Thoughts on previous episode here.
The Fake-out Opening
This time, it’s a nightmare from Gabi’s perspective; a parallel of the Season 1 Episode 9 opening. It’s interesting Gabi imagines Sir would sell her out, even after looking through negative online chatter and seeing how much leeway he’s gaining in the court of public opinion. It reminded me of season 1, when Gabi thought Sir fled town after escaping the basement. Girl, in what world is Hugh Evans going to hand you over to anyone but himself? It took a long time for it to click for her and say, “He is never gonna let me go.” Still, she doesn’t see what many of us see — no way will Sir stand by and watch people send his precious Gabrielle away to prison.
Gabi Sleeping With Christian
Haha, I couldn’t resist. But how is it they’re both so comfortable with each other that they dare fall asleep in each other’s presence? Are we supposed to be paying attention to Gabi’s instincts now? He could’ve slit her throat.
What the heck could they possibly be talking about that would take all night? It was blinding daytime when they each awoke. I saw the notes scribbled behind Christian, but how much info can Christian really provide? Why is he calling Gabi all the time?
Public Opinion
That old classmate had no shame implying a 15-year-old ‘asked for it?’ TF?? Loved Gabi’s shade, though — she had no time for a girl who flunked algebra! Haha, relatable pettiness. Glad to see some realism — of course, Sir would have groupies. There will definitely be people willing to give Hugh the benefit of the doubt and lots of grace. A handsome white male? There is no topping that level of coddling. Real-life serial killers far less handsome have swooning fans. Joe Goldberg over at You has girls gushing despite his deadliness. Sir hasn’t even killed anyone — he’s just…relentlessly devoted to one girl.
Hugh is on the verge of having fan clubs, a movie made about him played by one of the hottest (in both ways) stars of the Found world, someone who will get nominated for a top award for his portrayal of the misunderstood educator. Hugh will be humanized more and more; people will doubt the two girls of color easily. It was no accident Hugh introduced himself by his government name. Sir is a monster. Hugh is just a guy. I cracked up at him ‘clapping back’ at Gabi’s characterization of him and their relationship at the press briefing with that video.
Daring Dhan
Dhan not only directly threatens but roughs up a cop! Wow. He is bold as heck with balls of steel. And then he threatens Christian, and even turns his back afterward! What if Christian’s a stone cold killer? He could have pulled a piece and aimed for Dhan’s head, eliminating the threat. But it also seemed Christian felt no fear. Wariness, maybe. He seemed like a psychopath mimicking emotional responses.
Ethan: A Villain Origin Story
Ethan is mad salty. And to some degree, it’s understandable: he had to leave his profession behind due to his unethical pursuit of a relationship with his patient. I’m glad they finally addressed that, by the way — a therapist dating a patient… Anyway, I remember him being salty about Gabi from season 1. He resents her position in Dhan’s list of priorities and sees himself as second (or 5th) on that list. He no longer practices his profession due to a man who can’t even put him first! But he should’ve known what’s what; he’s been acting brand new about some of Dhan’s coping methods, etc. He knows intimately some of the monsters Dhan’s dealing with, having been his therapist. And now they’re sort of separated (where is he staying?) — no practice, no husband, no kids.
As of this episode, I’m about 90% sure Ethan is Sir’s accomplice. The thought of separating Dhan and Gabi would definitely appeal to him, and he’s a great way for Sir to get Gabi’s one and only fierce protector away from her, leaving her vulnerable. Ethan’s presence at M&A would raise no eyebrows — in this very episode, he was there dropping off a lunch bag for Dhan. And, of course, like nearly everyone in the Found universe, he blames Gabi for his life problems. Ethan has hella motive, and hella opportunity. And his parting words to Gabi: “I fear leaving you behind will be more than he can bear.” Sus.
Trifling Trent
It’s almost exclusively cuss words that want to come out of me regarding this mofo. The nerve of Mark Trent to keep insisting he’s not the bad guy when he keeps doing psycho things! This episode, a new low — entertaining the theories of a girl Gabi went to junior high/high school with? A victim-blaming girl who is putting it out there she thinks 15-year-old Gabi had a consensual relationship with her English teacher? “You put me in this position!” he told Gabi. Is he for real? Maybe he thinks going from simp to hard-ass might make him more attractive to Gabi. She is not disgusted enough by him for my taste.
You know what? I should’ve believed his mustache in season 1; can’t trust a guy with a mustache like that.
Mistress of the House Margaret
Margaret reminds me of that woman from The Color Purple who told her soul-broken maid she could have a day off to be with her kids, then changed her mind one minute later because she needed her too much. Miss Millie.
The black crutch must sacrifice herself to help the white woman live a fuller life. Coddled Margaret gets to keep taking and taking and taking from Gabi while holding her in contempt and lashing her now and then. And what did she tell Ethan during their woosah session? I doubt all they did was meditation and relaxation while together. Margaret probably flapped her gums and gave Ethan more ammunition to bury Gabi with once Trent comes sniffing.
Zzz…Zeke
Nice to see Sir touch other M&A members. Did his tentacle stop at the email, or did he also provide a tip for the DC cops to bust Zeke? Also, why would Zeke delete the email? Wouldn’t he want to keep the information attached?
Gabi the Titan
Let’s be real — present-day Gabi is a boss. Not a single member of M&A can fill her shoes. Hugh is right; most of these people don’t deserve her. They really think someone as valuable as Gabrielle Mosely should be thrown away on behalf of someone like Sir? Atlas, baby, go ahead and shrug.
As for young Gabi…. *sigh* The scenes with her dad were rough. My stomach dropped when he said he was checking himself into rehab — the right thing to do, since he was battling an illness, but also, ouch. The timing! And Sir was planning to kidnap Gabi again that night, wtf!
By the way, her dad mentioned ‘Aunt Netta,’ so Gabi has other family after all. I wonder if she’ll show up?
Other Thoughts & Theories
The case of the week was solid. The brunette actress playing Patrice was awesome, and Wayne Hall had amazing nails.
And what’s this about a letter from Sir to Gabi? I am looking forward to hearing more about that. Although it doesn’t look like it’s coming from Zeke, since he has been crippled by the DCPD bust. Another one bites the dust!
Dhan’s up next, I guess. And given how hard he was going for Gabi this episode, a rude awakening is probably in store.
As for the gum at the farmhouse, it is heavily implied it’s Christian’s DNA, but I think it might be Lena’s. I’m starting to think Christian is a delightful red herring, and while I’m not convinced he’s not on the ASPD spectrum and therefore, still sus, I am easing my foot off the gas a little. He might turn out to be a help to Gabi after all, given his profession; in fact, I’m starting to think there is not one answer to Who is helping Sir? It could be Ethan and Lena and…someone else.
As for the final scene, while I acknowledge the moment was a long time coming, it reminded me of this:
ETA: Thoughts on Season 2 Episode 8.