Pretty
strong episode, I think. Some intense
goings-on, looking at both the investigation at large and the effect that it
has on the town. A few interpersonal
character issues are starting to come to a head as well.
The town
roils with reports of a new suspect in the case, and Hardy and Ellie try to
maintain a hold of things as rumors, fueled by the papers, fly around
Broadchurch. The villagers are divided
on the issue, with some denying the stories, others sharpening pitchforks, and
still others unsure what to believe.
Mark learns several shocking things, and Beth confronts him about
something that’s recently come to light (wow, how’s that for vague?)
A number
of good things here. I think the main
story of the investigation in this episode is mostly handled well, and there’s
some nice dialogue and strong acting on display there. And as secrets start coming out, it feels a
lot more like things are beginning to happen.
Even with things that are still only half spoken-of, like Hardy’s past
before Broadchurch, we’re getting some momentum on those threads, and it feels
a bit less like the show spinning its wheels.
I’ve been
liking Ellie quite a bit better the past couple of episodes, which is both a
relief and something of an affirmation – watching this season for a second
time, I remembered going in that I’d liked her, but she didn’t do too much to
engender that affection over the first few episodes. Now, though, she’s stretching her muscles as
a detective, making good connections and just generally acting more on top of
things. And mostly, she’s doing it while
still being her. By that, I mean it
isn’t just a story of her improving under Hardy’s curmudgeonly tutelage. Yes, she’s learning to consider possible
theories even when the implications of them would be horrible, but she hasn’t
turned completely jaded, and it comes across like her showing what she can do rather than just what Hardy’s
“taught” her.
An
additional shoutout to Arthur Darvill (Rory!) as Paul, the local vicar. His storyline on the show, at least this
season, is pretty low-key for the most part, but he just does such a nice job
of fleshing the character out – for that matter, I think the show handles him
pretty well, too. He paints a nice
picture of this caring young man who’s trying to shepherd the villagers (many
of whom aren’t really in his “flock”) through this horrific event, not quite
knowing how to go about it but always being a gentle presence when he tries to
help. What’s more, it’s obvious that
he’s both devoted to his religion and,
for lack of a better word, a “regular” guy; he hangs out at a local watering
hole, jokes around with neighbors, and self-deprecatingly admits that he was
asked to lead the school IT club mainly because of how desperate the school was
to get someone. Really nice portrayal
all-around.
As for
Beth, it’s a strong episode for her as well.
Jodie Whittaker has several major spotlight scenes, mostly dealing with
the stuff between her and Mark but involving several different characters. She has an excellent scene with Mark near the
start of the episode – once again, we see just how utterly wrung-out Beth is,
that she’s been trying to drag this shell of herself around since Danny’s death
and she is completely done with
having to deal with any more crap. But
despite that raggedness, she doesn’t hold back in questioning Mark about what’s
going on, not giving him any easy ways out.
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