The Invisible Man
"The Value of Secrets"

Airdate: August 4, 2000

Fawkes and Hobbes are assigned the task of finding a stolen item, only their investigation is hampered by the fact that nobody wants to tell them what it was exactly that was stolen. Eventually the partners discover that a small, metallic box, housing a quantum based computer, has disappeared before a vital test for the NSA, the project's source of funding.

Darien Fawkes

The thief in question turns out to be the very young, female scientist, Dr. Kate Easton, who created the computer and doesn't want its applications to be used for military/espionage purposes. Her vision of her creation had put it in a role of helper of humanity, but she quickly realizes that its power can be perverted in ways that she hadn't previously imagined.

With bad guys hot on her trail, Darien discovers her secret and helps. Her full explanation of the computer's abilities lead him to realize that the little box may just hold the answer to getting the quicksilver gland out of his head. Taking Claire up on her earlier offer to put his health before the interests of The Agency, Darien gets her to give Kate all of the current information on the gland, but before the computer can do its thing, the baddies arrive.

I have to say that it was very nice to see two strong, intelligent female characters sharing some screen time in "The Value of Secrets". Additionally, Darien's comment about girl talk regarding their scientific-term laden conversation about the computer produced a chuckle. The show deserves kudos for remembering that although Darien is the hero of the series, that doesn't make him the smartest person in The Invisible Man's universe. Also worthy a snicker or two was Darien's first bout with premature, uncontrollable invisibility while dancing with the attractive Dr. Easton.

The continuation of the trend of spelling everything out for the audience was in full annoying effect. At one point Hobbes points out to his partner that Darien may have just possibly stumbled upon the perfect job for him. Fawkes, a character unable -- or unwilling -- to color between the lines, has always had a craving for that particular adrenaline rush that comes from doing something you shouldn't. His conscience -- while a severe liability for any thief -- makes him a perfect candidate for The Agency. Under their banner he can take all the risks he likes (and a few he doesn't) and still remain true to that little angel sitting on his shoulder that drives him crazy. Figuratively of course. It's still the Quicksilver that drives him literally crazy.

Hobbes' comment is virtually ignored by Fawkes, which I suppose works better than having our normally brooding hero suddenly feel that he's found his place in the world. Better to let the guy suffer a little more I think.

That and they need to write an episode where Hobbes gets the girl for once.

-- Linda M. Najera

The Invisible Man airs at 8pm EST, Fridays on The Sci Fi Channel.

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

< Previous Review