TV Jots

Top-Notch Guest Star Influx Begins

Alphas viewers definitely have something to get excited about this week: the action drama’s new August 22 episode, “Catch and Release,” features longtime fan favorite Summer Glau. Doesn’t get much better than that on the small screen.

The former star of genre series such as Firefly, Terminator: The Sarah Connor Chronicles, and Dollhouse plays Skylar during her appearance on the show. Yes, the character is another intriguing person with extra-special abilities, and yes, Team Alpha must protect her from the big, bad meanies.

Skylar’s phenomenal technological skills bring her to the attention of Agent Kathy Sullivan, who assigns Dr. Lee Rosen and his Alpha charges the difficult task of locating her before the wrong people people do. If they fail, Skylar could suffer great harm from those who want to access and control her unique inventions.

The episode gets down to business from the first scene as an ominous group of men in ninja-style black arrive at Skylar’s hideout to subdue her. Thankfully, she’s prepared, but that doesn’t mean she won’t need every bit of Team Alpha’s help to continue eluding the would-be capturers.

Although the episode focuses on Skylar’s urgent dilemma primarily, various subplots also deliver plenty of meaningful personal moments with the team members. My favorite scenes involve ace frequency reader Gary and his understandably protective mother Sandra. It’s always endearing — and entertaining — to watch the youngest and most vulnerable member of the group evolve into a tougher, more independent individual.

Sneak a tense peek at Glau and “Catch and Release” in the following video. The episode premieres at 10pm ET.