1x06 West Bound

[7.5/10] This is my favorite Zeta Project episode so far, if only because it has multiple good gimmicks going for it. The unique configuration of the train and the way it’s powered, and the effect that has on Zeta’ holographic system makes for a unique problem. Agent West’s incompetence is not nearly as unique, but isolating him as the only agent after Zee on the train introduces some, shall we say, distinctive methods of pursuit. And the train setting itself is somewhat unique, providing for the show’s best action sequence to date when Zeta has to rescue Ro from a train car that’s slowly breaking away.

There’s not much to any of this. The trick where Zeta turns into whomever he saw last whenever the train goes through one of its electric barriers doesn’t lead to much beyond some amusing gags, but the show has enough fun with it to pass muster. Zeta turning into a dog has a particular bit of fun to it. Likewise, Agent West bumbling his way through the train car isn’t much we haven’t seen before, but the trouble he gets into, including being trapped in a murphy bed, is worth a laugh.

Still, like I said, this has a pretty cool action sequence (albeit one that feels a little pandering given Ro rescuing a helpless pup), with Zeta helping Ro leap across the gap and still evading a floating effort at capture from the NSA, right before the train heads into a tunnel. It’s largely empty calories (aside from the aforementioned pup), since it’s not totally clear to me why the luggage car had to be disassembled in the first place, but it’s exciting, which is more than enough.

There’s only two things of significance to come from the episode though. The first is Agent Lee’s continuing suspicion that Zeta may genuinely have had a change of heart, thanks to him saving Agent West. (Maybe Agent West is even internalizing that as well.) The second is the “stop to smell the roses” theme. The show doesn’t do a lot with it, but having Zeta take Ro’s suggestion literally (with the top of his head no less) is a laugh, the pair using it as a hint of where to find one another at the train station is a good use of the cliché, and Zeta and Ro trying to take it to heart by appreciating the scenic beauty and appreciate things generally is a good beat.

Overall, this is more a collection of nice pieces than a great cohesive episode, but it works!