Air Date: Friday, August 12, 2011 10/9c
Rating
“Roots” keeps me rooted to my seat! Mysterious disappearances, decades-old family drama, greed, jealousy, humor, and sex – what more could you ask for?
Audrey (Emily Rose) assesses the situation in the Keegan barn
I love the opening scene as the camera pans across an open field with a lone soccer ball, while in the background people prep for a party…a wedding, actually. The overcast sky brings a more sinister feel to the squabble between Ben Keegan (Ted Atherton) and his soon-to-be son-in-law, Peter Novelli (Joe Dinicol). You immediately know Peter isn’t the most stand-up guy. He’s obviously marrying Moira (Alexz Johnson) because she comes from old money. What’s interesting is Peter’s grandfather, Dom Novelli (Sean McCann), advises him against marrying into the Keegan family. “Peter, this is an enormous mistake! … I just pray – blood won’t spill.” Blood being spilled –does he mean figuratively or literally? Now my curiosity is piqued.
Hand delivering a marriage license seems a bit petty for Audrey (Emily Rose). But of course, it’s the set-up leading into why she’s at the Keegan family home when the first disappearance occurs. What puzzles me is why she brings Chris (guest star Jason Priestly)? I know it’s their first date—sort of—but seriously, who brings their gun and badge on a first date, let alone bringing the guy on an errand before your date?
In Nathan's (Lucas Bryant) office - he's talking to the Teague brothers (not shown) about
“Roots” is the first of seven Twitter fueled episodes. This is where most of the comedy comes in. Both Teague brothers, Dave (John Dunsworth) and Vince (Richard Donat), are competing to see who can gain the most followers. There are little posters in Nathan’s (Lucas Bryant) office saying to follow either @davehaven or @vincehaven. When the brothers’ van breaks down and they need roadside assistance, Nathan comes to rescue them. But something very strange is going on over at the Keegans and it’s spreading like wild fire, or shall I say wild vines!
As snakelike vines encase everyone inside the Keegan’s barn and in the van, another awkwardly humorous moment occurs when the Teagues turn the conversation to Audrey and Chris’ date.
Vince: “Uh, you really don’t mind that, uh, Audrey, uh, went to this thing with, uh, Chris?”
Nathan: “Not really any of my business.”
Vince: “Uh, it just seems like maybe there’s, uh, something between you two.”
Nathan: “It’s not really any of your business.”
Vince: “Well, Haven’s full of secrets son, but that’s not one of them.”
Nathan: “She’s just going out for a drink.”
Dave: “If she’s stuck up there with him, it’s more than that now. Crises pull people closer; you already know that.”
I wondered how Nathan would react and it’s written all over his face when he lets what the Teague brothers say sink in.
Audrey (Emily Rose) and Chris (guest star Jason Priestly) in the Keegan barn
It seems these killer vines are fueled by the hatred between the Keegan and Novelli families. How interesting? That’s a twist I didn’t see coming. After 50 years of animosity over a terrible misunderstanding, Audrey figures out that as long as these families bicker, the stronger the vines become. But I feel bad for Nathan because he comes so valiantly to save Audrey, only to be left alone in the barn watching each of the couples walk out hand in hand, including Audrey and Chris. While there’s no denying the look of dread of his face, I hope he does something about it. Two main characters shouldn’t become romantically involved so quickly, and Chris just isn’t right for Audrey. I’m not sure why I feel that way…just a hunch I suppose. Although, I must say, Priestly is keeping himself in good shape, which is plainly evident when Audrey takes his shirt off while they’re getting hot and heavy. Sex on a first date…I guess it wasn’t the “worst date ever,” after all.
Duke (Eric Balfour) and Evi (Vinessa Antoine) in the Keegan barn
As mentioned in a previous review, I’m not sure how I feel about Evi and now I know why. Duke and Evi were at the Keegans asking Beverly Keegan (Corinne Conley) about the antique box they found and then Duke does something odd – he sells the box to Beverly. Why would he do that after all he went through to get it? I think Beverly knows more about the box than she lets on but it’s Evi who concerns me the most. When Duke explains the promise he swore to his dying father about coming back to Haven if the troubles started up again, Evi has a twinkle in her eye that is usually present when you’re about to get juicy information, not the look of disappointment after your husband says he doesn’t want to run away to Mexico with you. Who did she call when Duke leaves? I may be reaching, but could it be the missing Agent Howard (Maurice Dean Wint, unseen) who sent Audrey to Haven in the first place?
Tune in to Haven Fridays at 10/9c only on Syfy.
Follow the show on Twitter @Syfy #Haven @EmilyroseLA @ERICBALFOUR and check out @EricBalfourfans.
LIKE Haven on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/haven.
Photos © NBC Universal/Syfy.
Judy Manning
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