Review – Warehouse 13: Elements (1.05)

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This week on Warehouse 13, a thief steals a sculpture with the help of a Native American cloak, an artifact that allows its wearer to walk through walls. Peter and Myka search for a connection between the artifact, Native American inspired sculptures and the two men who sought to buy one of the sculptures in auction. Those buyers being, Gilbert Radburn a prominent commercial builder, and Jeffery Weaver the son of a deceased con man. Pete discovers that both men are connected and they are seeking something of great power.  Radburn, with the use of the cloak has stolen all four sculptures and realizes they are map to a cave hidden on the Manhattan coast. It is up to Peter, Myka and Weaver to stop Radburn’s attempt to control the four great elemental powers hidden in the secret cave. Ultimately it is Pete who uses a mystical arrow to end Radburn’s quest for power and his life.  Joe Flanigan of Stargate Atlantis fame is a guest star this episode and I must say he did a fairly good job playing the son of a con man seeking to do the right thing. I don’t think his presence disrupted the show and his part had substance and was done tastefully. The special effects this episode were also done well and the tying of American Indian mythos into the story was a nice touch.

I am very happy that Claudia (Allison Glenn Scagliotti) will be joining the cast as a permanent member.  Her character is a great balance to Artie and provides the writers a way to keep things fresh. Claudia is a young hip genius, while Artie is eccentric and a bit crotchety, this combination should make for many laughs and also allow the show to appeal to a younger audience. Warehouse 13 has made it to episode five and I really think it is becoming its own show. I don’t think it is just a menagerie of other great science fiction shows like Eureka or X-Files.  The acting has greatly improved and the characters of Pete and Myka are less rigid and one-dimensional. I am glad the writers are taking the time to allow the characters some face time; Leena appears in almost every episode.

Warehouse 13, as I have stated in previous reviews holds the promise of great adventure and story telling. I think the only thing missing is some kind of larger threat for the team and it should be more than just a bunch of strange artifacts and their owners. I am definitely not asking for some cabal like group, though I think a political or terrorist group might fit the bill. Artifacts have long been associated with warfare and powers struggles throughout history. This is a plot thread the shows writers have not touched on and maybe they will in the future.

For now I am content to follow Pete and Myka on their strange and sometimes mystical scavenger hunt, as Artie and Claudia piece together the clues to solve this week’s mystery.  I could say its all a bit campy, but I cannot deny the fun it brings me every Tuesday evening as I tune in to watch the next episode. I would say if you like your science fiction mixed with a little treasure hunting and strange mythos Warehouse 13 should definitely be on your must see list.