The “hook” for Intelligence – the chip inside agent Gabriel Vaughn’s head that allows him to access public and private databases, and more – may not be enough to hold up an entire series, but Intelligence is proving itself to be, well, intelligent, and beginning to broaden out its characters and mysteries. This week’s episode, The Rescue, focused less on what Gabriel can do with that chip – although it’s still an important component, and really pretty cool – and began to bring more into the characters’ relationships.
Families were front and center with this episode. The daughter of a US senator was kidnapped by a Mexican drug kingpin to try to prevent a spy satellite from being approved, one that would focus on the US/Mexico border. But that drug dealer had actually been an informant for the US – directly for Lillian Strand’s (CyberCommand chief) father, played by Peter Coyote. When Gabriel and Riley are sent out to rescue the girl and her roommate, who had also been taken, they find that they are restricted in their actions by Leland Strand, as he tries to keep the informant relationship. But Lillian isn’t just her father’s child – she’s a strong-minded woman, with an interesting moral compass – she’s arranged for the murder of the informant, listening to it happen while she is on the phone with him.
Gabriel isn’t surprised by the difficult dynamics between Lillian and Leland – it appears he has had family trauma of his own. Talking about his family’s history, he says, “I’m the 5th Vaughn to go to war, and the first to survive it. My old man was a folded flag on the mantel.”
The bond between Gabriel and Riley is getting stronger. While the mystery of what happened to his wife is still unresolved, I hope the writers are smart and keep them from starting a romantic relationship – not all male and female partners have to get involved! (Although who could resist Josh Holloway?)
As the weeks go on, I’d like to see more of Leland Strand – he’s a mysterious character, and it’ll be interesting to see how he responds to Lillian’s taking matters into her own hands. And the mystery of Gabriel’s wife Amelia still needs exploration – producers have hinted that perhaps she didn’t die in the hospital explosion.
Who are “G Puddin’ ” and “Peaches”? Here’s a clip from The Talk with Marg Helgenberger discussing the show and her role as Lillian Strand:
Intelligence is proving itself to be a strong mid-winter show, and I’m excited to see more.
