Shackles - Episode 3x04 - Six Years of Static

All I can say is that it is great to pick up right where I left off. It wouldn’t be so great, however, if it hadn’t been written by the fabulous Angelo Shrine. You continue to amaze me with story lines, plots, and most importantly cliffhangers. Shackles is by far one of the (if not, THE) best Virtual Series around. Not only is written entirely by one of the most amazing writers, but it just has such an amazing story that no matter how hard you try, it draws you right back in again. Anyway, that is enough with the praise for the show as a whole. We need to talk about the episode itself now.

As you know, I am a bit rusty. Not just on Shackles, but on all the other series out there. I remember the main aspects of the show, most by just thinking what I’ve loved in the series so far (you know, like all my favorite guest stars being killed off). Oh, and don’t think that I forgot this normal statement that you got from me – DAMN YOU ANGELO!

This episode picks up, as usual, right where the last one left off. I had re-read 3x03. That was my main concern coming in, but I found myself remembering more than I thought I would. Coming into 3x04, I had a feeling that I’d feel like this was premiere of sorts and in a sense, it was. If I wasn’t given an episode number or title, I would swear that 3x03 was a finale for a season and that 3x04 was the next season premiere.

Now despite the great writing and story, the episode itself was also great! I feel like how our group got Jonathan out of the situation was really good. It goes to show the planning that goes into the show. I also loved the reliving of Duncan’s death. Being able to see Brett’s reaction to the scene was a fantastic idea and for me, made the episode.

Kylee and Brett seem MEANT to be together. It has to be written in the stars. They’re the perfect couple and have their problems, just like any other couples do. However, this problem involves a betrayal. Betrayal can make or break any relationship, so it’ll be interesting to see how they mend the rift in their relationship… if they ever do.

Clarissa’s speech set us up completely for the final scene of the episode. It was obvious that people from all over the world would be seeing it and that if Jonathan got out of the memories, he would have problems, both from people within The Annulus, as well as in the outside world. I loved the last scene - Jonathan is shot as he is being pursued. This is probably one of the better cliffhangers that we have been left with on this show, so hopefully it has a good payoff.

And finally, something new that I’m doing in all of my reviews is called Jimbo’s Next Theory, which is all about predicting what will come in the future of the show based on the events in the episode. So, without further ado…

Jimbo’s Next Theory
Jonathan will end up running back to The Annulus, leading that group of people there as well. Perhaps that group will try to fight their way inside.