In this classroom setting we see Colonel Mehaffey in a more military teaching role than that of Lasky’s mother figure and overseer.

Here her intelligence and presence are well more defined.

I like the holotable in the above shot. What’s curious though is why some cadets get to be at the table while others are not, and the fact that many of the seated cadets can’t see the table in the first place.  Still, the scene is a good one for showing the education of the cadets when up to this point we’ve seen only that of field exercises.

Mehaffey exudes a quiet confidence in this scene. She’s a strong character. Someone I’d like to learn more about during her training and subsequent career. In this the writers and director capture the character perfectly.

Upon describing the Pinscer or Pincher movement (whichever it is), we get a nice close up view of the holotable.

The cadets hang on her every word. Well, most of them do anyway.

Chen then asks how can this tactic be used now.

To which Silva quickly responds, “ODSTs.”

Tom isn’t happy with the mention of ODSTs and blurts out something about them (ODSTs) dying.

Mehaffey is quick to respond explaining essentially that it’s kill or be killed.

This is the first time we see a small conflict between Mehaffey and Lasky.

I like this scene in that we see the cadets in a different setting and that it’s not just all field exercises. Mehaffey’s strong presence is felt by all and sets the character aparts even from the other strong female characters.

Next: Review part 8 To be or not….