Now and Again
"Boy Wonder"

Airdate: March 10, 2000

While thwarting a plot to interrupt peace talks, Michael’s (Eric Close) display of his talents is seen by a mentally challenged young man, James Ferguson (Maurice Dwyer), who takes this as proof that he is indeed a real superhero. And while Theo and Michael are initially successful in changing Jimmy’s mind, they are later forced to reveal the truth so that he might help them find a hidden cache of missiles which a group of terrorists are threatening to use on U.S. targets.

Meanwhile Roger's (Gerrit Graham) typo during a session of online stock trading nets him a windfall. The only problem is that now Spence (Chad Lowe) wants in on Roger’s secret and won’t take no for an answer.

In an interesting twist, the audience is dropped right smack dab in the middle of one of Michael’s adventures. The bad guys of the piece, while dangerous and certainly villainous, are not meant to be the focus. Instead, we are given a glimpse of Michael’s superhero adventures through the eyes of a true believer.

While some might slight Theo for his bald (and false!) statements to Jimmy, his tone and his protection of the boy from the agents under his command are instead the actions of a doctor who must prescribe a harsh, but necessary treatment for a patient. In fact, I wouldn’t at all be surprised to find that Theo either has some experience treating the mentally challenged or has a close relative with a similar ailment. Theo was firm, but he was kind. And in his way, he was protecting Jimmy from his superiors who might see the boy as a threat.

The B plot is pure fun. Roger is his usually bumbling self, but in the end he is instrumental in doling out the much deserved payback that Spence has been asking for since his first scene. Here’s to hoping that the SEC fries his butt!

However, it is Roger’s scenes with Lisa and Heather that stand out in this subplot. As his wife Ruth has never been painted in any particularly supportive light, it seems that he has a lot of experience looking to the Wiseman’s for help. The banter is relaxed and honest, just as you would expect among old friends and it is a pure treat to see such a nice, domestic sort of relationship. Of particular note are Heather’s sly jibes at Roger which prove that she has inherited her father’s sense of humor.

An entertaining stand alone episode, "Boy Wonder" does little to advance the relationships between the characters. However, it does offer an interesting insight that was probably aimed equally at Michael as it was at the audience. In his last meeting with Michael, Jimmy baldly informs Michael that Superman doesn’t get Lois Lane, he gets to be Superman.

Call me a sentimental romantic, but I’m not buying it.

-- Linda M. Najera

Now and Again airs at 9pm EST, Fridays on CBS.

We welcome your comments on The 11th Hour and this review. Please send letters to: letters@the11thhour.com

Next Review >