‘The Ark’ Recap: ‘Fortunate’

10/3/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THE ARK -- "Fortunate" Episode 212 -- Pictured: (l-r) Stacey Read as Alicia Nevins, Christie Burke as Lt. Sharon Garnet, Richard Fleeshman as Lt. James Brice, Reece Ritchie as Ian -- (Photo by: Aleksandar Letic/Ark TV Holdings, Inc./SYFY)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Season Two Finale of ‘The Ark’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

One particular type of science fiction story that we enjoy, yet have limited patience with, is the ‘lost in space’ story. Wherein a crew aboard a ship, be it small or large, are desperate to find a new home and bounce about the stars doing so. Which does bring about an enjoyable journey, since we are able to see the stars and visit new worlds and see that crew come together as one. But we also… don’t want them out there forever. Because then the story is as lost as the crew and it becomes a planet of the week type tale, and with no chance for the crew to grow, the audience will indeed step away and find something new to watch. Which is why, it is paramount that these stories do something with the search and why the season two finale of The Ark on SYFY is of note.

Simply because ‘Fortunate’ followed in the footsteps of the Lost in Space reboot and the reimaging of Battlestar Galactica. In that, the crew arrived at last at Trappist-1D and well, what they found there, was wondrous. Because there were multiple Ark vessels in orbit, and much of their payload had indeed deployed. Which meant below was a thriving colony that sat beneath an Earth-like sun, complete with fresh air and resources and a new world to explore. Of course, Captain Garnet and her crew explored the world with caution since there were concerns regarding the attempt on William Trust’s life, and the fact that Strickland was targeted as part of that attempt, and well… it was a wonderful thing that such caution was put into place.

Because something wasn’t quite right on this planet. Everyone was a little too happy, and a little too dismissive of the fact that Evelyn Maddox died on her way to the planet and well, there was good reason for that. For Evelyn was in fact, alive and well, and she had figured out how to control the colonists to do her bidding and give her a perfect world. In fact, she was so good at this now, that she managed to put the captain and the senior staff under her horrible spell. Which forced Ian to think fast and recruit an army to save the crew from a fate worse than death. Which thankfully, he was able to do, and that brought forth some real surprises. Since Kelly stepped in and stepped up to ensure that Maddox would never harm anyone ever again. That… brought an end to the madness of Evelyn Maddox and at last, put humanity on the path toward a new future and really, that’s where this finale shined.

THE ARK -- “Fortunate” Episode 212 -- Pictured in this screengrab: (l-r) Richard Fleeshman as Lt. James Brice, Reece Ritchie as Lt. Spencer Lane, Christie Burke as Lt. Sharon Garnet, Diana Bermudez as Kimi -- (Photo by: Ark TV Holdings, Inc./SYFY)

For it spent a fair chunk of time, exploring the reality that humanity was about to be granted an honest second chance. One grounded in logic, one grounded in working together for a better tomorrow, and Sharon was ready to do more to make sure that everyone that escaped Earth could enjoy that second chance. Which was why, the crew was split up, so that some could stay on the planet to help the colonists built a brave new world, while Ark 1 would return to the stars to look for survivors. Because there were other landing sites chosen, and there were undoubtedly other ships still searching or they were damaged in some of the early fighting. So, who better than to save those crews, than the one that went the extra mile to keep so many safe.

A move that truly did, bring forth satisfying closure to this chapter of the story. Because just like that, our heroes came together as one, found ways to work together against adversity and mended fractures. Not to mention, they saved a colony from a monster and set the stage for a better tomorrow, all in two season’s time. Giving the audience what it wants, when it comes to this kind of story. But of course… in classic Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glassner fashion… that was not the end of the story, for they had one more surprise up their sleeve. Because one of the rescue missions ended with Ark 1 being warned away, as though a threat was there. Not to mention, quite the discovery was made on Trappist-1D. Specifically, a tablet of sorts. One that was covered in glyphs and a language, that was most certainly… not human.

All of which brought forth, one epic season finale. Because in a matter of minutes it would seem that this series, which has flirted with the possibility of our heroes encountering extraterrestrial life, more or less confirmed that humanity is not alone in the universe. Giving rise to all kinds of exciting possibilities for certain. Since it gives humanity a new challenge amongst the stars and more reasons to unite and overcome old haunts. For now, they will be part of something greater if they can BE greater and well… that leaves us ready for a new season of this incredible show, and we hope the series gets a renewal soon. Because it deserves it and deserves to take this bold story further. But while we wait for that news, we can celebrate one stunning season of storytelling. One that took risks, and outright took us for an incredible ride amongst the stars, with some of the finest human beings in the galaxy. Until next time.

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