I'll admit, I was lukewarm on the two-part premiere. It had some great stuff, but it also a little clunky at times. In a way, it feels like that was a prologue and this is the real premiere. Everything in this episode was top-notch, but I give particular props to the directing. The episode juxtaposed smooth, cinematic sequences with scenes straight out of a David Lynch film. Much of it is disturbing in a way that makes you laugh nervously. I'm curious to see if the out-there nature of this episode is going to alienate people. Some of the people disappointed with the last episode called it "bland". That's one thing this episode could certainly never be accused of being.
The episode opens with a flashback to Romero showing Mobly the arcade for the first time. This re-introduces the arcade, re-introduces Romero, adds some poignant backstory, and creates a parallel with the end of the episode. Then there are some stunning New York helicopter shots.
The real standout of the episode is the scenes with Elliot. Rami Malek's performance is, as always, a highlight. He goes completely off the rails in this one, providing some really disturbing Lynchian imagery. His scenes left me uncomfortable yet exhilarated. There is a torture scene, an Adderol montage, a deranged rant in the church, and a striking conversation with Ray. His relationship with Ray is increasingly mysterious. There is a scene in this episode involving Ray that I do not understand at all.
Some interesting events play out around Romero, getting all the F Society characters involved. When I initially saw it, I thought it was a twist on a scene in the first season, but then I realized why it couldn't be that. Whatever the case, it seems as though it will be at the centre of the driving action of the story this season.
I thought DiPierro's introduction in the last episode was really awkward and confusing. I did not understand what was going on between her and the man at the counter of the store. This episode does a much better job of providing insight into her character. We learn that she is abrasive, anti-social, and lonely. She also gets a significant purpose in the story (something which was notably absent from last episode).
Even when scenes didn't involve crazy Lynchian imagery, the directing was still totally on point. For example, there is a scene in Pryce's office with Angela. The long pauses and constant wide angle made it wonderfully uncomfortable. In a later scene, Pryce makes Angela an interesting offer.
Going back over it in my mind, I can't believe how much they crammed into this one episode. It really is incredible, in a wonderfully mad fashion.
The episode opens with a flashback to Romero showing Mobly the arcade for the first time. This re-introduces the arcade, re-introduces Romero, adds some poignant backstory, and creates a parallel with the end of the episode. Then there are some stunning New York helicopter shots.
The real standout of the episode is the scenes with Elliot. Rami Malek's performance is, as always, a highlight. He goes completely off the rails in this one, providing some really disturbing Lynchian imagery. His scenes left me uncomfortable yet exhilarated. There is a torture scene, an Adderol montage, a deranged rant in the church, and a striking conversation with Ray. His relationship with Ray is increasingly mysterious. There is a scene in this episode involving Ray that I do not understand at all.
Some interesting events play out around Romero, getting all the F Society characters involved. When I initially saw it, I thought it was a twist on a scene in the first season, but then I realized why it couldn't be that. Whatever the case, it seems as though it will be at the centre of the driving action of the story this season.
I thought DiPierro's introduction in the last episode was really awkward and confusing. I did not understand what was going on between her and the man at the counter of the store. This episode does a much better job of providing insight into her character. We learn that she is abrasive, anti-social, and lonely. She also gets a significant purpose in the story (something which was notably absent from last episode).
Even when scenes didn't involve crazy Lynchian imagery, the directing was still totally on point. For example, there is a scene in Pryce's office with Angela. The long pauses and constant wide angle made it wonderfully uncomfortable. In a later scene, Pryce makes Angela an interesting offer.
Going back over it in my mind, I can't believe how much they crammed into this one episode. It really is incredible, in a wonderfully mad fashion.