The updated “Pilot” of Impulse Revised contains several notable omissions on the fourth viewing. For instance, teleportation can be likened to experiencing a seizure or blackout. Also, a teacher deceitfully claims a false Ph.D. credential, and Henry’s doctor subjects her to servitude for a staggering three years. Furthermore, a clear distinction emerges between the concept of “absolute” discretion and the discretion exercised by a police officer. These are just a few key elements to look out for in the revised Impulse “Pilot”.
The revised “Pilot” episode of Impulse commences by addressing the urgent issue of global warming. It features a dramatic scene in which two individuals engage in a fierce confrontation atop icebergs, with a multitude of icebergs surrounding them as their battleground.
In this particular sequence, I’m vividly reminded of how teleportation resembles experiencing blackout episodes. It’s akin to those disorienting moments when you can’t recollect how you ended up in the Arctic or, for that matter, in a subway. It’s like being Britney Spears during one of her infamous blackout incidents.
In the pilot episode, there’s a somewhat peculiar moment. During a scene involving spray painting and tagging, Henry dons a mask. It raises the question: why bother with the mask when she takes a drag from a cigarette containing just as many chemicals?
Henry isn’t the sole individual indulging in drugs. Jenna also consumes pills filled with various chemicals.
In another setting, we witness an autistic student being mistreated by their teacher in full view of the class. It becomes evident that the teacher is a bully, specifically targeting his autistic students for mistreatment.
In a comical twist within the “Pilot,” Henry goes full-on Sherlock Holmes and decides to “dox” Shelley, the teacher with the misleadingly feminine name. She unearths his rather fishy claim to hold a Ph.D. Now, here’s where it gets really amusing: Ph.D.’s typically come with a virtual paper trail, right there on the internet, just like embarrassing cat videos. But lo and behold, Shelley boasts about his Ph.D. despite no digital footprint to support his lofty title. Henry brilliantly unmasks his true identity, as if revealing a magician’s secrets at a children’s birthday party.
Surprisingly, an instance of involuntary servitude creeps into this episode. In a particular scene, the doctor cunningly subjugates Henry to a three-year period of reliance. This devious maneuver involves withholding her license by discreetly informing the DMV about her medical condition through online filing. Consequently, she finds herself dependent on others for transportation and assistance, entirely at their mercy.
The “Pilot” episode delves into a police officer’s use of “absolute” discretion powers. However, it’s important to clarify that the cop exercises discretion within established criteria and guidelines. She adheres to specific criteria that grant her the authority to decide whether or not to bring Henry before a judge.
Townes Linderman, despite being autistic, has conducted extensive research on telekinesis. He confidently informs Henry that brain tumors are responsible for making objects move. However, Henry remains skeptical and doesn’t quite buy into his theory.
The “Pilot” episode delves into the illicit world of smuggling, where the intricate web of drugs and passports is unraveled. Drug smuggling often necessitates the use of passports, yet there’s an interesting exception. Native Americans or Canadian Natives, who possess dual citizenship as a result of the Jay Treaty, are among those fortunate individuals who don’t require passports for their cross-border activities.
Clay, the captain of Reston NY High School’s football team, endures a distressing situation. His father subjects him to abuse, striking him whenever Clay fails to practice as if he were preparing for a championship game.
Interestingly, teleporters tend to be solitary individuals. “I like being alone,” Henry remarks.
The “Pilot” addresses the sensitive issue of sexual assault. “Get the fuck off me!” Henry firmly declares to Clay Boone, a football jock. It appears that Clay failed to grasp the fundamental principle that “no” means no.
Henry possesses a knack for outsmarting both rules and individuals, as demonstrated when she successfully circumvented her mother, Cleo. Henry achieved this by teleporting directly to her bedroom, even though Cleo had made a solemn vow to block her and had patiently waited all night for her return.
Much like the teleporter we witnessed at the beginning of the “Pilot,” who teleported from the Arctic to a subway, Henry employs her teleportation ability to escape from Clay’s persistence. When Clay refused to accept her rejection, Henry teleports from his truck to her bedroom. However, the experience leaves her with a peculiar gap in her memory, as if she had experienced a blackout of some sort and couldn’t recollect how she made it home.
The “Pilot” explores some other peculiar occurrences. Initially, the sheriff seems to turn a blind eye when a tow truck driver openly indulges in public drinking. It raises the question of why she doesn’t impose a fine, as she did with Henry. Could it be that certain individuals get away with such actions due to the officer’s exercise of “absolute” discretion?
Cleo’s fiancé is becoming increasingly suspicious. He discovers evidence of a damaged car on his property and is beginning to piece together that something more is afoot about Henry.
Despite the series being filmed in Canada, presumably to benefit from tax incentives, an American flag proudly waves at the local Reston NY High School. This choice reflects the intent to appeal to American audiences and make the show more marketable.
In this revised “Pilot” episode of Impulse, we’ve embarked on a journey filled with intriguing twists and intriguing moments. From confronting pressing issues like global warming and discrimination to exploring the mysteries of teleportation and the darker aspects of human behavior, this pilot takes us on a rollercoaster ride of emotions and revelations. As the story unfolds, we’re left pondering the complexities of human nature and the choices we make, all against the backdrop of a small town that’s both familiar and enigmatic. It’s a promising start that hints at a captivating journey ahead, leaving us eager to see where the series will take us next.