Things are quickly, and unfortunately, coming to an end for Defying Gravity. I’ve had an opportunity to watch Episode 12, and I’ve got to say that I really like where the series was going. Donner and Zoe have great chemistry, the mystery of the Beta (and the others) is very solid, and the cast has a great dynamic. This episode was obviously the first half of a two-hour finale, so for those that haven’t seen it, but are taking the time to track them down, I would suggest waiting until you can see Episodes 12 and 13 together. As per usual, SPOILER WARNINGS APPLY.
Nadia and Donner slept together, but didn’t sleep together, if you know what I mean (in the future, obviously they were sleeping together in the past). I feel like I should reiterate, but Nadia kinda blows. She’s a completely uninteresting character, and is obviously an opposite of Zoe in every way. I like that Zoe and Donner ended up together in the past … It just felt right, but that’s because we know these two belong together, even if she hasn’t quite caught on just yet. Her pushing him away in the morning proves that. “It was always Donner … Zoe and Donner;” even Eve knows it (and it’s a great follow up to Goss’ asshole line).
Speaking of people I don’t like, Goss is pretty much a dick too. At least in his case, he’s written to be one. The hoax that they are pulling off is a nice call back to the conspiracy theories about the moon landing, but I do feel the pain of Arnel and others who really didn’t sign up for what they are being asked to do. He does redeem himself with his speech to the ASCANs that were dropped from the program, but I think Zoe getting dropped is just manufactured drama, because, uh, it obviously doesn’t stick.
Another relationship that has grown on me is Jen and Zoe. I think one of the most interesting dynamics to play in drama is one of friendship, more so than lovers. Shaw and Donner started off in that role, but their friendship hasn’t been explored like Zoe’s and Jen’s. In a lot of ways, Zoe is all that Jen has right now, because she’s lost her connection with Rollie and hasn’t yet reconnected with Ted, which I’m sure is on the way (or would be, if people had actually, you know, watched this show).
The Venus landing was pretty straightforward. Missing the landing site was manufactured drama that actually worked. Donner and Zoe’s connection to Beta (and Gamma, I guess) was always stronger than the others’, specifically Zoe. When she started walking towards Gamma’s call, you knew everything was happening for a reason, including the missed landing. Evram gives the hint: sure, Zoe can get there on her own, but getting back will be the challenge. Maybe she’ll get back with a little help from her new friend.
Unfortunately for us, we didn’t find out what that reason was. I wish I had seen the two hour presentation together (hence my suggestion before the jump). I would say how much I hate it when two-parters get split like this, but, frankly, I’m just thankful that I actually got to see this, and the other episodes that ABC has shelved. I have my doubts to whether or not we’ll ever see these episodes aired in the States (and my conscience will have me watching them when they are, believe you me), but am glad that I’ve gotten an opportunity to watch these episodes when I have.
Other stuff:
Clacked by Ivey West 
on Oct 26, 2009 @ 13:00 EST5EDT
I am in complete agreement about the relationship between Jen and Zoe. They are so loyal to one another. I love that. Girl friendships hardly ever play out that way on tv. Jen even tells Nadia off in a mature way.
I have seen the last episode and it does not disappoint.
What a great little show it ended up turning into. Everyone except for Nadia really grew on me.
Nadia…..very odd, that one.
I can’t remember if we discussed it but, was it Arnel (no leg man) losing his leg that brings Zoe back?
I agree … episodes 12 and 13 should be watched together … however, a lot of the things you bring up are “resolved” in episode 13 …
I really like this show … I hope that CTV decides to make more episodes (even if the only way for me to see them is to download them via a torrent.
*POST AUTHOR*
Unfortunately, the rumor on the twitterverse last week was that the sets have already been demo’ed. Obviously, there’s no official word to that effect, but its a fairly believable, if not totally disappointing, rumor.
https://www.tvsquad.com/2009/10/22/set-visits-reveal-ghosts-of-defying-gravity-set-destruction/
You did see Episode 13, right? Because that was it. There is no more. The post writer of the destroyed sets wrote that he could see the detailed sets being bulldozed. Pretty final.
Such a shame and a waste. I truly enjoyed this program as I have rarely few in recent years. So much potential. Just oooozing storyline ideas for years to come. Beyond the 6 of the mission would have been easy as pie.
I would have given the entire second season of Dollhouse, no question, to see more Defying Gravity.
I suppose we’ll never know for sure, but I’m pretty sure that the explanation of Nadia’s vision is that she used to be a man. Isn’t that vision not just her with a beard?
That is one possibility. I thought it was more likely that she had a twin brother and something happened to him. That was what her guilt was about.
I wish we could get a definite explanation to that. I would hope that it was not that simple.
I still think Jen saved Rollie’s sperm and at some point was going to try for implantation. It would be nice if I could get confirmation on that too.
Sigh…again, a show that had such potential gone and we are left with unscripted poppycock in its place.
Zoe et all….you will be missed.