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MacGyver Online Forums > Episode Discussions > 4.12 - Loyalty + Family + Rogue + Hellfire

Posted by: MacGyverOnline 10 July 2019 - 01:05 AM

4-12 Loyalty + Family + Rogue + Hellfire

Airdate: May 1,2020
Writer: Jim Adler
Director: Geoff Shotz

Guest Cast:
Jeri Ryan (Gwendolyn Hayes)
Zach McGowan (Roman)
Amber Skye Noyes (Scarlett)
Sean Blakemore (Danny Linson)
Monica Garcia Bradley (Waitress)
Mary Elizabeth Kirkpatrick (Ella)
John Paul Steele (Drone Pilot)
Martinez (Dr. Lee)

The Phoenix team is forever altered when MacGyver’s Aunt Gwen (Jeri Ryan) gets into his head about family and connection and convinces Mac and Riley to join Codex. Also, Matty and Russ take their concerns about Codex to the White House.

Posted by: Shy175223 1 May 2020 - 05:52 PM

Well that was an exciting episode if I do say so myself. It actually kept me at the edge of my bed, literally. At the start of episode, we see Mac doing his usually morning run, and than Desi wakes up and realizes that Mac has gone She calls him and he decides not to take it for some reason. Than Mac senses that he is being followed by Codex. Than with Codex agents all around, he goes to have breakfast with Aunt Gwen. During this meal, according to Gwen, his mom did not exactly die of cancer, but as some might have guessed it she murdered by the government. I still don't trust Gwen for obvious reasons, she could be lying to Mac about how his mom died in order for Mac to join Codex which I have a feeling isn't working. Meanwhile it doesn't things are working out between MacDesi situation isn't working too good but than again it could just be a bump in the relationship maybe..maybe not.

I agree with Boxier that something is wrong with Taylor and his trying to destroy Codex at any cost. It's kind of frustrating that I still don't know what makes Taylor tick at all.

When Mac went on run and seemingly went rogue, I've got to admit that I felt better that Riley had his back just the way Jack would, but don't get me wrong I still don't think they are good match romantically and have no sexual chemistry at all. And Mac holding Riley's hand barely while they were about to be blown up by a dron missle doesn't convince me. It might have thrown the MacRiley shippers a bone IMO.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 2 May 2020 - 03:55 AM

I liked the episode and the talk about morale and ethics and loyalty.

Not sure I like that there's yet another person behind Codex instead of Gwen. There's no time to properly get to know the big boss within the next episodes... and it might take a way time from Jeri Ryan's screen time. We never got conclusion with the S2 finale villain, do we need yet another one that gets away?

Season 4 is really different from the other seasons, though. Curious how they resolve it all because I'm pretty sure it's probably more or less back to normal by 4x14.

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 2 May 2020 - 12:47 PM

Preliminary Ratings: http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/the-sked-friday-network-scorecard-5-1-2020.html

Not that great, but would be alright in a "normal" year, considering the time. In fact, they had about the same ratings last May.

Posted by: real_ness 2 May 2020 - 01:06 PM

Why don't they just say season finale....since that is effectively the end of the season until things retstart (who knows when that'll be).

Posted by: Dragondog 2 May 2020 - 10:57 PM

The "Big Boss" is probably Russ

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 3 May 2020 - 01:26 AM

QUOTE (real_ness @ 2 May 2020 - 11:06 PM)

Why don't they just say season finale....since that is effectively the end of the season until things retstart (who knows when that'll be).

so far, it's not advertized as neither a midseason or season finale.

maybe they don't know yet. they could simply do a 2-month-hiatus like they did with Magnum. but yes, I'd prefer if they stated it as finale. my assumption is with al the uncertainties of the production schedule and CBS probably passing on a lot of rookie shows they had initially planned, they'll keep the rest of the episodes for Fall.

Posted by: Shy175223 3 May 2020 - 05:06 AM

QUOTE (Dragondog @ 3 May 2020 - 01:57 AM)

The "Big Boss" is probably Russ

That's what I'm thinking, too or maybe it's Mama Mac

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 3 May 2020 - 05:21 AM

QUOTE (Shy175223 @ 3 May 2020 - 03:06 PM)

QUOTE (Dragondog @ 3 May 2020 - 01:57 AM)

The "Big Boss" is probably Russ

That's what I'm thinking, too or maybe it's Mama Mac

Hm.... but Russ is still part of Phoenix in the later episodes, judging by the BtS photos we've seen of them filming. But I think he has ties to Codex - either he used to be part of it or someone he loves.

Maybe one of his ex-wives? He stated in 4x01 he has several

Posted by: Krug 3 May 2020 - 01:01 PM

Time for my re-watch:

-Interesting to note that they led off the "previously on MacGyver" bit with the Riley/Bozer scene.

-Mac out training for his "final fight" with Codex like he's Rocky Balboa or something.

-Rejecting calls from significant other...a sure sign of cracks in a relationship.

-Desi keeps a gun on the nightstand.

-"Megan Rapinoe" pulling a gun on Mac!

-This show really loves its diner scenes.

-Ooh, the government took out Mama MacGyver...or did they?

-Finally, a Riley job that actually takes time and not just 10 keystrokes!

-It's "Johns Hopkins," Scarlett. Great medical school, successful lacrosse program. Come on, everybody knows that.

-Gwen doesn't call the shots...hmm.

-"My loyalty is to my family!" Ah, the way in!

-Following the Desi/Mac argument...I'm totally all in with Mac at this point.

-There's a red Batphone to national security?

-So, Spearhead Operations is the parent company of the Phoenix Foundation.

-Mac speaking a ton of sense back in the war room. But Russ's "forensics" say otherwise...data is good, but it's not the be-all, end-all, Mr. MI6.

-Are there ulterior motives to removing MacGyver from the mission?

-This Roman character needs more screen time. Great presence as Codex head of security.

-Ellen was apparently just 26 when she passed. She accomplished a lot in those 26 years.

-I'm not sure any fire prevention system would react that quickly, but it's a cool effect nonetheless.

-"Angus MacGyver Has Gone Rogue" would make a great tabloid headline.

-Another Phoenix agent about to go rogue?

-The answer is yes.

-Riley's driving skills may be actually better than Desi's at this juncture.

-Riley still trusts Mac...and they both really trust that Scarlett is a sound sleeper.

-A ranch compound in Montana...yeah, there's been a few of those over the years.

-"How is that so different from what Codex is saying?" Bozer's got a point...and it makes me wonder...

-Taylor acting the hero, but I can't help but wonder (as mentioned previously) if he isn't playing both sides.

-"You know I'm not his girlfriend." Oh really? Are we sure?

-An underground city!

-"Improvise." And we're back to our roots.

---

A way more cohesive story and presentation than last time, which had a good idea, but struggled to wrap it tightly up with a bow. They now have 40 minutes to literally save the damn world, and I can't wait to see how this all unfolds...there's a lot to tie up. Hoping, much like DashboardOnFire, that we don't end up with another Walsh situation however.

The writing this year and pretty much everything else has been much stronger. A lot of that is owed to having an underlying plot to follow every week, mitigating the need for much in the way of B-storylines (thank you!). Coming up is the last Terry Matalas-helmed episode...which kinda makes me a sad as I think the show, for these 13 episodes, has really hit a good groove. Something it's struggled with the first three seasons.

Posted by: Krug 3 May 2020 - 01:04 PM

QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 3 May 2020 - 05:21 AM)

QUOTE (Shy175223 @ 3 May 2020 - 03:06 PM)

QUOTE (Dragondog @ 3 May 2020 - 01:57 AM)

The "Big Boss" is probably Russ

That's what I'm thinking, too or maybe it's Mama Mac

I really, really hope it's not any already-known "good guy" character.

I do hope it's someone that we have seen already. Walsh? Wouldn't that be a nice, albeit random, tie-up to that storyline.

How about Mason? Or was his earlier appearance this season just a red herring?

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 3 May 2020 - 02:40 PM

QUOTE (Krug @ 3 May 2020 - 11:04 PM)

QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 3 May 2020 - 05:21 AM)

QUOTE (Shy175223 @ 3 May 2020 - 03:06 PM)

QUOTE (Dragondog @ 3 May 2020 - 01:57 AM)

The "Big Boss" is probably Russ

That's what I'm thinking, too or maybe it's Mama Mac

Yeah, definitely don't want an already-known "good guy" character. It's been done with Nikki and Thornton and Lenkov already did it for H50 and Magnum.

But there's lots of possibilities... but judging by the Press Release and the Stills, it's the character played by Tobin Bell; someone named "Leland". Question is, how he's related to Russ.

Papa Taylor? Ex-Father-in-Law? Older brother? His own overwatch back from the days? Evil uncle? Would fit with evil auntie Gwen

Posted by: Shy175223 3 May 2020 - 03:01 PM

QUOTE (Krug @ 3 May 2020 - 04:01 PM)

QUOTE

-"You know I'm not his girlfriend." Oh really? Are we sure?

Yes we do.

Posted by: Shy175223 3 May 2020 - 03:08 PM

QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 3 May 2020 - 05:40 PM)

QUOTE (Krug @ 3 May 2020 - 11:04 PM)

QUOTE (DashboardOnFire @ 3 May 2020 - 05:21 AM)

QUOTE (Shy175223 @ 3 May 2020 - 03:06 PM)

QUOTE (Dragondog @ 3 May 2020 - 01:57 AM)

The "Big Boss" is probably Russ

That's what I'm thinking, too or maybe it's Mama Mac

I think you might be on to something. Ok Maybe its not Russ but a former friend of Russ which might explain why he is so hellbent in getting at Codex at the cost of innocent lives.

Posted by: Dragondog 4 May 2020 - 12:44 AM

Yeah, I also question the fact that they discussed Mac's plan in front of Scarlett, sleeping or not

Posted by: jephthae 4 May 2020 - 04:54 AM

A couple thoughts here....

1. Anyone else find the Russ giving his speech in Washington a little odd. He fumbled/stumbled his way through his 90 second speech and then the President gives the "o.k."... uh, that was easy... either (1) The writers did a terrible job on that scene, despite the great and top-notch acting by Russ. It is as if they asked a middle school drama club member to write that scene. Or (2) They set something up with that meeting, i.e. possibly Russ is somehow connected to (working for) the President without it being "known" by the other agencies present... and could it be that it is somehow connected to him buying Phoenix? Plus, being he is still connected to Phoenix in later episodes according to BtS pics, so I expect his motives for buying Phoenix to be more honorable than nefarious/selfish.

2. I hope Scarlett doesn't die. Even though it was only a few quick scenes, I thought Mac/Scarlett added an interesting dynamic to the episode and both together had on-screen "chemistry", not in a sexual way, just both actors seemed to work well together. Personally, if there is a 5th season, I would like to see an episode of them two being sent separately by their respective organizations on the same mission with same goal and end up meeting and having to "reluctantly" team up to accomplish their mission. I liked it when Mac said something like "I can really choose my partners well", I liked her quip... "we are NOT partners".

Posted by: Krug 4 May 2020 - 09:23 AM

QUOTE (jephthae @ 4 May 2020 - 04:54 AM)

2. I hope Scarlett doesn't die. Even though it was only a few quick scenes, I thought Mac/Scarlett added an interesting dynamic to the episode and both together had on-screen "chemistry", not in a sexual way, just both actors seemed to work well together. Personally, if there is a 5th season, I would like to see an episode of them two being sent separately by their respective organizations on the same mission with same goal and end up meeting and having to "reluctantly" team up to accomplish their mission. I liked it when Mac said something like "I can really choose my partners well", I liked her quip... "we are NOT partners".

Beyond my already-known attraction to the actress...

...I too, find her character endearing. The scenes with Mac and later Riley were a lot of fun. It's nice to have a recurring side character with a little character development.

The series doesn't need any more team members, but I wouldn't mind seeing her return in some guest capacity down the road.

"I like you." *runs off*

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 4 May 2020 - 12:47 PM

Final Ratings: http://www.showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-top-150-friday-cable-originals-network-finals-5-1-2020.html

Posted by: Dragondog 5 May 2020 - 12:34 AM

Kinda reminds me of Mac and Nikki in the original series

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 5 May 2020 - 06:59 AM

Blog Post about the MacGyverisms by Tech Consultant Rhett Allain: https://rhettallain.com/2020/05/05/macgyver-season-4-episode-11-science-notes-loyalty-family-rouge-hellfire/

Posted by: MacGyverGod 21 February 2022 - 07:35 AM

If you thought the last one was intense, take this one on for size. It finally happened. MacGyver broke down mentally and has gone rogue! Wow, this is breaking new territory for the character and it sure pays off. Russ seems to have lost complete trust in Mac and also Desi is being tested and while Bozer is downplayed, Riley seems to be the one who still believes in me and to my greatest suprise for almost like the first time ever, Matty shows she cares for Mac in an almost Pete-like kind of way. Is the reboot finally getting things right? At this moment, I'd say so.

QUOTE

I still don't think they are good match romantically and have no sexual chemistry at all. And Mac holding Riley's hand barely while they were about to be blown up by a dron missle doesn't convince me.

They're a better match than anyone else in the reboot so far and they should've been the couple from the beginning. That hand holding was maybe a first hint the feelings are mutual.

QUOTE

Not sure I like that there's yet another person behind Codex instead of Gwen.

I guess we're going 24 style here. There is ALWAYS somebody else. The first person you meet is mostly the stooge.

QUOTE

Season 4 is really different from the other seasons,

Yes, it is. It's better.

Loved it how they went all the way to Washington with this and who knows about Russ... he remains a mystery. But I like it.

Also Scarlett is a great assett or recurring character at this point... if she would only lose that nose ring. I think she would look better without. Love the red hair and OG Mac had had his share of redheads: Carla and Ellen for example.

Aunt Gwendolyn is awesome though. This show clearly shows brains and looks do go together and I don't know but I kinda get Jill vibes from her like Jill came back from the dead but she's Evil Jill now.

This was a great great episode. If not the best one of this season so far. I'm curious for the finale for sure.

Posted by: Maclover 27 November 2022 - 06:35 AM

Brilliant episode, I'm trying to catch them all as they show on UK Freesat TV and have missed a bunch, but this one is close to the best I have watched so far (and I have managed to catch a lot of them).

Posted by: DashboardOnFire 27 November 2022 - 01:46 PM

I liked the episode when watching it. But in hindisight, I'm still not too fond of Codex and the storyline.