SCORPION 4x03 "Grow a Deer, A Female Deer"

Following a two-part premiere that threatened the survival of mankind itself, Scorpion's third episode was, plot-wise, something of a come-down, with just two lives hanging in the balance instead of seven billion humans plus all the worldly animals. But in its execution, it was arguably a more effective and cohesive story.

Scorpion deliver a fawn
Image: CBS

   In "Grow a Deer, A Female Deer", Scorpion are employed by a wildlife group to prevent poachers from wiping out a species of rhinoceros, though a natural detour occurs when Scorpion stumble upon a pregnant deer in the process of being killed by a poacher and make efforts to save it and the fawn too young to survive outside of the womb. Perhaps this is the only real criticism I have of the episode: Adissa's original request was that Scorpion protect the rhinos, but once the plot diverged it never circled back to any closure on the aforementioned rhinos. (It's presumable that Scorpion's success in toppling the entire poaching organisation protects the rhinos by default, but it would have been nice for a throwaway line or two to make this clear.)

   But that is, as I say, a minor criticism. In the main, this entire storyline was sharp, concise and, happily, less focused on the poachers than the promos would have had us believe. Each step in trying to ensure a false womb for the hastily C-sectioned fawn would remain at the actual temperature of a deer womb was interesting, thought-provoking and cleverly executed. And when Scorpion split into two groups to return both mother and baby to the sanctuary, the obstacles were believable, well-timed and organically introduced and resolved. That's without mentioning the beautiful scenery of Africa that offered a colourful change from the usual Scorpion settings, or the fact that the rescue of an injured animal is just totally heartwarming.

   This was peak Scorpion. 

Walter channels Cabe
Image: CBS

   But it gets better. Only three episodes in and Scorpion has already set up a bunch of the season's arcs. How many depends on what you would define an arc, but Mark Collins' escape, Cabe's upcoming trial for aiding and abetting, Patty (3x14) returning to work for Sly - the West Altadenia Alderman - as his political adviser, and Ralph's romantic interest in Patty, all provide an insight into where this season is heading. Ralph being given a love interest is perhaps the most surprising arc, but I admit to having expected a quick wrap-up for Cabe's arrest: I'm glad, therefore, that this will be strung out a little longer. I expect it will allow us an insight into another side of Cabe (in this episode, his pride, after each Scorpion member sacrificed personal belongings - and leveraged Scorpion itself as collateral - in order to bail him out, leaving Cabe feeling like a burden), in much the same way Cabe's absence gave us a hilarious insight into the effect his arrest has had on Walter, who took on Cabe's macho persona and hindered rather than helped.

   Which brings me nicely to my next point: #Waige. I genuinely expected more of their relationship in this episode, but perhaps on reflection the lack of emphasis was the correct choice. The contract to protect the rhinos was sourced by Paige to help cover some of Cabe's $500,000 bail bond without consulting Walter, who normally would have taken umbrage with that: his quiet acceptance is a sure sign of progression from his and Paige's arguments in the first two episodes over Walter's discontent at the idea of relinquishing control over Scorpion's case selection to other team members. It's also nice that the show addressed the fact that Paige is still intent on performing her initial role in the team - helping Walter with emotional quotient issues - independent of their relationship.

   There's only one more point I feel necessary to address: the final scene, in which Scorpion sat down as a team to enjoy a live stream of the deer meeting its incubated fawn. Not only did that add an emotional centre, but seeing the whole team (minus Cabe, who was off making amends with his girlfriend), so warmly gathered was an uplifting end to the best episode of the season so far.

RATING: 9/10

POINTS OF NOTE

• Scorpion trying to protect a creature outside of a protective enclosure, whereby the creature will die due to atmospheric conditions if this is unsuccessful, parallels with 3x18 "Don't Burst My Bubble", in which Scorpion must keep Happy's friend, who suffers an autoimmune deficiency, alive when her bubble enclosure fails.
• "Womb service."
• Cabe stuck in the garage (unable to travel to Africa due to having surrendered his passport following his arrest), was a fun twist. He's pretty much the only character who, at this point, had ever been left behind (correct me if I'm wrong).
• Round 2 of Cabe vs a lawyer, Ralph, Allie and Patty needs to happen.

EPISODE 4x04 "Nuke Kids on the Block" PROMO