'Timeless' Recap: 'The Kennedy Curse'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

​Normally, television shows with a pretty standard formula, only take the time to mix things up late in the season to spice up their storyline or to snag ratings on their way to the season finale. But not Timeless. No, this is a series that tells its story as it sees fit, and it will make any changes necessary in order for that to happen, and for proof, look no further than last night’s episode, ‘The Kennedy Curse’, since this particular tale managed to surprise all of us by addressing a few lingering storylines that have been hanging around all season long, and by telling us a story that defied the norms of this already unique series.
 
Of course, it didn’t seem that way at first. Because by opening up in 1934, wherein we were introduced to a young John Fitzgerald Kennedy at school shortly before trouble with Rittenhouse came to pass, it looked like business as usual for this show, but once the Lifeboat returned home, with future-President Kennedy in tow, it became obvious this one was going to be quite the special tale and my goodness it was through and through. Because I cannot think of any time travel story where a future leader of the free world played the role of a fish out of water, but this one featured such an idea since young John decided he wanted out of the bunker and found his way into our everyday world.
 
That concept made for some fascinating storytelling, since it forced one of the finest presidents this nation has ever known to survive in a world that was far more advanced than his own technologically and that…led to quite the complication when John finally had some downtime. Because thanks to a new friend, he was able to learn about his family’s storied history, and his own for that matter, and for a brief moment there, it seemed as though his future presidency was in jeopardy when he was confronted with losing his life. But, thankfully the team was able to inspire John to follow through with his destiny and Rufus even offered up a little information on how best for him to avoid his own assassination.
 
Unfortunately, that act still occurred, once again raising the question as to whether or not there are fixed moments in time that cannot be avoided, which could make Jiya’s visions far more terrifying as time goes on. And while the show only briefly touched on that lingering plot thread, it went full bore on the whole matter with Wyatt and Jessica, since she tagged along for this mission, and figured out that her husband has feelings for Lucy as well and despite giving them the opportunity to explore a future together, Lucy stepped in and saved Wyatt and Jess’ marriage, by pointing out how much the man had done to save his wife and well, this was a noble and heartbreaking twist to say the least. Because now we know just how much Lucy cares for Wyatt, and how far she will go to see him happy.
 
In the end however, this really was a damn good episode. I love the fact that the storyline took place in present day for a change. It really allowed for the show to stay dynamic and free of formula and I wonder if we will ever get the story of exactly how Flynn brought down the Rittenhouse operatives back in ’34 and speaking of those evil suckers…I have to admit that I’m curious as to what Carol’s end game is that this point. She could have killed Agent Christopher to send a message but the fact that she let her live and that she’s working so hard to keep Lucy safe makes one wonder exactly how evil she is at this point and I’m now curious as to whether or not she’s finally seeing the error of her ways. Or, she’s just selfish and wants her daughter around to go with all the perks that Rittenhouse has to offer. Time will tell I suppose…

---