Miracles, episodes 9 & 10
Jul. 18th, 2023 10:46 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
annavereI'm combining two. The first was a plot-driven downer, the second a character-driven highlight.
Mother's Daughter
This was very difficult for me to watch. A suicide come back to life, still angry, unaware of what's happened, taking the life of another - way too much. By the second half of this, I was completely numb. Not the episode's fault.
It was nice to see Holland Manners. Got a glimpse of Paul's traumatic backstory and further demonstration of Alva's multilingual mastery, but otherwise there was no time given to our little ensemble.
Saint Debbie
Much better for me. I recognized the guest star in the role of Debbie instantly, but I knew I wouldn't be able to place her so went looking. It's Andrea Roth, aka the rich girl who out-eviled her evil Immortal boyfriend in the Highlander episode 'Epitaph for Tommy.' Here she was much nicer, though still not what she seemed.
Poppi returning was very welcome, as was the episode focusing in on the ensemble and their methods of relating. I was sad Paul's ties to the church vanished after the opening episode, as Poppi appeared his father and mentor figure, and having him drop in for a critical round of debate with Alva was interesting - and then a second more friendly round with the promise of drinks (Alva so needs a drinking buddy) was icing on the cake. He would have made a great addition to the cast, I think.
Also, his comment to Evelyn about her eyes seeing the soul? "No secrets around this one." I hope that was intended to foreshadow something, as I will take anything I can get about her. My inherent needs to root for the underdog is in full swing. I love Paul and Alva, but poor neglected Evelyn Santos is the one I feel the strongest need to see have backstory, romance and adventures because she's batting zero.
Back to the episode:
In general, the focus returning to Christianity, saints and the way that interacts with the secular world was great - the local nonplussed Presbyterian, the overeager mayor pleased to see some interest in the town. The twist regarding the miracle was clever and sad in multiple ways, and the plot kept me entirely engrossed throughout.
The real heart of the matter was Alva instead of Paul. Seeing Alva take the role of bonding with the alleged victim of the week was splendid, as it brought the tension between him and Paul back to the surface. Alva acknowledging Paul's pain and guilt about Tommy was excellent. Alva's loneliness, his resignation to the same, his lack of defense under that aloof demeanor, his unkempt private life... I mean, I was sold on him ages ago, but let's say this was all a good look on him.
The demonstration Paul and Evelyn sprang on Alva, disorienting like a dream sequence (excellent choice to open the episode with one, to plant one idea and subvert it), was shockingly harsh. It spoke to something unpleasant in how they both see Alva that they would do something so cruel with such gusto, even to make a needed point. I can see it in Paul, but since I still have no history to go on between Alva and Evvy, I found it surprising she'd pretend to get murdered (even to the point of begging for his help, which was just uncalled for). He was so quiet and resigned afterward, too. And he's so scared they're both going to leave him he has nightmares about it. The man needs a hug.
Mother's Daughter
This was very difficult for me to watch. A suicide come back to life, still angry, unaware of what's happened, taking the life of another - way too much. By the second half of this, I was completely numb. Not the episode's fault.
It was nice to see Holland Manners. Got a glimpse of Paul's traumatic backstory and further demonstration of Alva's multilingual mastery, but otherwise there was no time given to our little ensemble.
Saint Debbie
Much better for me. I recognized the guest star in the role of Debbie instantly, but I knew I wouldn't be able to place her so went looking. It's Andrea Roth, aka the rich girl who out-eviled her evil Immortal boyfriend in the Highlander episode 'Epitaph for Tommy.' Here she was much nicer, though still not what she seemed.
Poppi returning was very welcome, as was the episode focusing in on the ensemble and their methods of relating. I was sad Paul's ties to the church vanished after the opening episode, as Poppi appeared his father and mentor figure, and having him drop in for a critical round of debate with Alva was interesting - and then a second more friendly round with the promise of drinks (Alva so needs a drinking buddy) was icing on the cake. He would have made a great addition to the cast, I think.
Also, his comment to Evelyn about her eyes seeing the soul? "No secrets around this one." I hope that was intended to foreshadow something, as I will take anything I can get about her. My inherent needs to root for the underdog is in full swing. I love Paul and Alva, but poor neglected Evelyn Santos is the one I feel the strongest need to see have backstory, romance and adventures because she's batting zero.
Back to the episode:
In general, the focus returning to Christianity, saints and the way that interacts with the secular world was great - the local nonplussed Presbyterian, the overeager mayor pleased to see some interest in the town. The twist regarding the miracle was clever and sad in multiple ways, and the plot kept me entirely engrossed throughout.
The real heart of the matter was Alva instead of Paul. Seeing Alva take the role of bonding with the alleged victim of the week was splendid, as it brought the tension between him and Paul back to the surface. Alva acknowledging Paul's pain and guilt about Tommy was excellent. Alva's loneliness, his resignation to the same, his lack of defense under that aloof demeanor, his unkempt private life... I mean, I was sold on him ages ago, but let's say this was all a good look on him.
The demonstration Paul and Evelyn sprang on Alva, disorienting like a dream sequence (excellent choice to open the episode with one, to plant one idea and subvert it), was shockingly harsh. It spoke to something unpleasant in how they both see Alva that they would do something so cruel with such gusto, even to make a needed point. I can see it in Paul, but since I still have no history to go on between Alva and Evvy, I found it surprising she'd pretend to get murdered (even to the point of begging for his help, which was just uncalled for). He was so quiet and resigned afterward, too. And he's so scared they're both going to leave him he has nightmares about it. The man needs a hug.
