Ep 17. The Garden of Forking Paths

In FlashForward season 1 episode 17 "The Garden of Forking Paths," the characters are still grappling with the aftermath of their global blackout and the visions of their future that they experienced. This episode explores the idea of fate and whether or not our actions can truly change the course of events.

Several plotlines intersect in this episode, as the characters continue to investigate the mysterious events surrounding the blackout. FBI agents Mark Benford (Joseph Fiennes) and Demetri Noh (John Cho) are still searching for the source of the blackout, while other characters are dealing with personal struggles and relationships.

One of the most significant storylines in this episode revolves around Mark's wife, Olivia (Sonya Walger), and her relationship with Lloyd Simcoe (Jack Davenport), a scientist who was involved in the experiment that caused the blackout. Olivia is torn between her love for Mark and her growing feelings for Lloyd, and the episode explores the consequences of her choices.

Meanwhile, Janis Hawk (Christine Woods), a fellow FBI agent, goes undercover to investigate a suspect who may be connected to the blackout. Her mission is dangerous and fraught with tension, and the stakes are high as she tries to gather information without getting caught.

The episode also touches on the theme of predestination versus free will, as the characters debate whether their visions of the future are set in stone or whether they have the power to change them. This idea is best exemplified in a scene where Lloyd discusses the concept of "quantum entanglement" and suggests that two particles can be linked even when they are separated by great distances. This metaphorical idea suggests that the characters are entangled in each others' fates and that their actions can have far-reaching consequences.

Overall, FlashForward season 1 episode 17 "The Garden of Forking Paths" is a tense and thought-provoking episode that deals with complex themes and explores the consequences of the characters' actions. It is a pivotal episode in the show's first season, and it sets the stage for the events that will follow.