The episode manages to build up tension, and then, inexplicitly, the tension is diffused leading to a dramatically flat ending. The change is so sharp that the episode, in effect, becomes two separate stories. The first part depicts bullying, which includes some graphic scenes showing a teenager being physically assaulted and humiliated, and the second, depicts the same teenager terrorizing an entire school with a gun and shooting people, but then being talked out of committing further mayhem, not by the police but by an unarmed teenage girl. The first part is completely believable and depicts people in direct conflict; the second part completely undoes the dramatic build-up. The idea of a young girl being able to reason with an enraged teenager with a gun simply defies plausibility. Then comes the mood music that is so out of context with the violent nature of the story that the ending is completely muddled. What took forty-five minutes (including commercials) to carefully build a story becomes undone in a flash. Dramatic depictions of difficult and troubling situations end not with a powerful message, but with a sappy ending that denies the dramatic catharsis that would have this episode so powerful. That's too bad because the episode started out so strongly and seemed to be trying to take a police drama to a higher literary level, but could not sustain it, leading to the unsatisfactory ending.
3 Reviews
Excellent episode
Whadever8 May 2011
I'm slowly working my way through the entire Flashpoint series, having just recently discovered this gem of a police-drama myself. Suspense always runs high in the story lines and the humanity of it always lingers in my mind in the days following me watching an episode. Perfect Storm will be no exception to this, if anything, it'll be the opposite. I found it the most captivating episode so far. The emotions and issues dealt with felt real, as usual and the actors did another excellent job at blowing me away with their performances. Every single one of them seems in touch with whom they are portraying. In fact a simple look exchanged between characters allows you to look into their frame of mind and feel for them. The messed up situation is shed in a human light, where there's understanding for all of the involved. The conclusion of 'Perfect storm' resounds with Clint Eastwood's 'A Perfect world' and the 'Perfect' in both titles is -- in my opinion -- well deserved. The music score was put together well too... in short: Hat's off to the entire crew! I'm glad I got to see this. (5/5)
very excellent
gwdless1 May 2009
This episode shows how much bullies can hurt and the consequences that can occur to the people being bullied. Message to all make sure you are not a bully or turn someone in that is or you might be faced with situations such as in this episode! I too have been bullied let alone done some myself, I am just lucky that nothing has ever happened to me or others that have been bullied. I give this episode 100 stars out of 100.What is the song called that is being played when Scott is bullying Billy? Let alone, what are all the other songs being played here? I believe the scene where Billy is a victim, the artist singing might be Earshot but I'm not to sure, can someone help me?
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
