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Suits: Rewind (2012)
Innovative Masterclass In Character Development
3 years since I first watched this episode, it has aged like fine wine. The Hardman Jessica feud had history that predated the show, and while most series's would've likely glossed over the details in a present day conversation, Suits exceptionally details the history with some amazing flashbacks, which intertwine perfectly with the present day scenes.
These flashbacks are executed beautifully and add layers and rich detail to the current plot in which a conversation wouldn't have managed to do as effectively, making the plot even more engaging. But not only this, so much more depth is added to the characters through the flashbacks, particularly Harvey, Mike, Jessica, Hardman and Trevor. One common theme that they all shared is that they'll all do anything to reach their goal - even if it means crossing the line. Having this much depth added to characters again makes us care much more about them, adds to the anticipation of what might happen and almost assists us in choosing a side in the upcoming war. I've don't think I've ever seen such an effective use of flashbacks, potentially in The Sopranos episode "Down Neck", but either way an absolute masterclass in deeply layering the plot and characters via flashbacks, something I wish more shows would do.
+ Mike secretly whispering "I love you" to Jenny exactly how he did to Rachel earlier on in the season was a great touch.
Power: In My Best Interest (2016)
Tense Action Coupled With Plot Building For Next Season
This was a masterful finale which, as the title states, not only pulls out the stops for your immediate gratification in this episode, but has your on the edge of your seat for the next, a difficult balance to find.
Greg invites Mike round to attempt to convince him that Angela is the leak, but while doing so, receives a call confirming that Mike is the leak. Greg stupidly tries to reason with Mike and is murdered in brutal fashion, with Mike expertly managing to frame Greg as the leak. However, Ghost unprofessionally leaves finger prints from his previous break in, and Angela is able to arrest him for the murder. An incredible twist and change in events. To think where Angela and Jamie were for this whole series and even a few episodes ago, now seeing Angela arrest him is not only tragic but was probably seemingly inevitability, and it working was fantasy all along. It is very reminiscent of Walter White and Hank Schrader in Breaking Bad Season 5, where you've been hiding something from someone you love, and when they find out the consequences are colossal, especially when they're both in law enforcement. Tariq has also turned his back on his family and has been unknowingly abducted by Juxebox and Kanan, who Ghost and Tasha still presume is dead. Alongside side that, Ghost's night club deal with the Basset's is inevitably off the table as Ghost was arrested in front of them. Excellent writing which has put Ghost in a corner which is widely unpredictable how he will come out of this with his head held high. It is certainly his biggest obstacle yet in order to reach his goal's, which makes this show even more exciting than previous seasons, which was seemingly difficult to top.
The only slight qualm I have with this episode is the killing of Milan felt a bit too easy. Ghost labelled him as the most dangerous man he's ever met, yet easily executed him by holding him at gunpoint and somehow getting his loyal soldiers to flip. You'd expect a man of his stature to at least be strapped and have soldiers that would not flip on him so easily. Milan exposing himself like that also felt amateur. Lobo's would never be present when trying to take out a competitor directly, it requires far too greater risk. When you think of some of the greatest villians in TV such as Gustavo Fring of Breaking Bad, his exclusivity is what makes him so powerful as it makes him not an easy target, and almost always gets one of his soldiers to kill enemy's. Despite this slight disappointment, Power remains one of the best Drama's of all time up to this point, no doubt.
The Sopranos: Down Neck (1999)
Free Will, Masculinity and Determinism
"He who doesn't understand history is doomed to repeat it." Unreal jewels dropped in this episode. Is AJ doomed because of his father's persona and his grandfather's past? History suggests that was the case for Tony, he idolised his father and the fear he struck into people. Tony wants his son to see him and be proud of him the same way, powerful and strong, but is it that possible without him turning into Tony? It's a fantastic question. Does AJ really have free will? I think so, but you could argue not.
What constitutes a fidget? Speaks a thousand words. AJ drinking and getting into trouble. Boys will be boys or disability? What's normal for a teenage boy now? Even more relevant in todays age. Has traditional masculine elements been alienated so much that it now constitutes a mental disorder? Is this a good thing? Man this stuff goes deep. Tony getting ridiculed for going therapy too. Not being able to show weakness. Think this episode will be a benchmark for more to come. The psychological and existential themes covered in this episode were so interesting. Superb, absolutely superb.