(S01E12) Look at that, Myka's dad is Saul Tigh (Michael Hogan). And like most of the high caliber sci-fi guest stars so far this season, he's relegated to a bit role. Not to say that he isn't front-and-center to the action, because he is. But as much as he's at the center of the activity, he spends most of the episode inactive.

As you may have guessed by the title, this episode dealt with artifacts relating to Edgar Allan Poe, and there was some clever trickery utilizing Poe's most iconic visions. But the title might allude to something greater: the impending and climactic battle with MacPherson set to take place in next week's finale (is it here already?).

Interestingly enough, even though this was the big episode leading into the finale, it turned out to be little more than a generic bag-it-and-tag-it kind of mission, albeit with a very personal touch. I enjoyed seeing Myka's family and her father's bookstore. We learned a lot about her character and personality just from this short time with her family.

Even better, the writers worked a way to get Claudia out of the warehouse and into the action. In fact, due to Myka's staying behind to care for her father, it was Claudia that went on the hunt for the artifact at the school. And she proved fairly effective in the field. Mostly by talking to people and soothing them, but that's important, too.

With Pete and Myka as effective and well-trained government agents, it would be fun if we could watch Claudia grow into a great Warehouse agent in her own right. I stand by my belief that Allison Scagliotti added an element of youth and unpredictability to the show that it desperately needed. I hope she gets upgraded to series regular for next season.

I'd say I wish the same thing for CCH Pounder, though I do hope FOX's Brothers dies soon so we can all forget that she was ever a part of it. But I think I prefer Mrs. Frederic popping in and out randomly, and not appearing in every episode. It keeps the mystery going.

What is the deal with Mrs. Frederic anyway? She seems to be able to appear and disappear at will, and may share some likewise mysterious connection with Leena. I think Mrs. Frederic is an artifact. Who's with me?

Artifacts on the Loose

• Tiny cymbals - super-sonic super destructive soundwaves
  
• Edgar Allan Poe's pen & notebook - bifurcated artifact; allows the controller of the pen to create and alter reality
  
• Jack the Ripper's lantern - those who stare into it are rendered immobile, and remember nothing afterward