I’ll start by saying that I’m an unabashed fan of FlashForward. I’ve overlooked many of the, rightly, criticized flounderings that have happened following the first two episodes. The pace seemed to slow to a crawl and much of the plot’s vehicle seemed to be losing traction. The lack of a fully coherent goal along with, at times, a fractured narrative put some off. Tonight’s episode brought a clear focus and immediacy that had seemed to evaporate since the sophomore episode.
Tonight my focus was on the possibility of altering the seemingly prophetic FlashForward Visions (FFVs). Al Gough was brought forth as a reluctant but adamant agent of change, if you’ll forgive the pun. His sacrifice was made not only for his own (future) guilt, nor only to prevent a pair of twins the loss of their mother, but also as a way to give hope to all of those ‘Ghosts’ out there (D in particular).
‘The Blue Hand’ plays any extraordinary role in impelling Gough to his definitive action. We watch as Mark, Noh, and Gough (mark no go?) make their way to a meeting of the AlreadyGhosts (alreadyghosts.com should be noted as the first real failure in FF’s web-presence). During the proving of inclusion, Gough is the first to take his chances (almost eagerly) – this is an indication of Al’s desperate quest to prevent his FFV. After being given their ‘ticket‘, (a bullet (ARG followers should have a couple of bells ringing right about now)), we are introduced to people whom have nothing to live for, or so they are inclined to think. The bartender sums up the motto by which they live – “No Limits, No Fear”.
Gough has a very telling encounter with MI6 agent Fionna Banks. He suggests that she tape-up the window so that the bird will not fly into it. Fionna registers her skepticism to the idea with Al replying that “It’s worth a shot”. The claustrophobic spector that the FFVs have imposed on our characters is brought to the fore in both Al’s sympathy for Noh’s lack of an FFV and his seemingly ordained killing of a mother of twins. Add to that his time spent with the ‘Ghosts’ and we have a catalyst of the resolve forming within Gough. He cannot accept, the mere idea, that he may be responsible for a family’s terrible loss. So he takes matters into his own hands and ends, in the most ultimate way, his influence in future events.
This episode brings us a new chapter in the FlashForward story. One that opens the possibilities to the infinite. There is no more future. Only that which we do is going to happen…
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I agree, I really liked this episode and its such a huge turning point for the story as a whole. For the first time on the show we have a person who purposely and completely changed his future. Granted, he made the ultimate sacrifice in doing so, but still, he proved that it can be done. But the question now is, can it be done without such an ultimate sacrifice? I’d say maybe, but it would never be guaranteed. In this case, Gough guaranteed that there was no way his future could happen. And he not only changed his flash forward, but also the flash forward of the other agent that was with him and God only knows who else. Great write up, thanks!
Great episode…the game changer. And I totally agree that the pace of show was really suffering due to the constant repetition but this episode seems to signal a directional turn ..and wow, am I glad.
Okay, so how lucky was Gough in the Russian Roulette game at the club? I mean, now that we know that death can not be put on hold no matter what your FF was/is…yikes! And like AsroJones… I’m wondering how his death will ripple in time…what will it cause and or prevent from happening?
I’m once again an FFF (FlashFowardFan
Nice QuickCap Apo!
Not sure if it was luck or not — as we know, Gough wanted to die. I think it’s obvious now that the excuse he gave Mark and Demetri was a lie.
Yeah, I see what you mean…but I do wonder if an element of chance is introduced, if the FF’s default will always be played out or can a purposeful action by the person alter them as in Gough’s case. The gun thing was chance and his jumping was, of course, purposeful..so, perhaps the only way to alter a FF is by eliminating all chance in an action otherwise, the FF rules.
I think that Gough’s action firmly planted the idea that ‘the future’ is still the realm of will and intention. I mean we have seen, in a sense, Mark will his board into being. He made a distinct choice to do so. So determined was he that even after Noh’s reasonable skepticism he steadfastly continued with assembling the board. That was a choice, not a foisting of fate on Mark. So I guess what I’m saying is that even if a person’s FFV comes to pass they still, if nothing else but because of the foreknowledge, have exerted their will upon ‘destiny’