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November 29, 2006: Assuming the Worst
Although I did like the first two episodes, this installment of Day Break was the difference between merely being impressed by the show's complexity and actually getting involved in it. Before now, I’ve spent most of the episode trying to figure out whether or not every single one of the plot threads has made sense and doesn’t contradict what’s happened in each previous day (which is confusing enough as it is, or maybe even impossible). Instead, this time around, I started to care about the characters.
I loved the scene when Brett and his sister Jennifer end up yelling at each other when they’ve found her house torn apart. He suggests that her husband might be working with those responsible, and she bitterly responds, “You always assume the worst about people.” From there, things get even uglier: She’s quick to tell him that he’s never around and doesn’t care about anyone else in the family. That’s the irony of Brett’s situation: He knows that there’s so much more at stake because he’s reliving the same day, but everyone around him doesn’t know that, so they keep harping on him for things that don’t matter to him. Who’s got time to mend fences with the brother-in-law when you’re framed for murder?
But all of the story lines in this episode show that Brett has to improve his life as well as save it — and salvage a number of broken relationships. Interesting that his sister mentions that Brett’s a lot like his dad; and then later on, someone else says that his dad used to be on the police force, as well. I didn’t catch if they said his dad was still alive — anyone else think he might turn up on the show and become a part of the series? Or if he’s dead, maybe it will turn out that Brett will have to investigate some of his old cases and learn more about him. I was also intrigued by his visiting his sister’s house in secret and seeing Jennifer, her husband and their daughter looking like one big happy family. Don’t get me wrong, we know that the husband is an abusive jerk (or at least, we think we do — another plot twist?), but in real life nobody is ever that one-dimensional. Maybe he’s a good father and husband except when his temper flares. It just goes to show that Brett doesn’t know everything.
Meanwhile, Hopper’s calling Andrea in the morning to warn her away from Eddie, and then she rolls over and… too late. I have to admit, I’ve watched plenty of movies and should have seen that plot twist coming, but it still took me by surprise. Speaking of movies, did anyone else notice that the music sounded a bit different in this episode? There were times when it sounded like a loud, warbling horn, almost like something out of an old detective film.
Sorry for that detour. If there’s one thing about this episode that I didn’t get, it was why Brett chose to help Eddie and Andrea instead of getting the answers from the mastermind with the sinister voice. If he finds out something important, he can remember it the next day and help Eddie and Andrea then. I wonder if Hopper is unsure whether he’ll wake up again on the same day tomorrow, so he has to keep doing everything assuming that it might be permanent. After all, he doesn’t know how this time repeating works to begin with, so who’s to say when it will suddenly stop?
My other favorite scene is when Brett confronts an out-of-his-mind Eddie holding a gun to Andrea. Brett realizes that solving this crisis isn’t a matter of just knowing what to do, but simply being honest and empathetic toward his old partner. Just like with his sister, Brett’s relationship with Eddie is terrible due largely to neglect on his part, only now he’s able to admit his mistakes and offer some help. He’s getting smarter with each day, but now he’s honestly becoming a better person.
And then there’s the really surprising ending: the day isn’t the same this time. Andrea somehow has an epiphany and decides to take Eddie into rehab and face up to the consequences of her actions with Internal Affairs. Only time will tell if Hopper can inspire any more changes like this, but either way, the cast of Day Break just got a lot more compelling.
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Nov 29, 2006 11:02 PM
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Loved this episode. (Lost who?)
Anyway, it is mind-numbing trying to keep up with all the new details they throw at us, not to mention new characters. But I guess they can keep doing that. It adds to the bigger picture I suppose but poor Brett...having to try and save everyone.
I'm not sure why Andrea felt 'so inspired' the following day. I had a theory, maybe if something almost life-threatening happens to the people he comes in contacts with they will be inspired? But that failed with the bus woman. He saved her life by pushing her out of the way, but she still manages to get hit every day. Hmmm...
Anyway, great episode and can't wait for more.
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Nov 30, 2006 1:08 AM
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this show is really beginning to feel like putting together a puzzle with the main character.
I really thought it was just going to be an "ok" show, but I'm finding myself enjoying it (a hell of a lot better than LOST actually). It feels like a ride, and the trust with the day changing had me smiling because it hoodwinked me. I hope they can keep the pacing throughout the season. Its not over the top adrenaline like 24, but its not all that uneven between the episodes. New plot points keep getting introduced, and barriers they've built for themselves are being pushed out or breaking. I honestly dont know whats going to happen, but I actually care about it.
I also noticed the old school detective cop trumpet/jazz score. However since its what I do for a living, I thought I'd be the only one to catch it. Kudos to reminding me that music doesn't always pass by other viewers
also is it just me, or do those "scenes from the next season of LOST" feel completely boring? They feel pulled at random...its kinda like flipping the channel and catching 30 seconds of a show out of context
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Nov 30, 2006 1:14 AM
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This has turned into a very entertaining show. I still don't get why they didn't count the first couple of days on this show. I think we just finished day 3. What about the first few days he went through? I don't quite get the numbering system.
It was interesting that Andrea had some carry over effect into the next new day. That should be interesting if Brett can learn how to manipulate that in some way.
One of the most shocking moments of the day was when Brett just shot and killed those two bad guys. I didn't see him doing that.
Don't know what to think of Chad. He still seems a bit shady. I still can't help remembering that actor from My Bodyguard from way back when. Good flick.
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Nov 30, 2006 2:38 AM
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They only count the number of days repeated in the episode. It's not a running count of the days repeated in all the episodes. That's my take anyways.
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Nov 30, 2006 5:54 AM
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At the end when Andrea woke and looked at her clock it was the same time that Brett wakes every morning. Right then I thought that she was now also repeating the day. The dialog didn't confirm that idea but I still think it's a possibility.
I am really enjoying this show. I think that with a known ending time, the writers don't have to give us filler or side issues just to stretch things out. Not that I don't love Lost, but I'm just saying ...
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Nov 30, 2006 9:40 AM
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I am enjoying this show more every week and the way they are able to "change" each day. new clues are revealed each week new pieces of the puzzle and I find I actually enjoy this show More than I did Lost!
On a totally shallow note Taye Diggs would have been My choice of Sexiest Man Alive!
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Nov 30, 2006 10:07 AM
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speedy1383, yes! I was taken aback by that scene also. Totally unexpected, but definitely warranted, and he knew that he wouldn't really be killing them, he just needed to vent so to speak so you couldn't even be mad at him or look at him as a murderer.
The last time Brett woke up and the cell phone rang I had the same expression he did. I was like, "that didn't happen before!"
The only thing I didn't get last night (and for the first time ever) was how Rita wound up with Chad again, but, Brett didn't tell her to talk to him this time? But, it's no biggie.
I expected to like this show but I did not expect to love it which I totally am. Not more than Lost but I'm still loving it.
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Nov 30, 2006 11:24 AM
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I really like this show too, but can't seem to make it one of my priorities because it's an ABC show. I watched Invasion and The Nine faithfully and they were yanked so I guess I'm skeptical when the show is on ABC. I was wondering about the Day 1, 2, etc. thing too. Now I get it. I guess I'm thinking 24. LOL
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Nov 30, 2006 11:34 AM
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Brenkis-I had not heard that "The Nine" was cancelled! I thought it was just on hiatus. I really liked that show. Bummer, but that is ABC for you! I really like "Invasion", too. Back to the show: I like it a lot, but unlike some bloggers, not as much as "Lost". Actually, that isn't even fair to say because they are completely different shows. I like one as well as the other. Too bad they can't both be on during the main season! Does anyone know when "Daybreak" ends? Dee Bee-me, too, although I really love George!!
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Nov 30, 2006 12:22 PM
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Brenkis and donfay43, ABC hasn't officially canceled The Nine. It's supposed to be returning in January and I hope that they keep their word. No offense intended to the Six Degrees fans, but, in my opinion they can shelf Six Degrees (which I also watch) and bring back The Nine.
Day Break is supposed to end the week before Lost comes back I do believe. At the end of the 11/15 eppy they said that there were eleven weeks left which would be 1/31/07 and Lost comes back on 2/7/07. It's great.
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Nov 30, 2006 12:36 PM
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I am a fan of The Nine as well. I have a bad feeling about that. It probably won't be picked up for the full season. I can see them burning off the remaining episodes on another night like what Fox is doing with Justice. That's too bad.
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Nov 30, 2006 1:17 PM
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blueree you are right Day Break does end on 1/31/07 and lost comes back on 2/7/07. Day Break is type of show you can dig your teeth into. It's that good of a show.
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Nov 30, 2006 2:13 PM
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The twist at the end with Andrea totally took me by surprise and added a whole new dimension to the show; which was azlready great to begin with.
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Nov 30, 2006 4:05 PM
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Okayyyyyyy..... so, is Andrea going to be calling Brett every morning from now on? Hmmmmmmmm?
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Dec 1, 2006 3:42 AM
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