User Reviews

This instalment sees Sheriff Buck asking a favour of Carter Bowen, owner of the local scrapyard and general handyman. It would appear that Buck got him out of a difficulty involving an underage girl now he wants Carter's fifteen year old daughter, Poppy, to come and work for him; all Carter has to do is sign the parental consent form by midnight. The moment midnight arrives and the form is still unsigned Carter's wife, Ella, is seriously injured by an electric shock. Soon afterwards Buck asks a different favour… he wants the Bowen's to let somebody stay with them for a few days… an ex-con, Wash Sutpen, who murdered the man he mistakenly thought had interfered with his daughter. Soon Poppy is flirting with him and Carter is getting more and more concerned… things cannot end well. Meanwhile Caleb has to complete a science project; Buck pays for the items he needs to make an impressive tornado chamber, despite the fact that the students have been told not to spend money on their projects, while Dr Crower advises that it is more important to understand the science than to produce a demonstration that you don't understand.

This episode is darker than most and at times distinctly disturbing. Sheriff Buck is as creepy as ever; appearing almost out of nowhere to confront people at just the wrong time; Gary Cole continues to impress in the role. The most disturbing scenes though were those between Poppy Bowen and Wash Sutpen; on the one hand they could be seen as fairly innocent but there was a deep undercurrent of barely repressed sexuality as they crossed the fine line between conversation and flirting; Brigid Brannagh and Muse Watson were great in these roles. Steve Rankin also impresses as Carter Bowen; especially as he gets more and more concerned about his daughter. Caleb's story was interesting as it tested him; would he take the easy route offered by the Sheriff or would he be honest and do more work. Overall an impressive episode.