After a earth-shaking Season 2 finale, WAREHOUSE 13 returns with a new cast member, new artifacts to chase, and new shenanigans.
After a earth-shaking Season 2 finale, WAREHOUSE 13 returns with a new cast member, new artifacts to chase, and new shenanigans.
When we last saw Agents Pete Lattimer (Eddie McClintock) and Myka Bering (Joanne Kelly – JACK HUNTER AND THE LOST TREASURE OF UGARIT, THE DRESDEN FILES, VANISHED), they had barely succeeded at stopping Helena “H.G.” Wells (Jamie Murray – DEXTER, SPARTACUS: GODS OF THE ARENA) from exacting planetary revenge by enacting an artifact-caused ice age. Myka took being wrong about trusting H.G. very hard and resigned much to everyone’s dismay, leaving without saying goodbye to anyone.
Season 3 picks up some time later with a more somber Pete getting field assists from Agent-In-Charge Dr. Artie Nielsen (Saul Reubinek) and Agent-in-Training/tech wizard Claudia Donovan (Allison Scagliotti – DRAKE AND JOSH, ONE TREE HILL, GEMINI DIVISION). The mission that opens up “The New Guy” brings them in contact with ATF Agent Steve Jinks (Aaron Ashmore – VERONICA MARS, SMALLVILLE, IN PLAIN SIGHT) who can always tell when someone’s lying to him. He’s then recruited by Mrs. Frederic (C.C.H. Pounder) to become Pete’s new partner, much to Pete’s dismay. Their first case however leads them to need some outside help from an unexpected source. Meanwhile, Artie, Claudia and Leena (Genelle Williams – ORPHAN, RADIO FREE ROSCOE) have to do some trouble-solving with some already-stored artifacts.
“The New Guy” is primarily an Artifact of the Week setup to give Pete and Jinks an opportunity to get to know each other but it also addresses hanging plot threads of last season. It also does a good job at setting some stuff up for this year. One of the things I really wish they’d cover is why artifacts exist (with bonus points for showing how the Warehouse agency began). There’s no indication that they’ll give even the smallest origin hint in Season 3 but, based on previous season arcs, it feels like the right time.
Ashmore does a great job as Jinks. It is indeed a skill to keep calling people liars without it seeming like old hat or being annoyingly repetitive. His comedic timing was on point and he gave Jinks a lot of layers in a small amount of time. I really like the character and his interaction with the rest of the cast, especially McClintock’s Pete as it seemed he was more balanced – it reminded me of the Pete we saw in the pilot who wasn’t always going towards the wacky. Obviously that was done to get the very regimented Myka to loosen up and McClintock has always been good at keeping him multi-dimensional. But now that she has lightened up, this is a great way to slightly readjust Pete’s personality palette.
There weren’t really any hints at what’s in store for Claudia or Artie other than further development of their relationship and Claudia’s growth in both her role at the Warehouse and as a person. There will most likely be some exploration of Artie’s possibly burgeoning relationship with Dr. Vanessa Calder (Lindsay Wagner of BIONIC WOMAN fame). As for Leena, I truly hope she’ll get some of the spotlight beyond being a villain’s plaything or convenient plot device.
If you’ve been looking to start watching WAREHOUSE 13, this isn’t a bad spot to jump in. You won’t need to know anything more than the “Previously On” bumper shows you in order to follow what happens in the premiere. Plus you’ll get told the basics along with Jinks since he’s a newbie too.
WAREHOUSE 13 Season Premiere on Syfy Monday, July 11th 9/8c
