Las Vegas has been something of a guilty pleasure ever since it premiered four years ago. It's a series that is easy to get into, doesn't require a lot of brain power, and offers comedy, action, and drama, all in one slickly produced package. This season, more than in seasons past, has had something of a long burn leading up to the season finale.
The season is already over, with the most recent episode, "Heroes," marking the end of season four, making way for the return of the Penn Jillette-hosted series, Identity. I am saddened that the season is already over, especially with all of the story threads that were coming to a head as this one closed. I guess that is a good thing, you know, get everyone excited and leave them wanting more.
There was a lot going on in this season-ender, leaving many questions open, and being completely aggravating in the lack of any resolution. When the episode ended a big Darth Vader like "NOOOOOO!" went off in my head. I want more! Okay, it may not be as engrossing and compelling as Heroes, 24, Veronica Mars, or Battlestar Galactica, but it is so entertaining that I want to see more. It is fun to sit back and enjoy something like this, where everything unfolds in front of you at a good pace, simultaneously not requiring too much thought and not playing the audience for fools.
As the episode starts, many of the characters are reaching crisis mode. Sam (Vanessa Marcil) has been drugged and put in a trunk by one of her whales (Richard Burgi), a whale that had proposed marriage. That is on top of Sam's estranged husband Casey (Dean Cain, not appearing this season) dying in a bizarre accident and leaving the hospital and millions of dollars of debt to the casino hostess. Meanwhile, Mary (Nikki Cox) went out and bought a gun following the release of her abusive father from jail. What she plans to do with the gun is obvious — whether or not the serially nice girl can do it is another question. Then Delinda (Molly Sims) is having trouble finding the right time/moment to tell Danny (Josh Duhamel) that she is pregnant, while she fears he has continued feelings for his old flame, Mary. Ed (James Caan) is considering becoming a part owner of the casino while his wife urges him to retire and leave the business. Danny has a war buddy appear at the casino, all while Mike (James Lesure) bounces around the periphery of all the stories, not having a primary focus of his own. Yes indeed, lots going on.
Article comments
1 - Joe Private
Chris --- wow what a review! I am very impressed. The funny thing is that when I saw the ending of this episode as the Monticito was blowing up all I could think was "DUMB".
Season 3 ended with Ed being shot and the "who done it" plot developed over the summer. It was very simple and made watching the first episode of this past season worth while.
I have to wonder why they put so many storylines into this last episode.
Is it to squash the rumor of Season 4 being the last season? I read somewhere that the show needs 100 episodes to be syndicated and they are at 87ish.
In 4 months, I'll once again set my TIVO to record the show and reluctantly watch. This show is very similar to the "Howard Stern Syndrone" why people listen to his show --- to hear the next thing he will say...... Well, I watch Las Vegas to see the next "bizarre" plot they can come up with.
2 - Ryan
Great review. I thought this episode was one of the best of the series - especially the Samantha story. I agree completely with your take on her storyline. It was very hard to watch a woman like her, who takes such pride in the control she has over her life and has such a strong sense of confidence, be victimized and rendered helpless by this psycho.
"When I get through with you, you'll wish you were dead." That scene gave me the chills.
It was very disturbing and I thought Vanessa Marcil did such a great job with the material.
The entire episode was very edge or your seat and I'll be counting down the months till the season five premiere. Thank god they renewed it. It would have royally sucked if NBC had cancelled it with these type of cliffhangers.
3 - Lisa McKay
Congratulations! This article has been selected for syndication to Advance.net, which is affiliated with newspapers around the United States.
4 - Trebor
Anyone know the music playing at the beginning of the episode...kind of dance tune with "bang a gong" chorus?
5 - blackfurbie
when?????? when?????