(S02E04) This is turning out to be quite the mini-series. Plenty of twists and turns that I did not see coming, especially after the way last night's episode turned out. Sleeper Cell has been edgy since the beginning, but it would appear that nothing is off limits now.
The biggest development was Salim's story. I honestly did not expect him to turn out gay. I really thought his story was headed in a direction with Farrah and that their romance would lead to issues later on. I like the twist -- the scene in the gym completely caught be off guard. What I didn't like was how the revelation manifested itself. The entire story of Salim's disgust with the Muslim televangelist was a bit over the top. Not to mention the fact that it felt exactly like the story from last season when Christian killed that visiting scholar. It was the exact same progression. The only difference was that Darwyn was able to stop it this time around. From here on out it would appear that Salim won't be a problem anymore because Darwyn can hold that knowledge of Salim's preferences over his head. Unless Salim tries to revolt and take out Darwyn for good?
There has been a major shift in the show though. I've gone from not caring about Ilija at all to being completely invested in his part of the story. I think this is partly due to the fact that Benny's character is becoming dead weight. What does he do? At least Ilija's story is engaging. The guilt he's going through over the death of Carly is compelling and it would appear that he'll have some involvement with the current cell's plot since the nuclear rods that Farik secured are headed to Germany -- precisely where Ilija is. It'll be interesting to see how he reacts to getting involved all over again.
Speaking of Farik though, how ruthless is he? He was willing to kill that guy's daughter to persuade the guy to give over the nuclear rods. Despite Farik's convictions, he'll stop at nothing to get what he wants. Even kill one of his own. That's cold.
At least Darwyn's relationship with Russell is progressing. It had to happen at some point because the two of them constantly fighting was getting old. They're exchanging information better, but Russell hasn't mentioned that he went to see Gayle (regarding Mina) again. He even asked her to spy on Darwyn. Still a sleaze... Darwyn thinks he's finally coming around but Russell is still working against him in many ways.
It will be interesting to see Farik's response to finding out that Darwyn is running the new cell. Farik seems to think that Gayle is responsible for the first plot falling through. At least, that's what he told to that Saudi general. Mina has intel on Gayle still being involved with Darwyn and it's only a matter of time before that gets to Farik. Gayle's life will probably be in jeopardy by the end of the season if I had to guess.
The big question remaining is why the powers that be have Darwyn and the cell working on what seem to be simultaneous attacks. A nuclear attack is coming but it would appear that taking out a commercial flight coming into LAX is also a priority. Darwyn is only one man and it'll interesting to see if he gets stretched thin trying to keep tabs on it all.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
12-14-2006 @ 12:34AM
MacGuffin said...
Farrah is one sexy woman, excellently played by Sarah Shahi (The L Word). I would totally date her, she is so beautiful and vibrant, but now we see why he isn't really interested in her. Wow, what a shocker.
This series just keeps getting better!
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12-14-2006 @ 8:37AM
SJ said...
I have to admit, I was really surprised when Farik threatened to kill Aziz's daughter. I think it was just a ploy to get Aziz to cooperate, but who knows...Farik is a psycho. I still find it very interesting that a Jew is portraying an Arab terrorist.
The whole gay thing was surprising, and yeah, the assassination of a Muslim leader plot was done already in season one.
One thing which has always surprised me about Darwyn's 'Muslim-ness' is the fact that he's committing adultery. Of course, he's not a perfect Muslim but he is usually portrayed as someone who follows the religion strictly. Adultery is considered a grave sin in Islam and I think they are trying to address that issue by having Mina tell Gayle about the punishment for adultery...perhaps Gayle will discuss that with Darwyn?
As for Ilya's storyline I seriously hopes he learns the error of his ways...it seems like Carly's death may have broken him, but maybe it may make him even more extremist. Or perhaps he realized that he fell in love with a person he was initially trying to kill? In any case it'll be interesting to see whether he gets involved now.
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12-14-2006 @ 4:14PM
pepcop said...
this show is really intense...and farrah most definitely is one sexy woman. she is pretty much the exact opposite of the "woman" seen in the video promoting this sleeper cell contest...
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12-17-2006 @ 9:05AM
sean said...
it is a shame they put this on in the midst of holiday time. People probably don't have a good opportunity to catch onto this story. This is one of the best, most intense t.v. programs i've ever seen. Obviously, this is much too intense for the faint of heart, but surprisingly, my wife is totally wrapped up in it as she has been since the beginning (she got me started watching it). I don't know a lot about islam, but this show is not only entertaining but very cerebral in many ways 24 isn't. This program shows terrorism from both sides which 24 doesn't do. I think it's evident now after seeing the preview of the finale that this series is over and that is a shame!
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12-31-2006 @ 11:37AM
Sue Barnham said...
Sleeper Cell is the most compelling, authentic drama I've ever seen. I have been fascinated with it from the beginning and have just completed watching the second season, including all the extra material. I hated to see it end and can't wait till next season. Obviously, there will be another season as Farik and Darwin are still alive.
Having lived in OKC at the time of the Murrah bombing and being a federal government employee, I have an intense interest in terrorism issues. I believe the time will come when the world will finally understand that the OKC bombing was conducted by middle-eastern terrorists using sleeper cells to accomplish the mission while employing "lily white" accomplices, Tim McVeigh and Terry Nichols. There was so much covered up by the FBI, and ordered by higher government officials. Records have been destroyed and evidence has been withheld. For further reference, see "The Third Terrorist" by Jayna Davis. Her book is full of documentation describing the middle eastern connection. www.jaynadavis.com
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