So was episode 3 going to further the plot between Terra Nova and the "Sixers"? Or go deeper into the markings on the rocks we saw on the 1st episode? No, it was to become a tedious filler episode were we are supposed to invest our time and emotions to see if Jim Shannon can get laid or if the settlers will survive a migration of some flying dino's.
Not really exciting stuff, in my not so humble opinion, espicially if one has to choose between the new season of Top Gear, AFCON2012 and the Star Trek Festival - all in the same slot. Missing out on all that to watch a filler episode, i felt cheated. Worst though, it re-inforced my suspicions that Terra Nova is all about nice CGI but thin on good story, character development or engaging subplots.
The flying dino's looked good but the story between the Shannon's was not really awe inspiring or gripping. Jim was looking for some alone time with wife whilst there's a new dude on the block, an ex' of the wife tries to mack on Mrs.Shannon. Whilst the yoing Shannons love interest were being explored a bit. For me there was no dramatic tension whatsoever.
If you compare Terra Nova to Prison Break Season 1 or Lost there's dramatic tension, even the "filler episode" of Lost and Prison break (S1/S2) were far more engaging, espicially when they focused on character building stories.
Watching Jim Shannon being entangled in a watered down love triangle with nothing at stake cause we all know the wife is faithful to the dude was sleep enducing. The moments with Jim failing to cope without having mom around were cliched to the out-most.
Maybe I'm too harsh on the showor I'm just not connecting with it, yet there's one thing I know, come next week wednesday at 20h30 I'll be watching Clarkson and company. Spielberg can keep his dinosaurs.
Terra Nova for me is over rated b-grade melodrama with a hollywood budget - i want more out of my series than a string of action sequences and CGI.