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Episode 7: "The Reunion"
On Sunday while vactioning, I was informed by a stranger that Traveler had been cancelled. I freaked out. He then looked at me and said, “Didn’t you say you worked for TV Guide?” I was a bit embarrassed. I go out of town for one week and my whole world changes!
Apparently ABC has let the actors' contracts lapse. Basically this means the show will not return, but ABC will air its finale next week. And since this is my blog, I am just going to say it: The ABC executives who made this decision are ignorant. There are many different forms of ignorance, but in this case it's simply blind stupidity. Does that make sense? I made it up and I like it.
For more details, check out Traveler writer/producer David DiGilio’s blog. He explains it much better and nicer than I do. I just don’t get it. I’ve previewed a few of the new pilots that will air this fall and it doesn’t look good for the networks. Why let a great show like Traveler go? Of course, it wasn't a multiple-seasons show, but it would have made a nice 22-episode DVD gift set.
Moving on to tonight’s episode. It was slow at first. However, I won’t criticize, because I’m sure there was supposed to be more to this story.
I don’t trust Agent Marlow anymore. In fact, I don’t trust anyone in the FBI — on TV or in real life. So, I should have known this from the beginning, but Viola Davis is so good, she convinced me otherwise. I could be wrong, but she was too secretive in this episode. Before, I thought she was keeping information to help her reputation and Jay and Tyler, but now I think she’s a “dirty" agent. Did I make that up, too?
This was a "sexy" episode. Both Jay (Matthew Bomer) and Tyler (Logan Marshall-Green) got some lovin’. Personally, I didn’t think it fit. Why do TV shows always have to deal the gratuitous-sex card? The show didn’t need it. The action (and by action, I mean explosions and fights) is entertaining enough. Plus, they didn’t even show anything! It’s a 10 pm show, the kiddies should be in bed (even if it is summer). If you’re going to draw the sex-sells card, you might as well play it. Anyway, Kim (Pascale Hutton) and Jay reunited and now she is an accomplice. Kudos for the power-outage trick at the club. I didn’t know they taught that to art majors, but she’s one smart cookie.
The best scene in the show was Will (Aaron Stanford) in the alley with the tattoo dude. Will let him live, but then tattoo guy said, “Your girl Mary would have appreciated that.” Bang! “Her name was Maya.” Bye tattoo dude. (I could so write a TV script.)
I’m really enjoying the personality twists. Jay breaks into hotel rooms. Tyler is such a badass now. And then Kim just walks into clubs wearing a sweater. (Seriously, of all the unbelievable things people comment on in this show, I am the vain girl who thought, “No way would a bouncer let her cut in line wearing that!”)
It was a decent episode. The ending was great when Will showed up, but how did he know they were there? I don’t want things to be rushed through. Of course, Jay could just go to CNN or YouTube with the audio chip and evidence — but then there wouldn’t be a show. Oh, wait... there really isn't a show anymore. I’m just hoping next week will give us closure.
Sorry for all of my sarcasm. I need another vacation. Last week was way too much fun.
Check out clips from Traveler at our Online Video Guide.
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Jul 12, 2007 12:31 AM
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I love sarcasm! More sarcasm! More sarcasm! 
Let me start off with a question: When Tyler entered the bar, didn't he already tell the slut bartender that he was the bomber? Then why did she asked again later after Tyler was inebriated? Seemed like a sloppy edit to me...
Did anyone notice the tattoo parlor make a phonecall after Will left? Seemed odd.
I hated the Agent Marlow character reversal. You are likely right; she's in on the conspiracy. But it struck me as ridiculous when she raised the gun on Jay.
Your sex comment is interesting. There have been steamer scenes at earlier time slots. Remember early in Lost Season 3 Kate and Sawyer's steamy sex scene? My guess is there's some TV Psycological Guidebook which ABC uses to determine how much sex should be in a TV show...
Too much sex, however, can destroy a show. See The Tudors.
The finale better be good, as it is difficult to clean up all loose ends in a serialized drama.
PS: I am 17, and typing up this post at 3:00 AM EST. Under American law, I am a "kiddie." Adults greatly underestimate the determination and willpower of kids. We're your future, don't laugh at us. 
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Jul 12, 2007 3:04 AM
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You're right Casey, ABC is ignorant. They did the same thing with The Nine and Invasion....and other good shows that I dont feel like mentioning.
Anyway I thought tonights episode was really good. I dont think Agent Marlow is the dirty agent. I still think its Steven Culp character Chambers. There is still something about him I dont trust.
When "Will was in the tattoo parlor,did anyone notice Will showed that tattoo dude badge of somesort? Was that his or what? And Zinger314-Did anyone notice the tattoo parlor make a phonecall after Will left? Seemed odd I did notice that. I wonder who he called. It could be the feds.
The finale better be good. Im still wondering what happened to the Porter...if he is alive or dead. And who he works for.
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Jul 12, 2007 4:25 AM
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I cannot believe that they are cancelling Traveler. It has been so great to have something to watch with a plot and that requires some thinking. Do the networks really think that viewers prefer another reality show? Sigh - and now they are going to wrap it up in a hurry. Drag. Maybe we can watch the whole series online somewhere?
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Jul 12, 2007 9:22 AM
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Zinger314 - Let me start off with a question: When Tyler entered the bar, didn't he already tell the slut bartender that he was the bomber? Then why did she asked again later after Tyler was inebriated? Seemed like a sloppy edit to me...
It was not a sloppy edit. He did say, "Yeah, I'm the guy." She then joked that she had heard that line before from other guys insinuating that Tyler was the one (as in right guy for her, not the bombing suspect.)
Casey - I could not agree more with most of your comments. I think a full 22-episode season is in order for this show. They could have extended it next year to 24 episodes as some are doing since they did a short 8 for this year. Oh well; not in the cards I guess.
I also think the sex scenes were unnecessary for the show. If it were a full season and things were not moving as quickly as they are, I could buy it as filler.
I also agree that last night's show started out slowly, then really picked up. I loved the last 15 minutes. However, I am not convinced Marlowe is shady. I think they threw in this episode as a red herring; to make us wonder. I can totally see why she went out on her own to find some answers. She does not trust all of her own agency.
My only problem with this show (which I have mentioned from the beginning) is that it is too much like Prison Break. In Traveler, you have these just out of grad school kids with no formal training or "street" experience able to outsmart the obviously incredibly inept FBI, Police, and other trained mercenary types. Jay was in the alley and both the feds and the police knew it via radio. So ONE cop radios that "he's got it," and not a single other law enforcement officer follow to back him up? C'mon... they would have several in the alley plus several blocking both entrances. And all of the law enforcement scenes have followed the same pattern.
I know, it is a show. And I am suspending belief & just going with it. I have been dedicated in viewing all the episodes. No show is perfect including this one though.
For some reason, I have really liked the Will character from the beginning and have enjoyed these past few episodes where he is really kicking some ass. He is definitely what has piqued my interest throughout.
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Jul 12, 2007 9:23 AM
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I also really liked the show, but not your blog so much. There is a slightly disjointed feel to it at this point where they were doing some jamming parts of multiple episodes together to go from 13 to 8. Otherwise, the suspense is still there. Everyone in the alley at the end was amazing; you can just imagine what they each were thinking about the others. I don't think Marlow is dirty, but she suspects others which is why she will only confide in her partner Borjes. Will is definitely no one to mess with. I have no doubt that he will protect Jay and Tyler. I am anxious to see the porter's return and where he fits into the mystery. I am sorry ABC can't see the value of more episodes, but perhaps fans of The Nine, which ABC is bringing back, can thank Traveler for showing the network that this kind of drama can succeed.
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Jul 12, 2007 10:24 AM
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Did anyone notice the tattoo parlor make a phonecall after Will left? Seemed odd.
At first I thought he called Martin (tatoo guy) but after Will killed Martin, I figured he called 'the boss' to tell him that Will was nosing around.
When "Will was in the tattoo parlor,did anyone notice Will showed that tattoo dude badge of somesort? Was that his or what?
Will's badge read FBI. We know that he thought he was working for his country. Martin/tatoo guy told us that "Hometown's been shutdown for 2 years now. Freed has been using us for his own agenda."
The finale better be good. Im still wondering what happened to the Porter...if he is alive or dead. And who he works for.
I found myself wondering about Porter too.
In his blog, David DiGilio said that he'd tie up all the loose ends that were left after the finale so at least we'll have some closure.
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Jul 12, 2007 10:40 AM
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Of course ABC is cancelling this show; it's exciting and fun to watch. I'm sure the network has their reason, but I'll go with the "blind stupidity" comment.
FYI...The Nine is coming back only to complete the unaired episodes from season 1. The show itself, however, remains cancelled.
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Jul 12, 2007 10:44 AM
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The FBI badge that Will had is the one he lifted off of the FBI agent back at the library in New Haven.
The show just started getting good and I will miss it too but I'm not a fan of this blog either.
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Jul 12, 2007 10:57 AM
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Just another reason that I am very skeptical about watching any new ABC show. I loved The Nine and Invasion, and, and, and.... Typical freakin ABC crap!!
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Jul 12, 2007 11:41 AM
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Zinger314, you're not a "kiddie", haha. Actually, I'd consider you an adult. You're writing and appreciation for good entertainment is very mature and commendable.
I'm still on the fence about Marlow and I've always liked Will Traveler too.
I don't care so much for my blog this week either, but no one's perfect. I love criticism. So, please feel free to disagree with me, but there's no need to flat out diss everything.
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Jul 12, 2007 11:42 AM
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Sorry, Zinger, but as a parent, if my 17-year-old was awake and on the computer at 3 am, I would be very concerned (unless there's some kind of weird job shift that you work). Guess I'm just an old fogey who's concerned about my kids...
Anyway, I'm fairly satisfied with an 8-episode series that has moved pretty quickly. I follow so many shows that I find myself relieved when some of them come to a close. Looking forward to next week's show!
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Jul 12, 2007 12:24 PM
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Casey - Wow...tough room! No worries, they do not speak for all of us. Even if/when I do not agree with one of your comments, I respect it. It is a generally well-written, entertaining blog.
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Jul 12, 2007 1:10 PM
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Thanks for your compliments, Casey. I didn't mean it as a criticism; I just noted a common trend...
Sorry, Zinger, but as a parent, if my 17-year-old was awake and on the computer at 3 am, I would be very concerned (unless there's some kind of weird job shift that you work). Guess I'm just an old fogey who's concerned about my kids...
Or it could be because I have no social life, no girlfriend, and a little insomnia.
I'm a nerd, and I'm proud of it. Something tells me that there isn't a strong presence of sub-18 year olds on the TV Guide forums...
However, that's what I like about them. 
On topic, I was surprised the Porter wasn't in this episode, and he'll most likely been in the finale. Who do you think he works for? ex-FBI? Or some other evil force that would have been present if the show had a second season? 
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Jul 12, 2007 1:15 PM
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I mean, they give October Road a second season but they cancel Traveler, What's wrong with you ABC?
Right now it's hard to fall in love with new TV Shows, they get cancelled when things start to get really interesting. But I'm not mad anymore, I'm just frustrated that this has become the order of the day. TV Stations just don't give these shows the opportunity to find a decent audience. I mean: The Nine, Invasion, Drive, Hidden Palms, Vanished, Carnivale, Rome... all great shows and cancelled.
I just hope they release Traveler The Complete Series on DVD. It's worth watching these 8 episodes over and over again!
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Jul 12, 2007 1:26 PM
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