The Event: season 1, episode 7: “I Know Who You Are”

Looking for a new TV show to cure your 24 or Lost addiction? Try The Event.

The seventh episode of NBC’s new series The Event aired on November 8^th. Created by Nick Wauters, the show’s plot revolves around the presence of a group of extra-terrestrials on earth.  This episode, “I Know Who You Are,” continues the puzzling search for the origin of these creatures while only revealing enough information to keep the audience captivated. Adding new mysteries and science fiction thrills just as fast as it reveals answers; The Event follows a plethora of plot lines and flashbacks.

The Event is a successful mixture of the action-thrill plot line of 24 and the mysterious and time-shifting Lost. In the 7^th episode more is revealed about an unknown person who is trying to keep the extraterrestrials a secret, much like the usual plot line of 24 (there is always someone else behind each terrorist attack—and Jack states “It’s not over yet!”). Also, like the characters in Lost, the extraterrestrials don’t have the resources to get back home, and the show feeds off of many flash backs in time from each character.

The different plot lines and flashbacks are a bit confusing and frankly annoying in the first few episodes, considering the backstory of the show hasn’t even yet been established. However, the thrills and cliffhangers allow the series another chance. By the seventh episode of The Event, the viewer becomes used to the format of the series (provided they’ve kept up with the show), and it is easier to understand why this format adds to the dynamic of the characters.

The flashback format of the show adds a lot to the show’s bewildering plot. It keeps the viewer engaged since he or she has to pay attention and gather the details in order to understand the story. The viewer is really piecing together the details to solve the mystery. Although the back-stories are not always completely relevant to the plot, they allow insight into the characters’ thoughts and emotions in the more certain current situations.

At times The Event is rather cheesy and unbelievable. However, this type of show is meant to shock and keep the viewer craving more ridiculous action and mystery. This isn’t a show where one can miss an episode and expect to understand what is happening.

The Event has a blog and twitter account that feature additional information about the plot. NBC is trying to create a whole culture that will try to decipher the mystery of the extraterrestrials. Will The Event be as successful as Lost or 24? It will only if it continues to offer both new information and mysteries to keep the show as shocking as the first seven episodes.