Before: Season 1 Episode 2 “The Scientist” – Recap and Review
As we learn a bit about Noah’s history, we meet Eli’s daughter and learn about the type of father he is.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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| Originally Aired | October 25, 2024 |
| Network | Apple TV Plus |
| Director(s) | Jet Wilkinson |
| Writer(s) | Sarah Thorp |
| Character | ACTOR’S NAME |
| Denise | Rosie Perez |
| Eli | Billy Crystal |
| Noah | Jacobi Jupe |
| Gail | Sakina Jaffrey |
| Sue Ann | Miriam Shor |
| Barb | Maria Dizzia |
Storyline Recap
A New Mom And A Troublesome Child – Denise, Eli, Noah, Gail
We learn Noah is Denise’s first foster child. But, with the incident at school with him stabbing another child, it seems rather than worrying about being reassigned to what would be his 6th foster family in 2 years, he would potentially face something more serious. Thankfully, Gail and Eli are trying to buy him time and figure out a way to grant Noah grace, but that is a challenge when Noah not only commits violent acts but also traumatizes many children.
Dynamics – Sue Ann, Eli, Barb
Outside of Noah, Eli does have a life. We learn he has a daughter, Barb, likely short for Barbara, who may have anxiety issues. Then there is Sue Ann. She is a realtor, seemingly hounding Eli to sell his home, and honestly, with how much his ex-wife haunts him and how she died, he may take her up on her offer.
New Character Descriptions
Sue Ann
Sue Ann is a realtor who Eli isn’t the most fond of, but she does make an effort for his business enough that he recognizes she isn’t a bad person, just a persistent one.
Barb
Barb is Eli’s daughter. For most of his life, she has come second to his work, which has long complicated their relationship.
Review
On The Fence
The Half-Hour Format
While there are half-hour dramas out there, a part of me feels that “Before” doesn’t work as a half-hour drama. After watching the first two episodes, while I recognize most mystery shows love to leave you on a cliffhanger, “Before” seems more like it is sputtering than trying to create hype for the next episode. Barb and Eli’s relationship should have been developed more. It was a surprise to learn he had a kid; then she had anxiety, and then when you add in her struggles?
Don’t get me wrong. I get the hook: the question of what is wrong with Noah and what led to Lynn’s suicide. However, focusing more on Barb could have helped balance things out so that both sides of what the show is offering could be addressed. But it is still early on, and this is a new show, so let’s hope as it seeks balance between its storyline and characters, it gets to where it needs to go.
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