IR TV Review: THE ARK - EPISODE 12 (“Everybody Wins”) [SyFy]

The aspect of conflict in the midst of destruction has been the focal point of most of the first season of "The Ark". The aspect of one-upmanship or grudges speak to the inherent element of ambition and power but what the reverse does is show that ability to redeem. The final episode of Season 1 entitled "Everybody Wins" refers to two different paths depending how one sees it. In the season, everybody has lost something but also has gained something or there is (at least) something to gain. Even as cliche or corny as the Angus/Alicia or Brice/Eva pairings can be, they reflect a context of hope. Even the aspect of Garnet as an untouchable leader at times always comes into question. Cat, the counselor, also starts to lose her mind when not interacting with people.

The series does speak to a bigger concept of isolation and loneliness. The fact is that no one can survive completely alone but certain people have caveats to their isolation. The series in its first season has defined itself with a sense of hope while still keeping every episode about the fact that it is just within or just out of reach. The way Maddox and Troist as the two mavens of industry interact is like J.P. Morgan and his rivals or two ruling Caesars desperate to win at any cost. An interesting context is that both, in many ways, can be wrong while only being partially right. This leads to the finale of the season which could have gone two ways and of course was caused by shortsightedness on both sides. Science can't solve everything. Instinct cannot solve everything. Sometimes it is just blind luck that resolves or doesn't resolve a situation. And as the season ends, this is the exact quandary at play. Does everybody win or does everybody lose? B+

By Tim Wassberg