This episode almost requires multiple watches and a follow up discussion about mental health.
First, Concerns Dealt With:
The Stella story line, which rubbed me the wrong way at first, was a useful parallel of how children copy their parents in how they learn to cope. And also that they're observant and take on responsibilities for parental mh that perhaps they should not.
I still dinged the show a point for bad acting in the scene where Stella told the thief off--the actress playing the thief "declaiming" condolences like Regional theater.
(A small point, but I actively laughed at a critical moment, so there you go.)
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My second worry actually proved to be handled in an excellent fashion by the writers--Geri.
Again, logical she'd have cameos in spite of her history of running away and breaking Cordi's heart. And in this one, she sets up the action by answering him with the idea it will "depend on you" how the others react.
A solid performance with just the right notes by Odette Annable.
Cordell is the one who takes this as a challenge, who takes it as a responsibility for him to square away and lead and not be a trouble.
The moment was absolutely sad and also rang absolutely true, because that's how he's always handled things. And as someone who knows him and yet isn't family, Geri would know that.
She's there just enough to be in character and have a significant plot beat, then leaves (presumably for her own story off screen, since Dan and Colton mention her later.)
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What's Outstanding:
Coping mechanisms of all sorts are examined.
Cordell and Liam lead this, of course, but we also see how the kidnapping affects everyone.
We also see some mechanisms failing (who's Cordi's therapist that he's being let so easily off?)
We see people trying very hard to the point that giving space becomes enabling. We see other instances where people rely on someone else to fix it for them rather than fixing themselves.
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As a story this works, but it also works as a very, very complicated web of interactions and lessons on mental health.
Even as I type this, I know I'll watch again and see more things to discuss about Every Single Character's path.
All the main cast delivered excellent, nuanced performances. Honestly, can't even pick a highlight performance--Jared Padalecki, Keegan Allen, Molly Hagan, Mitch Pileggi, Ashley Reyes all hit it out of the park.
Writers moved seasonal stories forward (Trey as a Ranger, the Davidsons, etc) while not losing focus on the main plot.
As to the crew, Walker always has such beautiful sets/editing/music which serves to make this show an absolute pleasure to watch.
The use of lighting deserves a special call out (always, but in this episode it was a noticeable add)
Overall, a win and I'm looking forward to seeing how this theme is carried on into the rest of the season.
