Have you ever wanted to dope-slap your past self for all the stupid things you've done? Dan gets to do just that, and then some, on Journeyman. Lucky guy.

I've got a bag full of hijacked spoilers hidden in the closet.

This week's into-the-past assignment seems pretty straightforward -- Dan is supposed to protect a guy who's testifying against a drug-smuggling gang -- but things go awry very early, when he drops his press ID and the bad guys get it. Now they're gunning for Dan, and he has to protect his 1999 self. Awkward!

Past Dan was no picnic -- this was seven months after Livia died, and he was just about to hit rock bottom with the gambling. Livia is there to help him out with Operation: Save Self, and she's a bit discombobulated to see Dan and Katie cozying up so soon after her "death." But Dan's got no time to soothe Livia's feeling -- he's got his past, and therefore his future, to save!

First problem: Past Dan is a lying, gambling schmuck. Normally, this wouldn't be that big a deal -- it's in the past, right? -- but this particular lying, gambling schmuck night is when Katie rescued him from Downward-Spiralville, and they first started to fall in love. So Dan not only has to stop his past self from being killed, he also has to get back into the poker game in time for Katie to save him.

This becomes problematic when (a) the Drug Thugs try to snuff Dan when he leaves the poker game, (b) Current Dan has to fight -- and knock unconscious -- Past Dan to save himself, and (c) Past Dan, being unconscious, is in no shape to get back to the game so Katie can rescue him. On to plan b: Current Dan will take Past Dan's place in the game. But lo! The Drug Thugs have stolen Past Dan's money, and Dan needs at least $10,000 to get back into the game so Katie can drag him out of the game. While he's casting around for answers, Livia disappears.

She reappears in Current Dan's current closet -- where he's keeping all the hijack money Dylan gave him. She snags it -- and just in time, but we'll get to that in a second.

Current Dan follows the Drug Thugs to the hospital, stops yet another assassination attempt on the witness, goes back into the game and hits bottom so hard he leaves an impact crater about a mile deep. Katie's friend Ed is in the game, and he calls her to drag him out. She brings him home, and, despite finding Dan collapsed in bed wearing different clothing when he was supposed to be puking, watches over him. Thus a great love is born.

But Current Dan's problems are hardly over. Nope, Dan and Katie got sweet old Uncle Jack to babysit Zack while they went out, and Zack showed Jack Dan's "play money" -- the hijacked money he uses in the past. Jack filches a bill and asks someone at the precinct to check it out. That draws the attention of the FBI, who tells him the bill's provenance. D'oh! Jack storms over to the house to confront Dan and Katie, but when he gets upstairs, Livia has already taken the money and flitted back to the past. When Katie won't tell him anything, Jack has finally had enough -- he tells Katie he's done with the whole thing. They're on their own.

And oh boy, does he mean it. See, the Feds come back demanding answers about where he got the bill. Jack initially puts them off -- confidential source, delicate situation, let me handle it, etc. -- but when the Feds start threatening his career, Jack snaps. Fine, he says -- I got it from my brother. Uh-oh.

Highlight, tidbits and odds & ends:

• Oh, Zack. You adorable, good-hearted kid -- you have absolutely no idea what you've just done to your family. This is going to suck.
• We establish the time in the past by seeing all the talking heads on TV nattering about the Y2K virus. Remember that? Good times.
• We first see Past Katie on TV -- reporting from a Renaissance Faire in full-on garb. Hee!
• Kevin McKidd did a great job of playing both of his selves. Past Dan looks hollow, wasted -- you can tell he's in bad shape. Current Dan looks pained just seeing his past self.
• Interesting how Livia and Dan talk about past Dan as "Him," not "You" or "I." It makes sense -- he is a different person now.
• That "different person" aspect made Current Dan taking Past Dan's place at the poker game all the more interesting. Was Past Dan really that far gone at that point, clutching the bottle, betting recklessly, acting like there was nothing left? Or was that desperate race for the bottom Current Dan realizing this is where his life changed, and he just wanted to get on with it? Had this part of his current life already been manipulated by a visit he made to the past? Ow! Brain cramp!
• Dan gets dumped in the past carrying his current recycling. Thanks, NBC's Green Week! I hope they weren't recycling any new-design Pepsi cans, or a Monster Energy can, which didn't exist in 1999.
• Katie raises the idea of going back to work, and Dan dismisses it -- is it really what's best for Zack? As Dan's job is precarious, what with the whole disappearing into the past thing, I think he needs to get over that particular hang-up.
• Katie's friend Ed is the guy who tries to recruit her for the job. He's also the guy who called her to rescue Dan in the past. He's doing a lot of rescuing for this family.

What did you think? Did you feel sorry for Livia, as she watched Katie taking her place in Dan's past? Are you surprised that Jack gave up Dan as the source of the bill? Should Katie go back to work? And what do you think of The Battle Of The Dans?

Comments

I would have loved to have seen if Past Dan recognized Current Dan and the repercussions of that, but otherwise, solid episode as always.

I just hope NBC finds a way to keep it on the air, because the ratings have been dwindling.

Corey | Nov 5, 2007 9:43:46 PM | #

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I liked the episode. I was really hoping that Jack and Dan could start tentively getting along now but I guess not. I'm glad that Dan wasn't seen by his past self or Past Katie. Livia is getting to be more helpful which is great. Jack is still getting on my nerves though. Poor little innocent Zach starting that whole mess with the money from 1975 may prove to be an interesting story if Journeyman gets to play it all out. Next week seems like another frustrating story that I'll be yelling at my t.v. for and I can't wait.

Penny | Nov 5, 2007 10:44:01 PM | #

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Damn.. I really wish that Livia would have opened that closet door and started talking to Katie!!! It would have totally blown Katie away!

Sid | Nov 5, 2007 11:38:00 PM | #

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stupid kid, didn't his mom tell him to keep the money a secret?! Of course, how was he to know that his uncle is a mean jerk out to get Dan.

edgar | Nov 6, 2007 1:13:51 AM | #

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My favorite part was the Back to the Future reference--

"Stay down and shut up!"

Sara | Nov 6, 2007 5:51:44 AM | #

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It is a shame that the ratings have been so low. This is definitely one of the best shows on TV right now. The acting is great, and the stories are great. It is too bad that most American viewers want simple-minded shows with plots that are spelled out for them, or they want shows that neatly wrap up their mysteries within one hour. One of the things that makes this show so entertaining is that it makes you think. I'm not refering to the concept of time travel, I am refering to that never ending question, "If I could change something in the past, what would I change and how would I change it?"
I truly hope that NBC keeps this show and allows it to evolve. Perhaps they can add more characters, or they can allow Dan to travel to other parts of the Bay Area. At the very least, I hope NBC allows the producers the chance to bring the story to a formal conclusion. This would enable them to sell the series on DVD.

Pete | Nov 6, 2007 5:54:29 AM | #

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This is definitely the best show (new or otherwise) of the fall tv season, and this was the best episode yet: expertly plotted, wonderfully acted - you could really get a sense of what was at stake for every person involved. Unfortunately, shows this intelligent often have a hard time staying on the air. I agree with others' assessments: how do we convince NBC that they've got a winner here? Like Pete said, above, I hope they at least give the show a chance to tell a full story and don't yank it from the air abruptly.

Brandon | Nov 6, 2007 6:11:10 AM | #

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Is Livia there to fix Dan's life or is she just there to help guide him in his travels? It was awfully convenient she leaped forward when he needed the money the most, and before Jack got it. Just seems there is a lot more to her story, and it should be interesting.

Steve | Nov 6, 2007 6:24:58 AM | #

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Agree with others - the show is kick-ass: writing, acting, pacing, story-telling. Will continue to spread the word.

Jeff Schiller | Nov 6, 2007 7:06:12 AM | #

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The kid found the money once, hide it in a better place than the bottom of the closet. At least put it on the top shelf, where he couldn't reach it. Also, you never heard of luggage lock?

jbw | Nov 6, 2007 9:38:04 AM | #

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Obviously we would not have had an episode this cool had there been a better place to hide the money bag. Livia is getting what she deserves. She will have to reval herself to Katie sooner or later. Poor Dan sold out by his bother.

Albert | Nov 6, 2007 10:12:05 AM | #

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Yeah, we have to overlook their not changing the hiding place for the money, but it was annoying.

One other funny "error" that bugged me: If you were wondering what year it was, you most certainly would not trust the date on a telephone book! Nearly every one you are likely to encounter is years old, especially in public place.

Small potatoes, I know. Great show!

Jim | Nov 6, 2007 11:10:18 AM | #

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Journeyman is so well-written and well-acted, it will be a real shame if it is cancelled.

J-man, Reaper, and Pushing Daisies are the only new shows that I think are getting better as they develop. On the other hand, Chuck, Dirty Sexy Money, and Bionic Woman are bogging down.

Tommy | Nov 6, 2007 11:13:54 AM | #

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It is a good consistant show that does carry over long-arc information, which often DOESN'T appeal to mass audience as they feel left out if they missed earlier episodes. Still, it is interesting to watch longer-range consequences play out.

I really think they are setting up Ed as a possible "other man." He's been around before, Dan sees how close Ed and Katie are in the past in this episode, and they have a quick and easy reunion here. She's definitely "over" Jack, having been-there/done-that. But Ed I think was an unrealized possibility, that may yet be explored.

And I have to say it - Katie in "full-on garb"? Me smells a Rennie or Scadian...

Paul | Nov 6, 2007 12:04:43 PM | #

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Methinks the ratings for this show (sorry, it was the Ren Fair get-up) are so low because it actually is very intelligent, high-concept and too difficult to wrap the average brain around (and that's not an insult...I think Einstein might get a headache with the convolutions that permeate this show). Time travel and all its potential problems are handled with as much adeptness as can be with a regular network show, thanks to some great writing and acting. Even when my eyes are starting to whirl around in little circles, Journeyman still is an enjoyable show to watch. My favorite part of this well-done episode was when Dan didn't get out of his past-self's apartment quickly enough, leading to Katie seeing him asleep in his bed not a minute after he had supposedly gone to the bathroom to worship the porcelain god. Dan was not completely successful in righting the past, so perhaps this will have a tiny effect on his future relationship with Katie (with her maybe realizing one day that, with her current knowledge of his time-traveling abilities, that Dan might have done something in the past to change things in the present, which might lead to trouble in the marriage). It's a difficult concept to bring to a realistic conclusion, and this episode did a good job with showing how time, history and our interrelationships are fluid. As for Ed, I think he and Katie are just very good friends who happen to work in the same field. Although he might have stronger feelings for her than she does for him, I don't see that becoming an issue, any more than I think Dan will hook up with Livia in the past just because he can. As for the ratings, NBC might be smart to sell this show to the Sci-Fi network, because it would be a perfect complement with Eureka. I just hope NBC is nervous enough that they won't cancel the show. Moving it to a different night might help, but I can't figure out when would work the best.

Dark Disciple | Nov 6, 2007 1:11:59 PM | #

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gosh, i just love this show. i agree that last night it was excellently plotted and really interesting because of what we learn of all four of the major players.

i couldn't believe jack gave up the pertinent info at the end. though, he has been played as rather the unpleasant, untrustworthy brother, i was hoping for better. what a betrayal! i can't wait to see where this goes. i never understood why they didn't just confide in him in the first place.

arriving in the past with his recycled cans, makes me wonder if dan could take someone back with him. i wonder if that'll be in an upcoming episode. which, i just read here in zap2it's rating section, are all done. journeyman won't be affected by the writer's strike, though it has yet to get a full season order.

since this show is up against 2 rating juggernauts, the bachelor and csi miami, i'm hoping the low ratings won't be held against it. i sure hope it continues. it deserves to. heroes isn't doing well this season either, so maybe that'll make it look a little better. *fingers crossed*

KR | Nov 6, 2007 1:40:02 PM | #

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Reed Diamond (Jack) needs to die... Michael Chiklis did it on The Shield, Kevin McKidd can do it here.

But seriously, I can't believe how this show keeps performing above my expectations and keeps ratcheting up the tension... Bravo!

AC | Nov 6, 2007 2:50:30 PM | #

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WRITERS STRIKE OR NOT...go to the NBC website and email or send snail mail to 30 Rockefeller Plaza and urge them to continue the journey of Journeyman...let's start writing now!! This show is too much fun to go away.....We need to work harder than the Jericho fans did....LETS GO!!!!

bill | Nov 6, 2007 6:33:20 PM | #

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What the heck is going on with the money story - it's just wrong. First, Livia was there and heard Jack confront Katie about the money, so why didn't she tell Dan.
Second, the bills were marked and serialized back in 1975(?) so they could be tracked, so why can Dan spend it back then and not now. And what's the story with possessing stolen property - there's no law saying you have to report it if you find a bag of money somewhere, although honesty might suggest you try, there's still no crime in keeping it that I know of. The worst that could happen, since Dan obviously wasn't the hijacker, is that they would take the money away.
This really bugs me for some reason...

| Nov 6, 2007 7:59:39 PM | #

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Second, the bills were marked and serialized back in 1975(?) so they could be tracked, so why can Dan spend it back then and not now.

Dan doesn't worry about spending marked money in the past, because he's not around long enough to get caught with it. It's not like there's a stamped that says "Stolen money!" on the bill itself -- it takes a while for the Feds to pick up on it. And the nasty Fed mentioned that -- we get a few of these bills showing up every few years. Hee!

I kind of wanted Livia to talk to Current Katie too -- but it might have made Katie's head explode, seeing Livia in the flesh. I dunno.

I'm really, really hoping they're not setting up an infidelity storyline with Ed and Katie. Sigh.

Re: "Garb" -- Heh. Busted!

sarah | Nov 6, 2007 10:30:31 PM | #

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I am happy to see this show has fans, because I really enjoy it, too. But it's not gaining viewers, it's losing them. But at least it's cheaper than "Studio 60" -- and they did order 3 more scripts -- so it has a shot to finish the season, methinks.

A | Nov 6, 2007 10:54:28 PM | #

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By the way, people, we're in America. And in America, we spell it "canceled" with ONE L. Thanks.

A | Nov 6, 2007 10:59:32 PM | #

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By the way, people, we're in America. And in America, we spell it "canceled" with ONE L. Thanks.

A | Nov 6, 2007 10:59:40 PM | #

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PS: The only form of cancel that has 2 l's is CALCELLATION.

A | Nov 6, 2007 11:00:26 PM | #

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Ratings keep dropping week after week, which is just mindboggling that not only are people not watching the show, but people have stopped watching it, which I just don't get.

This show's on life support, folks, let's think of something ala Jericho. Send NBC stolen $100 from the 70s? Calendars marking other time slots where they have pure crap on?

Corey | Nov 6, 2007 11:11:19 PM | #

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I thought it was an interesting note the Fed Agent said about this stolen money. He made a comment about how some bills show up from "time to time". Is this because Dan is spending little bits of the money here and there as he bounces around in time?

Mark Hunter | Nov 7, 2007 9:27:09 AM | #

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haha that's interesting, I didn't even pick up that comment by the FBI agent about the money showing up from time to time. Very clever writing...and just another reason why I hope this show doesn't get canceled. It's my favorite new show this year.

I'm just wondering, will the strike help or hurt the chances of Journeyman to get picked up for the rest of the season and for possibly another season? I've been reading that one of the most drastic effects of the strike (depending on how long it lasts) will probably be the lack of new shows premiering next fall, because the next few months are when shows are pitched, so the studios won't be getting new pitches for the fall. Therefore, I was thinking that the studios will be less likely to cancel shows that are already on the air, since they aren't gonna have anything to replace them with. Could be a good thing for a lot of first year shows.

Chris | Nov 7, 2007 10:05:07 AM | #

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The money is a huge plot hole particularly now that the past has been changed! The original Dan lost $20k of clean money in the poker game, now Dan lost $20k (or more) of marked, stolen bills that can be traced to DAN. This is just the kind of paradox that the show has been trying to avoid.
The feds have always been good at tracking down counterfeit and/or marked money - tracking those crisp, brand-new $100 bills to that poker game would probably not be that difficult.
The point being that Dan using that money changed his own, and probably hundreds of other people's, past. Not good.

wmeador | Nov 7, 2007 12:16:47 PM | #

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This is the first time I actually felt for Livia. Seeing her the bedroom that her fiance now shares with his wife ... then sitting in the car waiting for Katie to pick Dan up, knowing this was the turning point in their relationship ... it was painful to watch. Her "Goodbye, Dan," made me wonder if she's going to be tracking him as closely now. Can't remember if she was in the previews for next week.

Dee Dee | Nov 7, 2007 1:52:38 PM | #

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Chris --- It may be a good thing for Journeyman, it depends on how many episodes they have in the can right now. NBC has a ton of nonscripted shows lined up if this strike lasts awhile, but somewhat successful new shows like Life and Chuck will probably be given second lives (pun on Life somewhat intended). However, with Journeyman's ratings being scary low, a lot would have to change.

Corey | Nov 7, 2007 9:20:54 PM | #

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Everything that Brandon, Pete and Sara said, I say "Dittos!!"

Also, there are at least 2 or 3 Easter Eggs that fit into a fantastic woven plot.
I still love the priest saying "Oh Boy" when he spots Dan waking up in his church.
I rarely remember a series that doesn't waste a scene.

trekbw | Nov 8, 2007 7:59:26 AM | #

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I agree with Corey, Pete, Dark Disciple and others who have replied to this blog. We need to keep "Journeyman" on the air. I like the idea of NBC switching it to one of their cable channels -- it would fit right in with Eureka or BSG on the Sci Fi network.

So far, this show has been so good with continuity and the longer story arcs. However, I agree that it was pretty stupid of Katie and Dan to leave the stolen money in their closet, instead of hiding it in their attic or basement.

I don't think that Livia has complete control over her time traveling powers because she looked very surprised to find herself in Dan's closet. I don't think that Katie cheated with either Jack or Ed after she started dating Dan, at least I hope not. It looked like Katie was just friends with Dan and Ed back in 1999, but Dan wanted to start dating her.

One of my favorite parts of watching this show is trying to figure out in what year Dan ends up. I have been pretty good at remembering the year in which the pop songs were released. This time I knew it had to be 1999 -- Ricky Martin was "Livin' la Vida Loca"!

Paige | Nov 8, 2007 8:45:24 AM | #

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