“You’re contaminating the crime scene!”
One of the most appealing aspects of this show, aside from the location, is the all-encompassing, mysterious, political agenda-seeking aura of “The Beast”, the killer that, before tonight, had not been revealed. Putting a face to the name is an interesting choice, especially with four episodes remaining in the season. Of course, that’s not to say I’m not intrigued or appreciative; too many shows rely on their penultimate and final episodes to bring out the big guns, and I’m looking forward to see how The Bridge handles this situation.
Personally, I’m mixed on the actual reveal. Here, we have a sudden and complete reversal of the thematic essence of the show, instead tailoring the killer’s motives toward personal reasons. I like how several characters play a part in the creation of this murderer, strengthening the interconnectedness of those involved. However, I feel as if a chunk has been taken out of the show’s attempt at world-building. Sure, it’s never really about the mystery, but the mystery’s absolutely necessary. It propels the plot, affecting the characters and highlighting their places in this world in relation to the murder. Of course, the ends can always justify the means. We’ll have to see.
In terms of other storylines, Linder’s haunted by Galvan’s face during his dreams involving a Latina in a bikini giving him milk (that sounds strange when I write it). We don’t really know much about him yet, but we do know his actions are weighing on his mind. It will be incredibly interesting to see how, and if, Galvan, Linder, and Tate all interact. They should put them all at a dinner table or something.
The other main subplot involves Charlotte, a character I really just have no interest in. I hope they start distancing her from Ray, which I think is already set in motion; I want to see her character become her own self, and more fleshed out. Then I can be invested.
Some unifying themes across this episode are ones of escape and influence. Marco can’t escape from his realization at the end, and he’s trapped between the influence of his family and the influence of his job. Linder can’t escape from Galvan or his influence. Charlotte wants to escape, but is trapped by the influence of men in her life.
All in all, it’s an uneven episode of The Bridge, but it’s generally compelling and it sets a new path for the show to take.
Grade: B
Other thoughts:
-The conversation between Gus and Sonya is a nice, quiet moment, and also reflects the themes of escape and influence. She can’t escape from her disorder, and she’s unable to fully grasp her true situation, however much of an influence it has on her.
-Wow, you can slice open someone’s neck, stand behind them, lay them down, and not get blood on your clothes? Nice!
-The opening scene was fun.
Credit to FX and The Bridge for all pictures. I own nothing.
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