If this episode was midseason, it would be enjoyable but mostly forgettable. As a season finale, there's definitely something missing, either something more satisfying or something dramatic that ties up loose ends. This seemed very rushed, especially Zoe leaving. Now I'm wondering if there's a commentary on the dvd to offer some answers.
First some of the good parts. Colin Ferguson was really good with the physical comedy, like the other reviewer said. He probably doesn't get enough credit for often being the straight man who grounds the rest of the show. I also loved Fargo working on his bucket list including his last goal. Good for him!
Now the negatives. The ending reminded me a bit too much of the much earlier episode (Season 1?) where there was a storm machine or whatever that needed to be turned off, so off Jack went alone to push a button, but the wind was so strong he kept getting blown over. It was basically the same ending. Also, I couldn't get over the massive plot hole about why not have the student who designed that body controlling technology, and who was an expert with the control pad, be the one to control Jack? It's not like the fate of the world was on the line? Why Tess??? Both of these negatives together sort of killed all the comedy and suspense. I know most episodes are very contrived and unrealistic, but I had too much trouble setting aside my disbelief this time.
Also, now this is just me, but I'm so tired of the tv trope where, if a kid is on a show, there's a huge chance they turn out to be super geniuses who end up doing things like get early admission to Harvard. This is especially annoying because the kid is very often shown not to necessarily do well in school or spend more than the bare minimum studying. This is similar to having a stick thin character always eat tons of junk food and never exercise. I didn't buy Zoe's quickie comment that more than grades go into acceptance. That still doesn't describe her. Plus, it all came so out of the blue. It screams that the character must have been eliminated from the upcoming season at the very last minute. It was a tacky way to say goodbye to her after 3 years. It goes from "Oh by the way, I applied to college without discussing it with either parent or any stress" to "Dad, I don't even need to buy supplies or pack, I'm starting now by the way and not the fall, and you shouldn't even accompany me across country." All in one episode. Did the writers think early admission means you immediately drop out of high school and start college? On the other hand, Tess is gone.
The season itself I'd rate maybe 8/10. I agree things go downhill slowly after Eva's plot line wrapped up and then again after Allison leaves. Or maybe since I know there's a big plot twist coming up next season that comes close to ruining the entire show for me. So maybe this mediocre finale is where things jump the shark, which is why it's especially bittersweet.
Edit - I pulled out my old dvd and listened to the commentary. All they said about Zoe getting written out so quickly was that they weren't sure when they made it, and even when doing the commentary, if the actress would be able to be back in Season 4. No mention of it was due to budget or what. I still say it was way to rushed and handled poorly.
First some of the good parts. Colin Ferguson was really good with the physical comedy, like the other reviewer said. He probably doesn't get enough credit for often being the straight man who grounds the rest of the show. I also loved Fargo working on his bucket list including his last goal. Good for him!
Now the negatives. The ending reminded me a bit too much of the much earlier episode (Season 1?) where there was a storm machine or whatever that needed to be turned off, so off Jack went alone to push a button, but the wind was so strong he kept getting blown over. It was basically the same ending. Also, I couldn't get over the massive plot hole about why not have the student who designed that body controlling technology, and who was an expert with the control pad, be the one to control Jack? It's not like the fate of the world was on the line? Why Tess??? Both of these negatives together sort of killed all the comedy and suspense. I know most episodes are very contrived and unrealistic, but I had too much trouble setting aside my disbelief this time.
Also, now this is just me, but I'm so tired of the tv trope where, if a kid is on a show, there's a huge chance they turn out to be super geniuses who end up doing things like get early admission to Harvard. This is especially annoying because the kid is very often shown not to necessarily do well in school or spend more than the bare minimum studying. This is similar to having a stick thin character always eat tons of junk food and never exercise. I didn't buy Zoe's quickie comment that more than grades go into acceptance. That still doesn't describe her. Plus, it all came so out of the blue. It screams that the character must have been eliminated from the upcoming season at the very last minute. It was a tacky way to say goodbye to her after 3 years. It goes from "Oh by the way, I applied to college without discussing it with either parent or any stress" to "Dad, I don't even need to buy supplies or pack, I'm starting now by the way and not the fall, and you shouldn't even accompany me across country." All in one episode. Did the writers think early admission means you immediately drop out of high school and start college? On the other hand, Tess is gone.
The season itself I'd rate maybe 8/10. I agree things go downhill slowly after Eva's plot line wrapped up and then again after Allison leaves. Or maybe since I know there's a big plot twist coming up next season that comes close to ruining the entire show for me. So maybe this mediocre finale is where things jump the shark, which is why it's especially bittersweet.
Edit - I pulled out my old dvd and listened to the commentary. All they said about Zoe getting written out so quickly was that they weren't sure when they made it, and even when doing the commentary, if the actress would be able to be back in Season 4. No mention of it was due to budget or what. I still say it was way to rushed and handled poorly.