to their advertisers. NBC has already announced their Fall 2018 schedule and needless to say, we are not on it! This is our last chance to show the network that we want a third season. Let's get those numbers up!

What you need to do to help Timeless reach season 3

Comments

[wendelah1]

That said, one thing the writers did get right this season is making Flynn part of the time team, and working with the group, instead of against them. Besides, he brings welcome snark and edge to the team.

Last season, they were working against Flynn. He had a plan--based on Lucy's diary--to bring down Rittenhouse. They're on the same side now, but don't you think it's odd that they aren't using what Flynn knows from the diary? I know they don't have it anymore but my impression is that he read it cover to cover and knows the content pretty damn thoroughly.

I don't like the sleeper agent plot because it makes no sense AT ALL. You can't destroy the American auto industry by killing a bunch of auto executives at a race car track, plus why would Rittenhuse want to do it? You can't destroy the counter culture by murdering one blues musician, no matter how influential. Murdering one suffragist wouldn't mean women wouldn't get the right to vote--especially since President Wilson was already in favor of women's suffrage. One plantation raid more or less wouldn't change the course of the Civil War. And why would it further Rittenhouse's aims to divide the country? I would like to have heard someone give an explanation. Rittenhouse needs a better political strategist and a better historian.

[earthspirits]

Yeah, my husband and I have talked about that with each other (ie making better use of Lucy's journal). In a "real life" situation, the team would want all the intell from that journal, and it would be more realistic that Flynn would discuss in depth with Lucy. Doubtless the writers would use some sort of plot device that future Lucy told Flynn not to really discuss with anyone, even her, for "timey wimey" reasons. Or something like that.

The sleeper agents are also plot devices, and i agree, seem rather unlikely. The plot device of fate has a way of "course correcting" (which was depicted in both the finale and the earlier Salem episode), and thus the big historical situations that Rittenhouse wants to change, would probably still happen in the timeline(s), although perhaps with different people pushing them forward, rather than the original people Rittenhouse "took out".

I think Rittenhouse needs to be explained a bit more - they seem a rather vague group, with their family bloodlines, etc. Surely there's more folks from the original Rittenhouse line than just Lucy and her relatives.
For that matter, are there higher ups in the organization above Emma and her "new" ally, Jessica? It would be more realistic that Carol and Nicholas were just part of the Rittenhouse machine, not the only big shots.