Review of Asset: Episode 7
May 6, 2014
Katyenka reveals herself as an FSB agent. Now this is not a spoiler, you figure this out within seven seconds of watching the episode. FSB is the Russian security service, meaning that the Russians are after Lazerev as well. This explains why Lazerev and his wife reside in Prague and not their home country.
With Katyenka in the mix it changes the dynamics a little. Katyenka needs Eric because he’s got leverage by living in Lazerev’s house, and Julia and Tom need Katyenka because she can do the things Eric can’t. Spies be spies. Apparently there’s no disagreement of who gets what as long as they succeed in taking down their common enemy.
With Katyenka in the mix it changes the dynamics a little. Katyenka needs Eric because he’s got leverage by living in Lazerev’s house, and Julia and Tom need Katyenka because she can do the things Eric can’t. Spies be spies. Apparently there’s no disagreement of who gets what as long as they succeed in taking down their common enemy.
Hannah Spear is featured prominently in this episode as Katyenka. It’s great to see her continue to show versatility, as her spy character is much different than her sexual model character. She’s everything that Eric is not, and the story in this episode does a good job at showcasing that.
Eric still has quite a bit of screen time, along with Julia and Lazerev. Julia and Eric have some great comedic ‘almost dialogue’ as most of their back and forth is just exchanging awkward glances. Although they technically play opposite of each other, Eric and Julia haven’t had enough scenes together. The scene with the two of them in the café definitely helps make up for that.
Eric still has quite a bit of screen time, along with Julia and Lazerev. Julia and Eric have some great comedic ‘almost dialogue’ as most of their back and forth is just exchanging awkward glances. Although they technically play opposite of each other, Eric and Julia haven’t had enough scenes together. The scene with the two of them in the café definitely helps make up for that.
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One detail that I noticed in this episode the Russian text. The creative team of Asset took the time to have Lazerev’s computer and the newspaper he later reads in Russian. It makes the setting a little but more authentic, and helps make up for any lack of exterior shots.
One thing that I think is established in this episode is Katyenka being Anya’s rival. The thing that tipped me off was Katyenka’s hat. Notice how she also wears it in a suspenseful scene like Anya did in Episode 3. There’s another wardrobe choice important to this episode, but mentioning it would give away a spoiler. |
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The plot here gets more complicated and exciting as we go along. Of course the episode ends on another cliffhanger, and leaves me amped for whatever happens next. This episode felt a lot more compact and quick in comparison to the earliest episodes, a great improvement for the series.
Episode 1 + 2 - Episode 3 - Episode 4 - Episode 5 - Episode 6 - Episode 8 - Episode 9 - Episode 10 - Episode 11 - Episode 12
Episode 13
Episode 13