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Rectify on Sundance Channel (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter FlapJacks
- Start date
Rove!
Footballguy
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Rove!
Footballguy
bulldog_guy
Footballguy
Yes slow show. Not much action just pure story-telling and character building. But done so good it holds my attention like few shows do.
dgreen
Footballguy
Where is this from? An opinion or is this from the creators of the show? I assumed Teddy's tear after Tawney's comment was a tear of genuine sadness that he's not what he used to be in terms of his relationship with her and with God. He is drifting away from both of them. I see Teddy as more someone who is losing his way rather than someone who faked his faith up to this point.
I agree he's not a villain. He has misplaced priorities and those are driving him to be a total jerk.
spoilers thru 2.3
even though I felt that Daniel would not finger Bobby Deen, it still felt like a kick in the balls....I can understand it, but man...wowRectify 2.3: Daniel's Motives
Why? Why did Daniel lie to Sheriff Daggett inRectify 2.3 and say he didn't recognize Bobby Dean as one of the people who nearly bear him to death, when we and Daniel know that Bobby Dean did it? Daggett is understandably nonplussed, Amantha is understandably livid, but let's look at this from Daniel's point of view and see if we can understand why he gave Bobby Dean a get-out-of-jail free card.
Daniel to say the least has seen the horror of prison. Indeed, the episodes this year, especially the first, have gone out of their way to show how soul-crushing Daniel's time on death row was. Could Daniel's refusal to implicate Bobby Dean derive from Daniel's unwillingness to be responsible for sending any other man to prison, even one who nearly savagely killed him? Perhaps.
Let's look at the other end of the continuum. When Amantha screams at Daniel about how could he just let Bobby Dean go with no retribution, Daniel mutters something to the effect that that's not necessarily the case. What was Daniel alluding to? That he would punish Bobby Dean with his own hands? Also, perhaps. Or, could Daniel have been thinking that Bobby Dean will pay the price of living with the memory of his nearly killing someone, as maybe Daniel feels about his beating of Teddy, or maybe about something much worse?
Or, might Daniel have a completely different motive for keeping Bobby Dean out of jail? If this were more of a high-puzzle murder mystery than a scathing and tender examination of the human psyche - Rectify of course is both, but it's more of the latter - than perhaps Daniel might want to keep Bobby Dean out of prison, as a way of ultimately proving that someone other than Daniel - maybe Bobby Dean? - was the murderer.
And then there's the other, worst side of this. If there's any chance at all that Daniel indeed was responsible for killing Hanna, then he would not want to punish someone who was beating him for good reason. It's almost impossible to believe that someone with Daniel's gentleness could hurt anyone. But we did see him beat Teddy last season, and it's a measure of how superb this drama is that we can eve contemplate that question.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Caught the first 3 episodes. Holy #### is this show good.
Movies were better in the 90's and this show recaptures that feel far better than any movie nowadays.
Visually, it's just gorgeous to watch too.
I'm pretty sure it's impossible to watch the pilot without being completely "in".
Aden Young just knocks this out of the park (gives Timmy Robbins a run for his money as "stoic wrongfully convicted guy", even that's blasphemous to say).
I'm not sure what heaven looks like, but I'm pretty sure it's Abigail Spencer in a little summer dress and boots.
I know the worthlessness of network drama is nothing new, but it still just shocks me that tiny little networks like BBCA and Sundance can put out Orphan Blacks and Rectify's while the behemoths can't put out anything worth a crap (I know that's not their goal though).
Movies were better in the 90's and this show recaptures that feel far better than any movie nowadays.
Visually, it's just gorgeous to watch too.
I'm pretty sure it's impossible to watch the pilot without being completely "in".
Aden Young just knocks this out of the park (gives Timmy Robbins a run for his money as "stoic wrongfully convicted guy", even that's blasphemous to say).
I'm not sure what heaven looks like, but I'm pretty sure it's Abigail Spencer in a little summer dress and boots.
I know the worthlessness of network drama is nothing new, but it still just shocks me that tiny little networks like BBCA and Sundance can put out Orphan Blacks and Rectify's while the behemoths can't put out anything worth a crap (I know that's not their goal though).
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pollardsvision
Footballguy
All caught up. Fantastic.
I assume things are about to get a whole lot worse. Daniel letting Bobby Deen go is only going to make people even more convinced of his guilt, and the dude floating in the river will turn up any time and everyone's going to assume Daniel did that too.
I assume things are about to get a whole lot worse. Daniel letting Bobby Deen go is only going to make people even more convinced of his guilt, and the dude floating in the river will turn up any time and everyone's going to assume Daniel did that too.
Ned Ryerson
Footballguy
I think that I have found my TV soulmate. Nearly every single thing I come to post/rave about, I see you commenting about the same show.pollardsvision said:
I don't want to view this thread too much yet, as I I just watched season 1 and the premiere of season 2. I have the rest of S. 2 to catch up on. But it is terribly engrossing and not slow at all, which was why I stayed away from season 1.
It is funny that you mention Orphan black, because I have 7 episodes of season 2 piled up on my DVR that I keep saying I will watch another day (for example I watched 7 episodes of Rectify rather than the rest of Orphan black). The show is well shot and acted, but it seems silly. Does it get better the rest of S.2?
pollardsvision
Footballguy
OB Season 2 has it's issues, but I thought it was great overall (outside of one episode, #8, I believe). Episode 4 might be my favorite episode of the series, and should help decide if you want to continue or not. I'd guess if S1 didn't completely grab you, then there's not much about S2 that you'll find improved. But I'd absolutely watch episode 4.
I can understand that it can come off a little silly, and sometimes it's clear they are just showing off (either Maslany's talent or the tech guys). The story isn't always best, but Maslany and the characters are really enough to keep me excited about it.
Ned Ryerson
Footballguy
The thing is Season 1 did grab me, and I was eagerly looking forward to season 2. I'm 2.5 episodes in, and it seems like there are a million people with vague alliances, and trumped up drama. The story just seems ridiculous, and obviously I am suspending disbelief with regard to the SciFi aspect.
OB Season 2 has it's issues, but I thought it was great overall (outside of one episode, #8, I believe). Episode 4 might be my favorite episode of the series, and should help decide if you want to continue or not. I'd guess if S1 didn't completely grab you, then there's not much about S2 that you'll find improved. But I'd absolutely watch episode 4.
I can understand that it can come off a little silly, and sometimes it's clear they are just showing off (either Maslany's talent or the tech guys). The story isn't always best, but Maslany and the characters are really enough to keep me excited about it.
Re Rectify, it kind of reminds me a little bit of Sling Blade in its tone, feeling of contemplation and foreboding. If I have one quibble (and it isn't much of a quibble), i have a hard time thinking of Abigail Spencer growing up in this town. She is almost distractingly beautiful and put together for her upbringing.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Gotcha. S2 does start a bit slowly and really picks up, particularly with episode 4. Other than the one big stinker episode, the final 2/3rds of the season is really good. If you liked S1, then S2's about to get back to that level.The thing is Season 1 did grab me, and I was eagerly looking forward to season 2. I'm 2.5 episodes in, and it seems like there are a million people with vague alliances, and trumped up drama. The story just seems ridiculous, and obviously I am suspending disbelief with regard to the SciFi aspect. Re Rectify, it kind of reminds me a little bit of Sling Blade in its tone, feeling of contemplation and foreboding. If I have one quibble (and it isn't much of a quibble), i have a hard time thinking of Abigail Spencer growing up in this town. She is almost distractingly beautiful and put together for her upbringing.
OB Season 2 has it's issues, but I thought it was great overall (outside of one episode, #8, I believe). Episode 4 might be my favorite episode of the series, and should help decide if you want to continue or not. I'd guess if S1 didn't completely grab you, then there's not much about S2 that you'll find improved. But I'd absolutely watch episode 4.
I can understand that it can come off a little silly, and sometimes it's clear they are just showing off (either Maslany's talent or the tech guys). The story isn't always best, but Maslany and the characters are really enough to keep me excited about it.
One problem with S2 that does more or less remain constant is the scatteredness. Reviews put it as the show in danger of being swallowed up in it's own mythology, and think that's accurate at times. I don't think it's there yet, but you can see it happening.
Good call on Sling Blade. It does have that same feeling.
I know what you mean about Abigail. Even the smallest, most backwards Southern towns have smoking hot women too though.
Mama Holden's pretty damn goodlooking for her age too. I love her performance in this.
Rove!
Footballguy
Amantha isn't as put together as it seems. Her driving force for a long time has been working to get her brother freed. Things like finishing college or having her own husband and kids have taken a back seat. Now that he''s out, her life is kind of empty.The thing is Season 1 did grab me, and I was eagerly looking forward to season 2. I'm 2.5 episodes in, and it seems like there are a million people with vague alliances, and trumped up drama. The story just seems ridiculous, and obviously I am suspending disbelief with regard to the SciFi aspect.
OB Season 2 has it's issues, but I thought it was great overall (outside of one episode, #8, I believe). Episode 4 might be my favorite episode of the series, and should help decide if you want to continue or not. I'd guess if S1 didn't completely grab you, then there's not much about S2 that you'll find improved. But I'd absolutely watch episode 4.
I can understand that it can come off a little silly, and sometimes it's clear they are just showing off (either Maslany's talent or the tech guys). The story isn't always best, but Maslany and the characters are really enough to keep me excited about it.
Re Rectify, it kind of reminds me a little bit of Sling Blade in its tone, feeling of contemplation and foreboding. If I have one quibble (and it isn't much of a quibble), i have a hard time thinking of Abigail Spencer growing up in this town. She is almost distractingly beautiful and put together for her upbringing.
Ned Ryerson
Footballguy
Fair point, she just sticks out to me amongst the hillbillies and rednecks. Oh--and who names their kid Amantha?Amantha isn't as put together as it seems. Her driving force for a long time has been working to get her brother freed. Things like finishing college or having her own husband and kids have taken a back seat. Now that he''s out, her life is kind of empty.The thing is Season 1 did grab me, and I was eagerly looking forward to season 2. I'm 2.5 episodes in, and it seems like there are a million people with vague alliances, and trumped up drama. The story just seems ridiculous, and obviously I am suspending disbelief with regard to the SciFi aspect.
OB Season 2 has it's issues, but I thought it was great overall (outside of one episode, #8, I believe). Episode 4 might be my favorite episode of the series, and should help decide if you want to continue or not. I'd guess if S1 didn't completely grab you, then there's not much about S2 that you'll find improved. But I'd absolutely watch episode 4.
I can understand that it can come off a little silly, and sometimes it's clear they are just showing off (either Maslany's talent or the tech guys). The story isn't always best, but Maslany and the characters are really enough to keep me excited about it.
Re Rectify, it kind of reminds me a little bit of Sling Blade in its tone, feeling of contemplation and foreboding. If I have one quibble (and it isn't much of a quibble), i have a hard time thinking of Abigail Spencer growing up in this town. She is almost distractingly beautiful and put together for her upbringing.
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pollardsvision
Footballguy
Loved that last episode.
The entire birthday party was really some of Rectify's best work. Charlie the Chaplain was awesome. Hope he makes another visit.
I can't get enough of Lezley with a Z: "Grab the microwave and the Dinty Moore" "Either you go pry that bottle of scotch out of that man's hands, or go et the dolly"
Ted Sr. has put himself in the lead for most awesome step-dad in TV history, I think.
The entire birthday party was really some of Rectify's best work. Charlie the Chaplain was awesome. Hope he makes another visit.
I can't get enough of Lezley with a Z: "Grab the microwave and the Dinty Moore" "Either you go pry that bottle of scotch out of that man's hands, or go et the dolly"
Ted Sr. has put himself in the lead for most awesome step-dad in TV history, I think.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
I really like stoned Amantha. Though, I'm yet to find an Amantha that don't really like.
I'm terrified of what Trey's going to do with the contents of that damn bag. The trailer scenes were great, but I couldn't really appreciate them because I'm so worried about the trap Daniel's just walked into.
I kind of hope we never find out who did it.
BTW, this is the first show I've actually paid to watch ala carte. Decided to make some cuts to the cable bill a couple weeks before stumbling across S1 of Rectified. I didn't check to be sure we kept Sundance as part of the package (did make sure to keep BBCA for Orphan Black). Sure enough, it's not. $8 a month to watch this show is still cheaper than going back up a cable tier, I guess (plus I own each episode and can watch anytime, commercial free without using up DVR space).
Of course, Sundance then turns around and comes out with that Maggie Gyllenhaal thing I'd really like to see too (Honorable Woman). It's just a 6 episode mini-series though.
I'm terrified of what Trey's going to do with the contents of that damn bag. The trailer scenes were great, but I couldn't really appreciate them because I'm so worried about the trap Daniel's just walked into.
I kind of hope we never find out who did it.
BTW, this is the first show I've actually paid to watch ala carte. Decided to make some cuts to the cable bill a couple weeks before stumbling across S1 of Rectified. I didn't check to be sure we kept Sundance as part of the package (did make sure to keep BBCA for Orphan Black). Sure enough, it's not. $8 a month to watch this show is still cheaper than going back up a cable tier, I guess (plus I own each episode and can watch anytime, commercial free without using up DVR space).
Of course, Sundance then turns around and comes out with that Maggie Gyllenhaal thing I'd really like to see too (Honorable Woman). It's just a 6 episode mini-series though.
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pollardsvision
Footballguy
Every episode is just more soul-crushing than the last.
From the "you're a good man, Ted" scene straight to the Senator calling to ruin another ally of Daniel's (complete with Daniel's toothpick log cabin falling as Ted answers the phone). Ugh.
Pretty gut-wrenching episode combined with the opening scene of Daniel leaving fingerprints all over the effects of a dead man.
From the "you're a good man, Ted" scene straight to the Senator calling to ruin another ally of Daniel's (complete with Daniel's toothpick log cabin falling as Ted answers the phone). Ugh.
Pretty gut-wrenching episode combined with the opening scene of Daniel leaving fingerprints all over the effects of a dead man.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Solid episode. It tested the limits of just how much Tawney/Ted Jr. I can stand, but those two were great in those scenes.
We need more Daniel and Amantha hanging out in parking lots.
The banishment dilemma is interesting. Pretty funny that on the wiki page for Echols County, GA, the fact that it's a popular GA banishment destination for criminals is in the 3rd paragraph. Not much going on in Echols County, GA.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echols_County%2C_Georgia
We need more Daniel and Amantha hanging out in parking lots.
The banishment dilemma is interesting. Pretty funny that on the wiki page for Echols County, GA, the fact that it's a popular GA banishment destination for criminals is in the 3rd paragraph. Not much going on in Echols County, GA.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Echols_County%2C_Georgia
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pollardsvision
Footballguy
Brilliant finale. Very appropriate for this show and every scene was gripping.
Loved both Amantha/Daniel scenes. The contrast between the two was heartbreaking.
Daniel's "confession" was obviously some his best work.
It seems pretty clear that this thing was never not going to trial.
I love this show because it doesn't need big surprises, and the major events are still just as intense even if you could see them coming from a mile away.
Loved both Amantha/Daniel scenes. The contrast between the two was heartbreaking.
Daniel's "confession" was obviously some his best work.
It seems pretty clear that this thing was never not going to trial.
I love this show because it doesn't need big surprises, and the major events are still just as intense even if you could see them coming from a mile away.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Yeah, I think it would be a very frustrating show for most people to watch. My MIL has seen us watching it a few times, and every time she asks "Did he do it?" and seems a little confused that the audience really has no clue this far into it.
I recommend a lot of shows to a lot of people, but this one is really tough to recommend to some people.
I'd love to see what the twitter ####storm over the S2 finale would've looked like if this show actually had viewers. I assume it wouldn't have gone over well with most, but it's perfect for this show.
Officer Pete Malloy
Footballguy
Just watched the first two episodes of season one.
Holy crap is this show is slow.
Holy crap is this show is slow.
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Uruk-Hai
Footballguy
It doesn't really speed up, though there are short bursts of action (making them all the more effective, IMO). Anyone expecting the hyper action of something like Breaking Bad or Game Of Thrones is going to be disappointed. I imagine trying to binge watch Rectify could be painful. I think this is a show that's better watching one episode at a time.
I'm in love with Amantha.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Maybe something like Blacklist or Sons of Anarchy might be more up your alley.
Big Blue Wrecking Crew
downsized
Back this week...really looking forward to it.
Officer Pete Malloy
Footballguy
pollardsvision
Footballguy
Great premiere.
Excited they've renewed for a 4th season already. Though, I guess it's not a surprise.
AV Club Review
At the bar where Jon meets Amantha to have their own little debriefing, he urges her to help Daniel through the 30-day grace period he has to get his affairs in order before the banishment begins. “He still has to live his life.”
“So do we all,” she says. “Hoorah.”
A fitting title. “Hoorah” is mostly about everyone trying to keep living their lives in the immediate aftermath of Daniel’s confession. Daniel’s the reason everyone came together, and now that he’s leaving everyone’s pulling apart. When Daniel was released from Death Row, everyone was there to see him. When he was signing his own banishment order, none of the family is there. It’s so strange to see Ted Sr. working on the kitchen when Daniel gets home, like it’s any other day. That’s one ofRectify’s gifts, reframing the ordinary as exotic.
The first sign that season three is getting off on the right foot is that it starts with Ted Jr. On a show of philosophical zags and Southern manners, Teddy’s so down to earth he’s crawling through mud, and Clayne Crawford is television’s best kept secret. That’s our way back in. The production doesn’t execute the Twix fiasco quite right—now the next person who wants a Twix has to pay twice—but life being unfair to Teddy and the law bending the rules are exactly right. Ray McKinnon quickly walks back the plot about Teddy pressing charges against Daniel for his assault, one of the quirks of everything happening at once in the final minutes of season two, and it retroactively adds some grace to that final montage. No, the Trey-George angle of the case isn’t reopened in the nick of time, but Daniel does sign his confession just in time to defuse his brother-in-law. Teddy reminds us, “I didn’t want to press charges in the first place.” No, but he did decide to press charges in a fit of pique about an exaggerated affair between his wife and Daniel. Rectify lives in these gray areas, the nuances between yes and no.
That night at dinner, like a lot of scenes in “Hoorah,” is a series of flashbacks to Daniel’s confession, including its culmination in a tragic mix-up: Janet is sure that Daniel used to love Willy D’s barbecue, but it turns out that was Teddy’s favorite. Foreshadowing? Janet insists that Daniel used to love Willy D’s in that passive-aggressive Southern small-talk kind of way, and he tells her, “Maybe so. I just don’t remember,” which is also his position on his own criminal guilt. When Teddy shows up, Daniel tells him he’s sorry. “Sorry for what?” Ted demands, like Faulkes wanting to hear his accusations publicly validated.
Maybe Daniel is having an emotional affair with Tawney, but it’s awfully intermittent, and it’s certainly not sexual. But it’s so human that Teddy can only see his projection. He thinks Daniel told Tawney about the assault to emasculate him in order to take Tawney away from him, because that’s the kind of thing Teddy would do, and he thinks Tawney’s impressed by masculinity because that’s what he’s so insecure about. In his review, Matt Zoller Seitz points out Daniel’s dishonesty, but it seems to me that Daniel is almost masochistically honest, most clearly in this conversation with Teddy. Daniel tells Teddy, “She was confused about her situation, and I felt that telling her might help her clarify things.” He was trying to help Teddy. He was trying to explain to Tawney that her husband has been traumatized, and that’s why he’s been so prickly lately. But with the way Daniel speaks and the thoughts Teddy has, it comes off like he’s trying to come in between the Talbots. Daniel doesn’t often volunteer information, but that goes both ways. He doesn’t stick up for himself, either. He accepts disproportionate blame in all kinds of situations, and he lets Teddy mistake his intentions with no possibility for redemption because he’s the only one in a position to explain himself. Meanwhile there’s Teddy’s polite lies (“Maybe she’s got her appetite back”) and Ted and Janet talking about whether to tell Jared family news right in front of him and Amantha hiding out from both of the men she loves. Daniel’s just about the only one who can face up to darkness.
Eventually he fantasizes about his execution, which he’s never done before. He’s thought about the day coming, and he’s imagined the slow walk to the chamber, but he’s never made it as far as being strapped to a gurney and spotting his mom in the gallery. “Hoorah” cuts to Daniel enjoying a park before the execution proper. Maybe that’s how he imagines his banishment. He’s confessed to the crime, and his punishment approaches. He’s going to have to say goodbye to his family.
The park scene, like pretty much every scene of Daniel alone experiencing the world, is a great showcase for Aden Young as well as for Ray McKinnon’s penchant for misunderstandings. Daniel’s trying to be friendly to a mother on the playground, but he’s a strange bird, and she’s naturally suspicious. He tries to put her at ease, but it only makes him come off creepier, and eventually he walks off with his serial-killer duffel bag so the woman can breathe. But we see the poignancy in his description of the park. He says he’s never had the chance to read outside “under the big blue sky,” and Young plays that phrase spontaneously, like it’s only then hitting Daniel how grand it is to read in the open air. “It’s almost too much.”
He’s avoiding telling Janet about assaulting Teddy, which is part one of Ted Sr.’s demands, and which is entirely in keeping with my take on Daniel’s honesty. He wouldn’t deny it or lie, and I suspect he will tell her soon. He’s just extraordinarily pensive. The second demand is a miniature banishment ahead of the big one. Ted kicks him out. So now he and Tawney are both dislodged from their lives. She’s bunking with the greatest woman who ever lived, Beth, and he’s staying with Amantha. By the end, both duos are emotionally doubling down on the season two finale. Amantha impresses upon Daniel once again that she can’t keep reaching for him, that he’s going to have to try himself, and Teddy gets momentarily nasty, forfeiting his shot at a quick reconciliation with Tawney. They all still have to live their lives. Hoorah.
At the end of season two of Rectify, I thought the question of Daniel Holden’s guilt had been settled. I asked around and some people disagreed, but even the hesitance of the people who agreed with me was my clue to watch again and pay closer attention this time. I was seeing what I wanted to see. What I had pieced together from Trey’s bender with Daniel and Daniel’s debriefing, along with bits and pieces from season one, is that Daniel didn’t rape Hanna, didn’t murder her, and was coerced into confessing. But we don’t really know, and there’s no reason a coerced confession can’t coexist with Daniel having done it.
When I read Abigail Spencer’s thoughts on the matter, my jaw dropped. “I’m going to steal a Ray McKinnon line. He said, ‘I think he did it, but I think he feels real bad about it.’” I thought I had accounted for that possibility, accepted what it would mean, made peace with it. Boy, was I wrong. Now even Amantha’s “beginning to wonder.”
Stray observations
Excited they've renewed for a 4th season already. Though, I guess it's not a surprise.
AV Club Review
At the bar where Jon meets Amantha to have their own little debriefing, he urges her to help Daniel through the 30-day grace period he has to get his affairs in order before the banishment begins. “He still has to live his life.”
“So do we all,” she says. “Hoorah.”
A fitting title. “Hoorah” is mostly about everyone trying to keep living their lives in the immediate aftermath of Daniel’s confession. Daniel’s the reason everyone came together, and now that he’s leaving everyone’s pulling apart. When Daniel was released from Death Row, everyone was there to see him. When he was signing his own banishment order, none of the family is there. It’s so strange to see Ted Sr. working on the kitchen when Daniel gets home, like it’s any other day. That’s one ofRectify’s gifts, reframing the ordinary as exotic.
The first sign that season three is getting off on the right foot is that it starts with Ted Jr. On a show of philosophical zags and Southern manners, Teddy’s so down to earth he’s crawling through mud, and Clayne Crawford is television’s best kept secret. That’s our way back in. The production doesn’t execute the Twix fiasco quite right—now the next person who wants a Twix has to pay twice—but life being unfair to Teddy and the law bending the rules are exactly right. Ray McKinnon quickly walks back the plot about Teddy pressing charges against Daniel for his assault, one of the quirks of everything happening at once in the final minutes of season two, and it retroactively adds some grace to that final montage. No, the Trey-George angle of the case isn’t reopened in the nick of time, but Daniel does sign his confession just in time to defuse his brother-in-law. Teddy reminds us, “I didn’t want to press charges in the first place.” No, but he did decide to press charges in a fit of pique about an exaggerated affair between his wife and Daniel. Rectify lives in these gray areas, the nuances between yes and no.
That night at dinner, like a lot of scenes in “Hoorah,” is a series of flashbacks to Daniel’s confession, including its culmination in a tragic mix-up: Janet is sure that Daniel used to love Willy D’s barbecue, but it turns out that was Teddy’s favorite. Foreshadowing? Janet insists that Daniel used to love Willy D’s in that passive-aggressive Southern small-talk kind of way, and he tells her, “Maybe so. I just don’t remember,” which is also his position on his own criminal guilt. When Teddy shows up, Daniel tells him he’s sorry. “Sorry for what?” Ted demands, like Faulkes wanting to hear his accusations publicly validated.
Maybe Daniel is having an emotional affair with Tawney, but it’s awfully intermittent, and it’s certainly not sexual. But it’s so human that Teddy can only see his projection. He thinks Daniel told Tawney about the assault to emasculate him in order to take Tawney away from him, because that’s the kind of thing Teddy would do, and he thinks Tawney’s impressed by masculinity because that’s what he’s so insecure about. In his review, Matt Zoller Seitz points out Daniel’s dishonesty, but it seems to me that Daniel is almost masochistically honest, most clearly in this conversation with Teddy. Daniel tells Teddy, “She was confused about her situation, and I felt that telling her might help her clarify things.” He was trying to help Teddy. He was trying to explain to Tawney that her husband has been traumatized, and that’s why he’s been so prickly lately. But with the way Daniel speaks and the thoughts Teddy has, it comes off like he’s trying to come in between the Talbots. Daniel doesn’t often volunteer information, but that goes both ways. He doesn’t stick up for himself, either. He accepts disproportionate blame in all kinds of situations, and he lets Teddy mistake his intentions with no possibility for redemption because he’s the only one in a position to explain himself. Meanwhile there’s Teddy’s polite lies (“Maybe she’s got her appetite back”) and Ted and Janet talking about whether to tell Jared family news right in front of him and Amantha hiding out from both of the men she loves. Daniel’s just about the only one who can face up to darkness.
Eventually he fantasizes about his execution, which he’s never done before. He’s thought about the day coming, and he’s imagined the slow walk to the chamber, but he’s never made it as far as being strapped to a gurney and spotting his mom in the gallery. “Hoorah” cuts to Daniel enjoying a park before the execution proper. Maybe that’s how he imagines his banishment. He’s confessed to the crime, and his punishment approaches. He’s going to have to say goodbye to his family.
The park scene, like pretty much every scene of Daniel alone experiencing the world, is a great showcase for Aden Young as well as for Ray McKinnon’s penchant for misunderstandings. Daniel’s trying to be friendly to a mother on the playground, but he’s a strange bird, and she’s naturally suspicious. He tries to put her at ease, but it only makes him come off creepier, and eventually he walks off with his serial-killer duffel bag so the woman can breathe. But we see the poignancy in his description of the park. He says he’s never had the chance to read outside “under the big blue sky,” and Young plays that phrase spontaneously, like it’s only then hitting Daniel how grand it is to read in the open air. “It’s almost too much.”
He’s avoiding telling Janet about assaulting Teddy, which is part one of Ted Sr.’s demands, and which is entirely in keeping with my take on Daniel’s honesty. He wouldn’t deny it or lie, and I suspect he will tell her soon. He’s just extraordinarily pensive. The second demand is a miniature banishment ahead of the big one. Ted kicks him out. So now he and Tawney are both dislodged from their lives. She’s bunking with the greatest woman who ever lived, Beth, and he’s staying with Amantha. By the end, both duos are emotionally doubling down on the season two finale. Amantha impresses upon Daniel once again that she can’t keep reaching for him, that he’s going to have to try himself, and Teddy gets momentarily nasty, forfeiting his shot at a quick reconciliation with Tawney. They all still have to live their lives. Hoorah.
At the end of season two of Rectify, I thought the question of Daniel Holden’s guilt had been settled. I asked around and some people disagreed, but even the hesitance of the people who agreed with me was my clue to watch again and pay closer attention this time. I was seeing what I wanted to see. What I had pieced together from Trey’s bender with Daniel and Daniel’s debriefing, along with bits and pieces from season one, is that Daniel didn’t rape Hanna, didn’t murder her, and was coerced into confessing. But we don’t really know, and there’s no reason a coerced confession can’t coexist with Daniel having done it.
When I read Abigail Spencer’s thoughts on the matter, my jaw dropped. “I’m going to steal a Ray McKinnon line. He said, ‘I think he did it, but I think he feels real bad about it.’” I thought I had accounted for that possibility, accepted what it would mean, made peace with it. Boy, was I wrong. Now even Amantha’s “beginning to wonder.”
Stray observations
- “Hoorah” is written by Ray McKinnon and directed by Stephen Gyllenhaal.
- Another great Teddy scene is when he thinks Tawney came home and then realizes he was just hearing things. Television and movies never show the weird things we do when we’re alone. I’ve never quite had that experience, but it’s not far off.
- Amantha and Jon talk about whether either was using the other when they first met. Amantha: “Certainly wasn’t premeditated now. Maybe it was. Doesn’t matter now.” Every third conversation seems to apply to Daniel.
- Jared and Claire are practicing their theatre class exercise. “Was it like they say?” “What do they say?” “You know what they say.” “It was like they say.”
- Janet asks Ted if he saw Daniel the morning after he leaves. “No, not this morning… He didn’t say anything to you?” Another lie, another pleasantry with an agenda.
- I didn’t have room for it in the main review, but another strength of Rectify is on display in the exchange between Janet and Teddy. “I wish I hadn’t asked you to call me Janet.” He buckles. He’s trying not to cry, but he can’t look her in the eye, and he can’t pull off the nonchalance he’s going for. His body and voice betray him. “No biggie.” Rectify is so coiled that it can release a ton of emotion just like that, and it’s all the more powerful because the characters are trying to fight it.
- Is Amantha a managerial candidate? Good metaphor. One employee has already found her place, and another is stopping at Thrifty Town on the way to somewhere else. But for Amantha, it’s time to decide. Is she planning to stay in Paulie or what?
- “Marital problems or whatever.” That “or whatever” is Teddy’s defense mechanism. He can’t bring himself to say they’re having problems. He leaves himself a way out.
- Faulkes’ stroke is a sad twist, not least for the sight of half of Michael O’Neill’s face drooping on the spot.
- In case you missed it, Rectify was already renewed for a fourth season! So whatever happens this season, the show isn’t winding down.
- If you’re looking to fill the time before episode two, check out Chuck Reece’sclose-up on McKinnon, Rectify, and Southern-ness for The Bitter Southerner. Among other things, he makes a sharp point about Rectify and The Andy Griffith Show.
- Finally, Sundance has launched a Rectify podcast, a pitch-perfect Serial riff that I hope ends with the host eloping with Daniel (and that Sonia Saraiya wrote aboutat Salon). We’re probably not the only ones, but we pointed out the connection between the shows in our list of 2014’s best TV.
Sam Quentin
Footballguy
Clayne Crawford (Teddy) doing some stellar work this season.
I loved Jared's line about people talking around things
Just such an emotionally raw episode...something about Mitch rubs me the wrong way
I loved Jared's line about people talking around things
Just such an emotionally raw episode...something about Mitch rubs me the wrong way
Chaos Commish
Footballguy
Didn't read thread. Season 1 episode 4 tonight. Enjoying it.
pollardsvision
Footballguy
You are going to be surprised by the depth given to the character as the series progresses.Teddy Jr is a great ahole. just watched the episode in s2 where he tells the Sheriff about Daniel and the coffee grinds.
whoknew
Footballguy
You are going to be surprised by the depth given to the character as the series progresses.Teddy Jr is a great ahole. just watched the episode in s2 where he tells the Sheriff about Daniel and the coffee grinds.
What a fantastic show.
