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Revolution, Ep 1.07: “The Children’s Crusade” makes some major steps forward

Revolution, Ep 1.07: “The Children’s Crusade” makes some major steps forward

Revolution, Season 1, Episode 7: “The Children’s Crusade”
Written by Charles Beeson
Directed by Matt Pitts
Airs Mondays at 10 pm (ET) on NBC

An oddly subdued episode, “The Children’s Crusade” feels like a placeholder episode despite some big revelations and moments. The flash-forward sequence in the teaser seems out of place, yet there are few other complaints about a solid episode.

It provides with an intriguing look at a band of hardy kids who live together without an adult. When one is captured by the Militia to be brainwashed and conscripted into a soldier, Charlie leads the charge in bringing him back in the reasonably entertaining lead story.

While it’s a spin on the bad-guy-of-the-week trope, Charlie being branded is a bold move, and should provide greater tension in the weeks ahead. The troubles that clearly lie ahead because of this is neatly foreshadowed when the kids check the core group’s arms for brand markings. It’s not a stretch to suggest that more dangerous foes will not take kindly to the swooping “M” emblazoned on Charlie’s forearm.

The Deus Ex Machina of the pendant-powered lighthouse is a little tired, but as long as the show doesn’t dig into that well too often, it won’t be too much of a problem.

The reveal of Randall as Grace’s captor lends a more human face to the all-encompassing Militia, yet Rachel’s attempt to extract the location of a pendant from a former co-worker feels off and forced despite Elizabeth Mitchell showing real empathy for Dr. Bradley’s predicament.

As the show shifts focus from rescuing Danny to Monroe attempting to recover the pendants, our heroes are placed in greater danger (especially now that Miles and Charlie know all about Aaron’s prized possession), which should offer more drama along the way. Certainly not a bad thing.

– Kris Holt

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