Suns & Shadows

Sci-Fi Friday Presents - Space : Above and Beyond ; The River of Stars

“When the Marines are stranded in enemy territory on Christmas Day, they receive a cryptic transmission which tells them how to “hitch a ride”back to safety on an incoming comet's orbit.”

Holiday episodes tend to be hit or miss with most series, almost like just a flip a coin and maybe it'll good. This was a different approach and I must say it's definitely a trip of an episode. The writing was excellent in this episode and didn't feel rushed or stupid at any point. Yes there is a moment where you question some logic with a Morse Code being broadcast from enemy territory with helping the 58th. I like to look at this as McQueen did, as if it's a gift on Christmas Day. It calls back to previous episodes hinting that the Chigs know humans way more than we realize. The 3 Chig fighters flew around the ship an then never came back, shortly after that the Morse Code starts up. The episode while largely serious plays into a lighter mood, almost like the show is taking a deep breath before the next episode. On an extra special note, the score was tremendous and the end credit music is replaced by a softer melody. As well, it accompanied the special holiday wishes as the end of the episode.

The entire cast are on point in this episode. Wang takes an appropriate lead in this episode and everyone else plays support. This was a nice touch to really build up his character and Joel De La Fuentes absolutely nails his performance. West, Damphousse, Hawkes and Vansen carry on perfectly which plays out very well throughout the episode. Vansen fills her role as the leader with confidence and authority. She's a great character to lead the squad. It was very nice at the end of the episode that the cast had a chance to show something more akin to lifted spirits. I have to say the running gag about the hooch being made out of aftershave was simply outstanding.

Commodore Ross and Col McQueen play a strong anchor in this episode. Ross holds back his emotions and shows an appropriate level of reluctance without seeming like a pushover. He still needs nudging and to be convinced of taking further action. There are many humanizing and touching moments in this episode. Of which include the amazing moments of McQueen playing a DJ and Ross playing guitar.

Overall, The River of Stars is an episode that is pitch perfect, how holiday episodes should be done and succeeds. It's still a science-fiction, military drama for a series but has such character and reliance on strong acting that makes it special. It's a hallmark episode without being cheesy in any regard. The River of Stars on its strengths across the board gets 10/10 Hammerheads.This will always be one of the best episodes to introduce a new viewer to.