Imperfect Circles

After the first amazing episode, the series quality declined. Some characters are (not) doing unexplainable things, and some episodes feel like 'fillers', meaning that at the end of it, we hardly know more about the actual Dome. But this episode takes it. Unlike what I said before, this episode doesn't feel like a filler. But the thing that frustrated me is that they finally - finally - decided to investigate the CENTER of the Dome. With 'they' I mean the two loving teenagers (because why would any adult be interested in unexplainable Dome??). The girl says to the boy 'you're smart' after he suggests about investigating the center. Well, if that is smart, than I (and undoubtedly many other viewers) are geniuses because I (we) came up with the same plan within the first 2 episodes.

'Delays' like these, accompanied with the fillers, are the definition of these series. It's an mechanism to milk out more episodes than it actually needs.

Another typical thing is that people went crazy within the first three episodes. But when we see a scene where a girl asks the boy if she could use his power generator to charge up her ipod, she receives a comment that 'it has only been 1,5 days'.

People go crazy within 48 hours because of a see-through Dome?

Don't get me wrong, I kinda like the series, but the writing (which is NOT on par with the book!) is just extremely poor. Either put the events in a different sequence (for example: start the riot when people KNOW that other people discover that there is NO off-switch of the Dome), or keep your focus on that which makes these series interesting to watch: the mystery of the dome.

Episode 7 of Under the Dome, titled "Imperfect Circles," deepens the series' mysteries while delivering a poignant exploration of human connections under extraordinary circumstances. The episode is notable for its balance between emotional depth and the overarching intrigue of the dome. It begins with Alice, one of the series' most vulnerable characters, succumbing to her worsening health condition, a subplot that anchors the episode's emotional weight. At the same time, the discovery of a mysterious black egg hidden within a mini-dome in the forest escalates the sense of enigma surrounding the dome's origins. These dual narratives intertwine effectively, creating an episode that is as intimate as it is enigmatic.

The performances in "Imperfect Circles" are among the strongest in the series so far. Samantha Mathis shines as Alice, bringing a raw vulnerability to her final moments that resonate deeply with viewers. Her death is both heartbreaking and cathartic, underscoring the fragile humanity of those trapped in Chester's Mill. Mackenzie Lintz as Norrie delivers a standout performance, capturing the anguish of losing a parent while dealing with the inexplicable. Colin Ford as Joe complements this with his grounded portrayal of a teenager trying to make sense of the dome's mysteries. The supporting cast also contributes meaningfully, with Dean Norris continuing to add layers to Big Jim's morally ambiguous character. However, some characters, such as Angie and Junior, remain sidelined, their arcs feeling disconnected from the main narrative.

Visually, the episode excels in creating a foreboding atmosphere. The discovery of the black egg is framed with a sense of awe and dread, thanks to strong cinematography that highlights the otherworldly nature of the object. The use of natural lighting in the forest scenes contrasts effectively with the harsh, artificial lighting within the dome, visually representing the tension between the natural and the unnatural. The editing is tighter in this episode compared to previous ones, allowing the dual narratives to flow seamlessly without feeling rushed. However, the pacing is uneven in certain scenes, with moments of high emotional impact occasionally interrupted by less compelling subplots, such as Junior's aimless wanderings.

Thematically, "Imperfect Circles" delves into loss, resilience, and the search for meaning in a world turned upside down. Alice's death serves as a stark reminder of the dome's oppressive influence, stripping away basic medical resources and magnifying human fragility. Meanwhile, the discovery of the black egg adds a new layer of mystery, hinting at a possible connection to the dome's purpose while leaving viewers with more questions than answers. The juxtaposition of these narratives highlights the duality of life under the dome: the deeply personal struggles of its inhabitants and the cosmic enigma of its existence. While these themes are compelling, the episode's attempt to balance them sometimes feels strained, with neither narrative receiving the full depth of exploration it deserves.

In conclusion, "Imperfect Circles" is a poignant and thought-provoking episode that blends emotional storytelling with the series' ongoing mysteries. The strong performances, particularly from Mathis and Lintz, elevate the human drama, while the introduction of the black egg intensifies the intrigue. Despite its pacing issues and some underdeveloped subplots, the episode succeeds in deepening the viewer's investment in both the characters and the enigma of the dome. This balance of heart and mystery ensures that "Imperfect Circles" stands out as a memorable chapter in Under the Dome, leaving audiences eager to uncover the secrets hidden within Chester's Mill.

Norrie summons Joe to go to the dome to see whether they can communicate with it. Joe decides to use his knowledge in trigonometry to search the center of the dome and they find a small dome in the woods with an egg inside. Big Jim expels Junior from home and invites Angie to stay with him, but she prefers to visit Rose in the kitchen of her restaurant. She buries him with Sam and they clean the place. Julia's next door neighbor has a vision of her husband and goes into labor after touching his image. Alice helps to deliver the baby but she does not resist the lack of insulin. Linda and Junior seek out the Dundee brothers and when Junior learns that they tried to rape Angie, he shows no mercy with them. Ollie takes over Big Jim's propane but he prepares a prompt action.

In "Imperfect Circles", finally something new happens under the dome with the discovery of Norrie and Joe. Let's see whether baby Alice will have any ability. The dispute between Ollie and Big Jim seems that will end in a tragedy. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Círculos Imperfeitos" ("Imperfect Circles")