“What is this, a scavenger hunt?” Um… yeah, pretty much.
Warning: Full spoilers for the episode follow.
This week’s Blindspot sent the team on a scavenger hunt through a small forest town, and in doing so probably set a new personal record for “Most Consecutive Happy Accidents” in a single episode. Granted, “Sent on Tour” made good use of Jane’s tattoos, which allowed Jane herself to contribute more than just her usual “Do you know who I am??” routine — although there was definitely that too.
However, by the time we got to the helicopter — which was hilariously “covered” by a camouflage tarp in the middle of a clearing — I’d about hit my limit on what the tree-arm-tattoo guy could have conceivably planned ahead of time and what the FBI could make of his clues. Then again, I suppose that’s par for the course on a show about a woman literally covered in puzzles to solve.
Anyway, we had heard Sal Guerrero’s name a few times in previous episodes, but the scope of his crimes was never fully realized, until now — or not, considering Mayfair’s explanation to Weller was a lie. In any case, Guerrero’s debut was underwhelming to say the least, even with Lou Diamond Phillips playing him. Alas, the actor was relegated to endlessly smirking and spouting off generic quips — a detail that even Reade pointed out towards the end of the episode. Ultimately, meeting Guerrero was about as useful as meeting John Doe a few weeks back — that is, hardly at all — which, at 0 for 2, doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in what the writers have in store for the tree-arm-tattoo guy.
I also wasn’t thrilled with the episode culminating in yet another shootout, although the helicopter part made it a little different, I guess. I was also amused by Weller’s observation that Jane could fly a helicopter but hated flying on planes.
Meanwhile, Patterson and David had their own puzzle to solve, but at least this one felt somewhat — somewhat — believable. I mean, okay, their research did feel a bit like the first act of a Da Vinci Code movie, but the underlying tension between them was solid, as Patterson deflected David’s proposal to move in with her.
While the “romance” between Jane and Weller has made up some of the most cringe-worthy parts of the show, Patterson and David’s onscreen chemistry is undeniable. Or maybe it just appears that way since they’re the only two characters with distinct personalities. Either way, their B story was mostly engaging, and the fact that Mayfair caught them in the act added another layer to their now-shattered relationship.
It also looks like we’re finally going to learn what Daylight is in the next episode — that is assuming we’re in the room when Mayfair tells Weller about it.
Jane’s tattoos came in handy several times in this week’s “Sent on Tour,” but the trail of breadcrumbs left by the mysterious tree-arm-tattoo guy pushed the limits of believability. The same could be said of Patterson and David’s investigation, although their emotional arc was strong. As for Guerrero, well, hopefully future episodes will prove he has more to offer than he did here.
