Things are heating up and cracking down all at once in Gracepoint, and it’s never been more interesting. Now that there was a second death in town, people are more emotional and suspicious than ever. The twists are twistier and the mystery is still muddy. Awesome.
This week, the murder investigation is completely sidetracked when Ellie’s own son, Tom, disappeared. After Jack Reinhold’s funeral, Tom was distant and cold with everyone he spoke to. The next day on his way to school, his dad let him go on about 3 blocks from school and he never turned up. Needless to say, it was the one thing that got emotions running higher and people more on edge than they already were about a murdered child.
I can’t say enough about the lead actors on this show. Anna Gunn and David Tennant have always been brilliant in everything they’ve done (Doctor Who, Breaking Bad, etc.) but this is a really great venue for the both of them. I’ve been equally impressed with the actors themselves AND the rapport they’ve built. They (the characters) clearly hated each other in the beginning, but I love the way that they’ve grown closer despite their obvious differences. The inclusion of Carver’s daughter was another great move to humanize him in Ellie’s time of need.
I’m no longer suspicious of Tom Miller (as I said last week) but I actually thought his dad was acting kind of weird. His emotions were simply contrary to other ones that he played previously. I think Kevin Rankin is great too, but I don’t think that the preacher is guilty either. Mark’s co-worker is very suspicious, and so is that wacko-lady from the trailer park. I don’t think the drifter did it either. They really could go any direction with it, which is kind of impressive. I’m going to be pretty upset if both disappearances (I think Tom’s as good as dead, too) are some sort of collaboration between Vince and Susan, because it’s just so obvious. I will leave this show with an excellent impression if I’m surprised by who it turns out to be. Of course, bloody Vince who “went hunting this morning” just didn’t sell me on his innocence.
Kevin Rankin (also a Breaking Bad alum) has really done some nice work with the minister, Paul. He seemed really creepy and suspicious at first (and judging by the trailer from next week, Carver does not let that go easily), but now he’s showing more of the reason everyone trusted him as a pastor in the first place. He was kind, compassionate, and maybe working an angle to get on Mark’s good side, since he knows for sure his love for Beth is unrequited (all speculation, of course). I just thought he was excellent in this episode, and I didn’t want his work to go unnoticed.
Overall, Gracepoint is in position to finish strong. Only 3 more episodes are left, and they’re keeping more and more of my attention. I’m loving the characters, and the situation itself is growing more tense by the minute. I have so many questions that I hope are answered and if they are, they’ve accomplished something special here. I’m anxious to know your thoughts. Are you guys excited for the final 3 episodes? Surely by now you’re still watching? Let us know!
Photo via Fox
