TVSquad

(S02E06) One of the things I love about this show is how they pick simple one word titles (the first season did it too) and the given episode stays committed to portraying that title (a theme really) from everyone's perspective. It's a very cool storytelling technique, the way they expand upon everyone but manage to keep it cohesive. Ethan Reiff, Cyrus Voris, and everyone else who has a hand in writing and producing this show deserves a real pat on the back. They've created quite the epic. Entertaining because, well, it is. And scary because... it's real.

First off, we have to talk about Ilija. I said yesterday that his part of the show is the one I've been enjoying most due to it's detachment from everything else. I thought he was going to join forces again with Farik and clearly that wasn't the case. He went home to Sarajevo, began teaching English, started frequenting his favorite karaoke clubs, and even renounced his old life. I really liked how we were witnessing him reform his life. But the twists don't stop. I feel bad saying it, but is it wrong that I got excited when Farik found Ilija and asked for his help?

Regardless, I can't wait to see where this goes next. Will he help Farik or continue on his path? I don't think he's strong enough to say no. When he was in Germany, his guilt over killing Carly was so strong that he instigated a fight with a gang of skinheads hoping they'd kill him. He still has that guilt and going back to Farik's side, perhaps martyring himself? It would make sense.

The situation with Mina and Gayle has gotten really good for obvious reasons. This just tells you what Farik thought of Gayle. He is 100% convinced that Dodger Stadium is still standing because of her. So as Karrar said, "Mina has an assignment of her own." Safe bet? Gayle won't be alive much longer. I hate to say it, but that's what makes the most sense. Who knows what's in Mina's backpack? Torturing devices? A bomb? This is bad for Gayle anyway you look at it. If there is torture involved, it won't take much to break Gayle. Just the threat of pain will probably do it.

The real obstacle is Karrar. It seems that since Farik blames Gayle, he must also assume that Darwyn let something slip to her. So Karrar isn't telling Darwyn squat. Although he did let it slip that Farik said "hi," indicating he's still alive. For the most part, what he does tell Darwyn are lies. Personally, I think this works for the show. As much as I liked Darwyn as the leader of the cell, it's far more compelling when he's backed into a corner and fighting for information. It would be far too easy, and less climactic, if he knew the end game. This way, he's in the dark just like us.