‘Emergence’ Episode 13: Did we glorify Jo Evans way too much and underestimate the true heroes?

Episode 13 of ABC’s mystery-thriller ‘Emergence’ was packed with every possible element a viewer expects to witness on a season finale. There was no dearth of top-notch action, drama, romance and of course, highly intriguing superpowers! 

The episode may have ended with a major cliffhanger, giving rise to numerous speculations regarding the future of the characters. But, if there was one thing we could get our heads around, it would be Allison Tolman’s role as Jo Evans and its importance in the series. All along the first season of ‘Emergence’, Jo and Piper’s (Alexa Swinton) story arc was pivotal for the series. It was Jo who found Piper in the debris from a plane crash and, it was her motherly instinct that drove her to stand defiant against the rest of the world. 

But, as the series progressed, we couldn’t help but wonder if Jo was sidelining other characters that deserved to be noticed. And, Jo’s representation in the latest episode clarifies all our doubts, by shedding light on the flaws in her character. For starters, Jo’s role in saving Piper was only minimal. While she was busy locking lips with Agent Ryan Brooks (Enver Gjokaj) even in the middle of a highly dangerous mission, it was Piper who worked her own plans with Benny and even executed it successfully, finally closing curtains on Helen’s (Rowena King) vicious plan of years. 

Behold! There was more than one hero in Episode 13, who outshone the series’ protagonist. For instance, if not for Alex Evans (Donald Faison), Brooks would have given into Helen’s plan conveniently, who had managed to disguise herself as Jo. 

And, how could we not credit Chris Minetto (Robert Bailey Jr.)? It was his idea to plant his cell phone on the boat carrying the mysterious liquid that led Jo and Brooks to Plum Island. He didn’t stop at that. Even when Jo was absent at the most crucial instances, as always, Chris stepped in as the in-charge, making a few decisions that saved the day more than once, including bringing Benny along to the facility. 

Although Allison Tolman’s acting is praise-worthy, the series could have showcased a better hero. Better in terms of placing logic before emotions, at least while fighting the evilest of forces. Jo makes for an amazing mother to Mia and Piper, no doubt. But, how could have the creators thought that a gun and an ever-charming Agent Ryan Brooks by her side were enough and more to fight an army of AIs and the head of the Splinter, Helen?