In Which I Review Under the Dome (1x8)

A theory in two parts


Part One

The alien overlords are coming. The egg-rock thing is not an egg or rock. It is a homing device and is generating a subspace signal telling the Aliens where to land. The more pink lights appear, the closer the aliens come. "The pink stars are falling" refers to the homing device. More of them will be falling around the world as the aliens prepare for an invasion. Chester's Mill is a testing ground. The aliens are studying humanity to know what our weaknesses are and how to defeat us. As they gather information, they will know how to invade without needing the Dome. The Dome around Chester's Mill is a science project--how to humans react in certain situations. Once the aliens have finished their research, there will be no need for domes, and instead, using their prelaunched homing devices, they will land upon our shores. What about Jorrie? The Dome is using them to amplify the signal of the homing device. Why them? They aren't "special" per se but they do resonate the same frequency as the homing device; not many people do, thus why they are "special." (Thank you Fringe).

Part Two

Red Herring:  a literary device that leads readers or characters towards a false conclusion. 
I do not for one moment think that Angie is the monarch. That monarch tattoo screams "deliberate mislead." Following part one of my theory, the "Monarch" is the human that the aliens have chosen to be their representative. The Aliens will either control this person telepathically or take over their body. In my head there are a few contenders:
Barbie: the military man who knows about law, order, and explosives. Also very pretty.
Joey: Connection to the Dome; smart
Norrie: Connection to the Dome
Big Jim: craves power above all else.

Now let's review the actual episode, shall we?

Can we talk about the amount of irony laced within the first few moments of this episode? "Thicker than Water" starts off with Jim confronting Junior about killing the Dundee brothers and says, "who are you to decide who gets punished?" That's a great question, Big Jim, seeing as you have killed--in cold blood!--two people now in order to keep your secrets. Moments later, we see Barbie digging a grave (just like episode one) and Julia approaches and speaking of Carolyn and Alice says, "Can you imagine losing a spouse like that?" Oh girlfriend, you have no idea! Barbie makes a non-commital grunt all the while probably thinking, "yeah about that..."

Two main stories this episode: personal and mythological. The personal storyline was, for me, slightly overkill. The farmers vs everyone else. Junior siding with Aolie Bad-Teeth Farmer was not at all shocking seeing as Junior and Jim have fallen out and given the title (playing off the saying "blood is thicker than water") I wasn't surprised that Junior killed Aolie Bad-Teeth Farmer and saved Big Jim. We got some more information about Junior's mother--apparently she was (I think) schizophrenic and committed suicide. Jim and Junior have a nice little moment but of course it changes nothing. Jim is still a power hungry man and Junior is still...Junior. Barbie blew up the well and redirected the water back to other wells so now Aolie can't lord his precious resource over everyone. Barbie saves the day! If I ever go back and rewatch the show, I'll make a list of how many times Barbie saves the day. I'm telling ya, those alien overlords are gonna pretty interested in Mr. Dale Barbara. However, Barbie is once again noticed by Big Jim and Jim doesn't like what he sees: a competitor. 

It would be nice if the rest of the town--Linda, Barbie, Big Jim, Angie, Junior--could put aside this "fight for survival" stuff and learn about the mini dome and the "egg." I think each of them might have something to add--either knowledge or experience or suggestions. It's time for Lord of the Flies to die and focus on the bigger issues.

Joey "accidentely" lets it slip to Julia that he and Norrie found something in the woods and she demands to be taken to it. Once there, she too puts her hands on it and sees an image. Now here is what is strange: Julia sees Joey but the "real" Joey does not see Joey. So far, the people who've been seen (but are not really there) were Harriet's husband (who is outside the Dome); Alice (who is dead); and Joey (who wonders if he will die). Joey could see Alice so why couldn't he see himself? My running theory is that you have to be touching the mini-dome to see the image it shows you; Joey was not. Does this mean Joey will die? Doubtful. First, TV doesn't kill the kid. Just doesn't work that way. At least not broadcast primetime TV. Second, I think he is the strongest contender for "Monarch" of the Aliens. He's smart but kind of dumb and he thinks the Dome is a bit of a blessing; he's in "awe" of it. One thing is for certain, Joey will be freaking out over the next few episodes wondering if he's going to die.

Miscellaneous Notes from Thicker than Water

 --Angie and Norrie had a nice moment. I think they'd make good sisters-in-law.

--"I didn't want you to know that she chose to leave you." Big Jim is an ass, but that made me sad on the inside. He's a terrible father but like most terrible fathers, he occasionally has bright moments.

--Chester's Mill has now secured water and food. It's time to move past the primal eat-or-be-eaten mentality.

--Jim seems to think the Dome is here to stay; or does he want the Dome to be here to stay?

--What was wrong with Junior's mom? Did she hear voices? Did they warn her of an impending attack or invasion?