Last time we saw the men of The Unit, things were going quite wrong. Some of them were taken prisoner, others went on the run, and one was recruited by the CIA while another had to face a possible court-martial. It wasn't much better for their wives since they had to cope with their personal problems while worrying for their men and children and protecting secrets and lies. Even though we all knew The Unit couldn't be a TV show with such a title without, well, a unit, we still pondered how the group would get back together, if they would all return, and if things would ever be the same.Over the weekend, I had the chance to watch the first two episodes of the season: "Pandemonium, Parts One and Two." The first part will air tomorrow, while the other will air on October 2.
Small spoilers ahead!
A few weeks passed between last season's finale and this premiere. However, we don't feel lost at all since the action pretty much takes off where we left off: Brown is tracking down Blane, Gerhardt and Williams are in prison, Blane and Grey are on the run and will find themselves in a city Prison Break fans are starting to know too well (as long as they don't end up in Sona...). As for Ryan, he must defend the team members and their (including his) actions before a Congressional committee.
Both episodes are as good as the CBS show can be: suspenseful with a few good twists. (It totally made me forget that bad episode from last year in which Kim's dreams are linked to the Unit's mission.) The twists aren't always jaw-dropping but they are entertaining and made me wonder why the characters did such actions, how will the twists impact the Unit, what comes next, etc. Ryan won't have it easy during the hearings, especially because he didn't receive all the information he needs for his defense and because a witness goes.... well, I'll leave it to that for now.
Keep an eye on Mrs. Ryan... I would have liked to shake her a few times and put some sense into her. However, I can understand her point of view even though I'm NOT agreeing with her actions. Molly shows once again that she has the will and the abilities to work undercover (not doing physical things mind you, but she is really good at passing on info). Tiffy will go in investigation mode when something happens to her husband. As for Kim, expect her to put herself in danger in order to get a critical piece of information for the men.
I could complain about a few inconsistencies here and there, but overall both episodes were solid and helped not only wrap up the events from last year's finale but also set the tone for the upcoming season. The only thing that bothered me a lot while watching was the fact that a lot of scenes in both episodes are shot at night and in settings where lighting is not abundant, making it really difficult to see the action at times.
Even if the Unit is still dismantled in "Pandemonium," viewers will be in known territory. The feel and look of the show is the same as in previous seasons, so is the acting. Since some of the men are out and running, expect them to do the type of team and undercover work we love, except this time, it's to save their own lives.
The Unit airs on Tuesdays on CBS.
Six Mad Men characters who are in limbo after the finale
Fact or Fiction: Big Bang, Brothers & Sisters and CSI
The TV Squad Podcast: Linda Purl talks about The Office, we talk spoilers, and more
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-24-2007 @ 6:28PM
hub said...
From the previews, it's good to see Pedro Cerrano back. Hopefully Jobu can get the Unit out of trouble.
Reply
9-24-2007 @ 6:34PM
Rob said...
I can't friggin' wait! I've been looking forward to this almost as much as I have Heroes or BSG. This is such an underrated show.
And just my 2 cents,.. but I actually really liked the season 2 episode, "Sub-Conscious" that you despised so much. Sure it was different, but I like that about this show.
Reply
9-24-2007 @ 9:01PM
A Viewer said...
This show is very entertaining. I loved the first two seasons. The melodrama with the wives is admittedly pretty boring to me, usually, but the action segments more than make up for that, and I know a lot of people really like the wives' stories. It's nice to have military/action show on TV; it gives you the kind of fast-paced adventures you usually can get only at the movies.
So does this mean that you guys here at TV Squad are finally going to post reviews of the show?
Reply
9-24-2007 @ 10:46PM
Doug D. said...
All that need be said about the third season of The Unit: Dennis Haysbert rocking the Cerrano look.
I think everything else will be taken care of quite nicely.
Reply
9-25-2007 @ 9:17AM
Chameleon said...
honestly this is the greatest show that you're not watching. can't wait for the new season.
Reply
9-25-2007 @ 10:06PM
Han Solo said...
Wow..great first episode to get this season off to a good start.
TVSquad really needs to start coveage of the show again. I forget who used to write about it, but they didn't give it much of a chance during that first season and it has not been covered here much since.
Reply
9-26-2007 @ 6:14PM
iamhoff said...
I also would love to see episode reviews. The first one rocked! So many twists and turns to follow. And Ryan's wife...I was wondering how she was going to cope with things as her feelings about Ryan's career "options" became known, but I didn't quite expect that! Can't wait for next week!
Reply
9-27-2007 @ 1:55AM
Eric said...
Great first episode - but who was the body under the water at the end of the show?
Reply
9-27-2007 @ 2:01AM
Bethanie said...
I Loved the twists and turns the first episode gave us. I can't wait to watch the 2nd part next week. I could not believe Mrs. Ryan behavior and how she sold out the Unit. I can't believe the ladies are going to her for help with their husbands.
One major complaint is the change in the music at the begining of the show. I loved the army theme song. I would totally get hyped to watch the show and the intense action about to come. Can the creators go back to the original.
I can't wait for next weeks episode! Love the action!
Reply
10-03-2007 @ 1:23AM
john r wingwing1927 said...
absolutely feel this show. missed episode of 10 02 2007
but will wait for rerun.the acting is getting into high gear
the colonels wife could be wiped out in future episodes.
cant be believe she sold them out.guess you have to make the story.
Reply
10-03-2007 @ 10:07AM
that's sarah said...
I have to say...the two part season opener has really been a ride! The Unit is quite possibly the only show I'll drop EVERYTHING just to watch. The action is amazing...gripping! The main cast has great chemistry, I think. TPTB could maybe take a little more care in casting the gueststars as the acting of the "second string" leaves a lot to be desired at times (Dark of the Moon??).
Overall though....I LOVE this show!! I'm all for more coverage of this show!
It's definitely under-rated!
Reply
10-09-2007 @ 3:37PM
sydvischus said...
BTW, song played at the very end of Pandemonium II during the reunion scene was "My Name Is Love" by Rob Dickinson: www.myspace.com/robdickinson - amazing!
Reply
11-04-2007 @ 7:49PM
Luke said...
I agree with Bethanie. I don't know who thought if the new theme song, but it was not a good idea! They should change it and change it back fast. As military myself, the old theme song DOES hype me up.
Reply