SCORPION 4x04 "Nuke Kids on the Block"

Season 4 has been wary of giving the audience the #Waige we've been desiring for the past three-and-a-bit seasons before either of the characters are ready for it, and after three episodes of allowing the couple to come to terms with how a romantic relationship alters their professional lives, we've finally broached the biggest lingering issue: Walter's insecurities about his genius interests boring Paige. It's a natural concern of Walter's at this early point in their relationship, which has reached the stage his previous relationships have ended due to his genius interests. His confession allows Paige to put his mind to rest, and then allows them to combine their interests for a unique date at a restaurant which offers a "sensory experience". Of course, Walter being Walter it doesn't go according to plan, but even his mishandling of the situation succeeds in amusing Paige. Hey, if you can make the girl laugh...!

   But better than what should be a launchpad for the more open, amusing, cute #Waige we demand is that this episode also acted as a launchpad for some good #Quintis development. A #Quintis baby has been on the cards since the early part of season 3 when Happy had a false positive due to radiation, but after seeing the family unit that Walter, Paige and Ralph have become it finally appears to be something that will actually happen in the near future. And it makes sense that this would occur after #Waige paired up and could give Happy that image of a successful family within a group of geniuses, and after Toby and Happy were married. It's something I credit to incredible writing, perhaps even some genius foresight in the show's planning of the characters' growth.

Paige and Happy rescue Walter when he falls into
leaking rocket fuel
Image: CBS

   And the writing stays consistent and true on a smaller scale, too. Paige reiterating her dislike for Ralph's interest in Patty is a single throwaway line to mirror her response previously, and sometimes just one well-placed line of dialogue can make all the difference in keeping up consistency.

   Scorpion's money worries is another example of tight writing on an episode-by-episode basis: following Scorpion's remortgaging to fund Cabe's bail, they are strapped for cash to an extreme level. It's something that will naturally span this season given the storylines the season has settled on, and it almost feels like a reset in a way. Scorpion opened season 1 with money worries that taking on work as freelance contractors helped to solve; revisiting this storyline after 3 years of character growth will act as a mirror to show us just how much they have progressed as individuals and as a team. It's a very smart move.

   And on that subject, one question I asked myself during the hilarious lawyer interview scenes was why one of the Scorpion team wasn't proposing to act as Cabe's lawyer, given their capabilities likely far outstrip even the most accomplished lawyer; it was pleasing, then, that Sly practically demanded to take on that role. Sly's growth since Megan died in season 2 has been far more subtle than anyone else's, but he's slid up behind the romantic relationships to become an authoritative figure who believes that he can handle anything, even a federal court case. And he likely can. He used to be a frightened mouse who wouldn't even touch a germ-ridden door handle to save his life (literally, this is an example from early season 1); these days, Sly would likely bust through the door into a dangerous situation without much contemplation (like today, in the silo). It's just more evidence of incredible long-term character development.

   The writing on this show is just on another level.

I've spoken almost nil about the episodic plot because the conclusions of this episode were far more juicy to delve into, but this was a very good plot. It's the typical science-based Scorpion episode, and in that respect differentiates itself from the 3 other season 4 episodes so far. But in that respect, it's nothing that stands out. It's simply an easy, enjoyable plot that acts as an excellent catalyst for some more seriously impressive character work.

RATING: 9/10

POINTS OF NOTE

• Toby labelling Cabe a "junior intern" and cracking jokes about inexperience is utter gold.
• "What could be more stressful than [nearly setting off a nuke]?" I love that no matter how bad the case gets, the characters of Scorpion all consider their personal lives just as important. A nuke was nearly detonated, but Sly was frightened of missing a meeting to fund a science club. Priorities.
• "I think I follow." You should follow, Sly, you're a genius. I'd be concerned if you didn't understand what Walter was saying.
• "Hey Patty."
  "Yep."
  Poor Ralph.

SCORPION 4x05 "Sci Hard" PROMO