TV Verdict

In the Leverage episode, “The Top Hat Job”, the gang takes on one of the spookiest entities in the world these days, a corrupt food company. It seems that a shipment of frozen dinners is contaminated with salmonella. Rather than do a recall, the powers that be determine that it would be more economical to let the food remain on the shelves and pay off any potential lawsuits.

The premise is so believable it is disturbing. The part that was not as believable was the massive security of the food corporation. Seriously, the previous episode showed a pitiful lack of security on the part of the military but then this episode shows a food company with such high security the guys manning the front door are ex CIA. I admit, I know nothing about the food industry but this just seems unlikely.

Apart from that, I found the episode very amusing. I laughed a lot. Parker and Hardison were awesome while attending the magic show. “I love you.”  I don’t know where those two are headed. I love the idea that there might be a tiny spark between them but hopefully it will stay tiny and not spread into some “will they or won’t they” disaster that burns the entire show to the ground.

Eliot got to show off his abilities while in an elevator. Nate got to show off his talent as a magician. Who knew? We also see that Nate has gone from alcoholic to workaholic. Will his new vice be just as destructive? Sophie tries to set Nate up with their client. Where did that come from? Why her sudden need to push Nate into the dating scene? And why would she want to set him up with a girl who pounds down the shots like she is drinking water? I don’t see that as being a particularly healthy match.

While entertaining, this was not my favorite episode but it was an improvement over the previous one. I’m looking forward to the next episode, “The Two Live Crew Job”. Word on the tweet is that Aldis Hodge says this next one is the best of the season so far.

Watch Leverage tonight at 9:00 on TNT with guest star Wil Wheaton.

Photo: TNT