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MacGyver Online Forums > Episode Discussions > 4.01 - Fire + Ashes + Legacy - Phoenix

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 10 July 2019 - 12:55 AM

4-1 Fire + Ashes + Legacy = Phoenix

Airdate: Feb 7, 2020
Writer: Terry Matalas
Director: David Straiton
Guest Cast: Xander Berkeley (General John Acosta) , Emmanuelle Vaugier (Major Anne Frost)
Camille Mana (Hanna) , Leonardo Nam (Aubrey) , Fernando Chien (Stoic Man) , Jeremy Palko (Soldier)
Kathryn Alexander (Acosta’s Daughter) , Braxton Alexander (Acosta’s Grandson)

Ex-MI6 agent Russ Taylor (Henry Ian Cusick) recruits former Phoenix Foundation members Mac, Riley, Bozer, Matty,
and Desi to hunt down a bioweapon that’s planned to be used by a mysterious organization for a devastating attack on a major U.S. city.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 1 February 2020 - 10:14 AM

The Press Release Post for Episode 4x01 was on rank 9 within the top ten articles on SpoilerTV in January: https://www.spoilertv.com/2020/02/most-popular-shows-and-articles-on.html

Well, fans have been impatient

Posted by: MacGirl0629 7 February 2020 - 06:31 PM

Overall, I enjoyed this episode and found many things different from last season and am looking forward to more.

I did like Russ as I thought he was funny, the Mac/Riley scenes, and Matty/Russ clashing should be fun to watch. However, I didn't understand why the timeline was necessary as it didn't seem to fit, the fact that Mac was portrayed as so messy wasn't like him, and the whole Mac/Desi thing I can do without. While I am glad we didn't have to see this on-screen, I do feel it will be a focus this season. I am interested to find out what happened with them given I didn't see any chemistry or found a relationship to be believable last season. It just seemed like to much of a stretch and I really hope they don't rekindle the romance.

Posted by: real_ness 8 February 2020 - 03:38 AM

I never really realised how much I missed it until I saw it back on my screen lol

Something about Ian's presence just seems jarring to me, doesn't fit. Wonder what was the rationale for bringing him in. Maybe I'll get use to him.

Lucas's dad is making a cameo this season, Tristin's boyfriend....guess the gate is just open

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 8 February 2020 - 07:53 AM

did anyone catch the cameo of Till senior in the episode? because I didn't...

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 8 February 2020 - 09:09 AM

Preliminary Ratings are in: http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/the-sked-friday-network-scorecard-2-7-2020.html

The season premiere improved over its last season premiere in September 2018 by +3%.

Posted by: BabyEinstein 8 February 2020 - 09:58 AM

I liked this episode a lot; it was just so great to finally see Mac & co. after so long. A couple of things:

I think I will like Russ because Mac will be able to play off him like he had done with Jack (Lucas said as much in an interview). Also, he has some funny lines; one thing I always enjoyed about the show was its humor.

I'm glad the Mac/Desi relationship played offscreen. That's not to say they won't rekindle those sparks. I don't think it's unusual for co-workers to develop that kind of bond. and especially when constantly in life or death situations. I'm not surprised it didn't work; Mac is very cerebral and while Desi is intelligent, I don't think they truly 'got' each other.

As for Mac having a messy house, I kind of get it. I can see him not wanting to throw things out because they may have a use and without Bozer to keep a tight rein on him, his 'collections' got out of hand.

I also understand Mac not being happy. While his former teacher said he'd make a good teacher some day, it's one thing to decide for yourself that's what you want to do and another to have it forced on you.

I do believe, however, that the team would have stayed in touch somehow. After all, they are family. I loved Riley's reaction when Mac said it's dangerous. Priceless.

All in all, a good episode. Fridays are once again must see tv.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 8 February 2020 - 02:27 PM

QUOTE (BabyEinstein @ 8 February 2020 - 07:58 PM)

I think I will like Russ because Mac will be able to play off him like he had done with Jack (Lucas said as much in an interview). Also, he has some funny lines; one thing I always enjoyed about the show was its humor.

I liked the episode, but it reminded me a bit of the pilot. Dress/Suit/Tie event with bad guys selling a bioweapon and the team trying to steal it. Mac taking it out of the suitcase/box and encountering a problem.

In the end, Jack/Russ flying a chopper and Mac stopping the bomb/torpedo from killing innocent lifes.

Also, Russ seems very similar to Jack. Some of his dialogue could have been written for Jack.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 8 February 2020 - 02:29 PM

QUOTE (MacGirl0629 @ 8 February 2020 - 04:31 AM)

While I am glad we didn't have to see this on-screen, I do feel it will be a focus this season. I am interested to find out what happened with them given I didn't see any chemistry or found a relationship to be believable last season. It just seemed like to much of a stretch and I really hope they don't rekindle the romance.

Yes, I think they will get back together over time.

Funny thing is, I remember CBS asking the fans what they think of MacDesi fans and the answers were very negative. So I'm not sure why they're still going for it. I can see chemistry between Lucas and Levy, but I don't see it in Mac and Desi.

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 8 February 2020 - 03:05 PM

I think the point of the messy house was to show that his life was in turmoil and he was struggling to adjust to "normal" living. Remember his comment about how the beers go down pretty quick these days and Russ's comment about his house looking very nervous breakdown? All point to a broken man.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 8 February 2020 - 05:29 PM

Pity that CBS didn't bother to air the Season 3 Finale as a rerun a week before. They usually do that. "Criminal Minds" and MacGyver were the only shows not getting a rerun, I think.

I've seen several tweets about people being confused what happened. I guess they thought they will have a rerun and cut for time, but I think they should have bothered to insert a 30-second-"Previously on..." at the beginning of the episode.

It's been 9 months since the Season Finale and many people either didn't understand or asked about Mason and MacGyver's dad...

Posted by: Dragondog 8 February 2020 - 05:55 PM

I didn't notice Dad Till's cameo either, but I was only half paying attention in general.

I hate the Mac/Desi thing, it's too cliche. Sometimes cliche can be okay, but every moment they spent together felt forced. Glad we didn't see their relationship on screen, but who knows if their breakup will last?

I'm curious about their hostage quoting Mac's speech in the lecture hall, though...

Riley is always my spirit animal, though

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 9 February 2020 - 04:12 AM

QUOTE (Dragondog @ 9 February 2020 - 03:55 AM)

I didn't notice Dad Till's cameo either, but I was only half paying attention in general.

maybe I misunderstood the interview and his cameo in an upcoming episode (4x16, I think) is the only one.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 9 February 2020 - 04:15 AM

oh, and did anyone notice?

Posted by: real_ness 9 February 2020 - 04:19 AM

Did anyone else blush when Desi said "the things we did to each other"? lol

When she said that I keep thinking back to her character on her other not so tame shows to fill in the blanks....lol

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 9 February 2020 - 03:18 PM

Here's the Blog-Post about the MacHacks in this episode by Tech Consultant Rhett Allain: https://rhettallain.com/2020/02/09/macgyver-season-4-episode-1-science-notes-fire-ashes-legacy-phoenix/

Posted by: Macgyver12186 9 February 2020 - 04:04 PM

Watching it now how many months between the season finale and the season 4 opener honestly I think it said 18 but the freaking tv always cuts of the numbers

Lucas till as Producer and Macgyver is ok but a few minutes in I love LOVE the tone of season 4 operating the shadows not knowing who to trust but one issue I have had since season one

You can put Mac in a team
You can have a relationship with two actors who have no chemistry
But for the love of god

STOP SAYING ANGUS!!!!!

I did have my heart strings pulled when Russ said “I need your help Macgyver”

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 10 February 2020 - 12:12 AM

QUOTE (real_ness @ 10 February 2020 - 12:19 AM)

Did anyone else blush when Desi said "the things we did to each other"? lol

When she said that I keep thinking back to her character on her other not so tame shows to fill in the blanks....lol

Not blush but I thought it made them both sound like freaky sex perverts and it somehow felt like it was overstepping a line.

Did anyone else pick up on Matty the Hun teaching about Attila the Hun?

Posted by: Dragondog 10 February 2020 - 11:28 AM

QUOTE (MacGyverOnline @ 10 February 2020 - 02:12 AM)

Did anyone else pick up on Matty the Hun teaching about Attila the Hun?

How could I not?

Shame she got interrupted, in a way. I'd have liked to know how to unleash my inner warrior

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 10 February 2020 - 01:29 PM

Final Ratings: http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-friday-cable-originals-network-finals-2-7-2020.html

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 10 February 2020 - 02:50 PM

Average Demo Ratings (via SpoilerTV): https://www.spoilertv.com/2019/10/how-are-your-shows-doing-compared-to.html

only one episode so far, but it sure looks good at the moment.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 12 February 2020 - 02:28 AM

Overview of the average CBS demo ratings (via TVSeriesFinale): https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/cbs-2019-20-season-ratings/

MacGyver is the only CBS show in green for demo. Magnum PI is the only one that gained in viewers (compared to last season). Curious who will "win" the race for the Friday slot. It's possible that if both shows get renewed, they might have to "fight" again against each other next season.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 12 February 2020 - 01:55 PM

the episode made it into the "Quote of the Week" by SpoilerTV: https://www.spoilertv.com/2020/02/quote-of-week-weeks-of-january-26-and.html#disqus_thread

Posted by: Krug 13 February 2020 - 06:42 PM

Watched this last weekend, but haven't been able to comment until now.

I enjoyed this one. I know the time jump had some leery, but I think it worked well in "rebooting the reboot." Could have gone a bit shorter than 18 months, but it's no biggie.

I liked the "nervous breakdown" state of Mac's place, showed he's vulnerable without a real sense of purpose. It's something I think a lot of people can relate to.

Russ should be a good addition, seems they will use him to get some of that Jack-esque humor back in the team dynamic...though less on the side of stupidity, which will be a nice change.

Posted by: Miasma 14 February 2020 - 02:17 PM

Sadly, I can no longer watch this show, as I decided to stop paying for cable tv last month (yes, I could get an antenna, but the odds of me getting decent reception in my NYC apartment are minimal. Besides, I'm rarely home on Friday nights, and would have no way of recording the show via an antenna.)

I'm going to miss dissecting every episode with you guys! I'll probably still read your comments about each episode, though.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 14 February 2020 - 02:37 PM

QUOTE (Miasma @ 15 February 2020 - 12:17 AM)

I think the episode is still up on CBS All Access right now: https://www.cbs.com/shows/macgyver/

It should be available if you're in the US. Itmight get deleted a week or two after it aired, though.

Posted by: real_ness 15 February 2020 - 03:27 AM

QUOTE (Miasma @ 14 February 2020 - 05:17 PM)

CBS All Access is like $8 a month.

Also Amazon Prime has a special with 7 days free which you could also watch CBS All Access with. Although it's just 7 days so you might wanna wait till the season is over and binge watch with that option.

Posted by: RYERSON 15 February 2020 - 06:24 AM

QUOTE (real_ness @ 15 February 2020 - 03:27 AM)

QUOTE (Miasma @ 14 February 2020 - 05:17 PM)

$8 a month, I’d gladly pay that if it were available to people who live in Europe. I live in London, and hate the fact I have to use unorthodox methods to view CBS America, to watch my favourite show each week. Otherwise, I’m forced to wait six months before SKY One shows us an edited version (removing any violence scenes ...aka The best bits).

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 25 February 2020 - 11:02 AM

via Peter Lenkov: https://www.instagram.com/p/B8_uO8IgGqa/

Posted by: Krug 27 February 2020 - 09:07 PM

Language, MDB!

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 14 July 2020 - 02:55 AM

just realized that one of Martin Bishop's alias is pronounced "Matalas" backwards. sneaky Co-Showrunner, huh

Posted by: MacGyverGod 8 February 2022 - 03:46 AM

Well, well, I can't believe it's been almost two years since I've seen season 3. I also had no recollection on how that last one went or ended for that matter. It's been that long. My last post dates from March 19 2020. That's the beginning of the pandemic. But it indeed lasted as long as it did since season 4 and 5 got aired back to back last fall. So I have 28 episodes to get through.

So suddenly we're 18 months further in the timeline. Like I said, I had not recollection whatsoever where season 3 ended so I had no idea where this was going. I felt this one was quite basic when it comes down to the plot. They're just getting recruited to do a mission and as so it happens the guy had bought Phoenix so they could re-emerge. Or maybe that was just to keep it simple. An simple easy relaxed start of the season. I've only seen one episode so far but I've got the feeling the mood on set is a lot relaxter now that Lenkov is gone. It's an absolute breath of fresh air they finally stepped off of squeezing three storylines in these 45 minute episodes. Also I couldn't believe I totally missed Xander Berkeley. I thought there was someone I knew but I didn't place it. I was also very tired actually. But in all I did like the episode and I sure welcome Russ Taylor and the actor with open arms. "See you in the next life brother."

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 8 February 2022 - 07:20 AM

QUOTE (MacGyverGod @ 8 February 2022 - 01:46 PM)

I've only seen one episode so far but I've got the feeling the mood on set is a lot relaxter now that Lenkov is gone.

Lenkov was still showrunner for Season 4 (and for a handful of episodes filmed for Season 4 but airing in Season 5).

But they had brought on Terry Matalas as Co-Showrunner and Lenkov was busy with Magnum PI, so I'm assuming he was less involved. I think he was only on set once or twice for Season 4.

Posted by: MacGyverGod 9 February 2022 - 03:00 AM

QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 8 February 2022 - 04:20 PM)

QUOTE (MacGyverGod @ 8 February 2022 - 01:46 PM)

I've only seen one episode so far but I've got the feeling the mood on set is a lot relaxter now that Lenkov is gone.

Didn't they fire him?

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 9 February 2022 - 02:56 PM

QUOTE (MacGyverGod @ 9 February 2022 - 01:00 PM)

Didn't they fire him?

They did.

They filmed Season 4 and had to go on hiatus early in April 2020 due to the pandemic; in the middle of filming Episode 4x20. CBS cut the Season short and only aired 13 episodes; keeping the "leftover" episodes for Season 5.

In July, Lenkov was fired and a new showrunner brought in. So she had to deal with Lenkov's "leftover" episodes and put in her new episodes in between. Although Season 5 got 15 episodes, she only got to be showrunner for 7,5 or so. The rest of 4x20 was filmed half a year later and was aired as Episode 5x09. And I think parts of the Season 4 Finale were re-worked into Episode 5x03.