Gary McCurry reviews the tenth episode of Bloodline…
As soon as the Harmonica sounds during the opening credits you’re into the Bloodline state of mind. Let’s take this moment to recognize how atmospheric and haunting the opening credits actually are. Setting the tone from the get go as the visuals match the family dynamic as they go through their own storms.
The question is now, can the Rayburn’s weather all these storms in one piece?
There is few lines more accurate in describing Bloodline than when Meg utters “We’re not the people I thought we were.” Soaked in her own guilt and disappointment as she confesses to her fiance about an affair she had when they first got engaged. We see no big reaction or fight but instead are treated to a striking scene of silence. Understated and effective.
Many of the moments during “Part 10” have such resonance and impact that comes with any season coming to its conclusion, the difference is that Bloodline plays them as a natural progression of events rather than an artificial injection of stakes.
A showdown between John and Danny is a perfect example. As the DEA gets ever closer to Lowry, (Glenn Morshower) who they believe is orchestrating not only a drug ring but a human trafficking ring too. Basically, he’s a quality guy with a few nasty habits. Danny is caught on a wire tap to Lowry’s associate, Quintana and surprisingly neither him or fellow cop and fiance to John’s little sister, Marco say anything. He’s going to get caught in the crossfire so John thinks that showing him what he’s in with will snap him out of it. He lets loose as a mark of desperation to help his brother, to help his mother, who still believes in the good Danny has. A masterclass in acting from both.
The tension is palpable already so adding Sally Rayburn’s motivation when it come to her son Danny tips it over the edge. A story revealed to John describes the moment that Sally was planning on leaving her now passed husband, Robert. Not being able to deal with Sarah, she instructs Danny to take her out on the boat. Not only does she blame herself for the death of her daughter, she blames herself for the path her son took from that day on.
Loose ends are still to be tied off though, all is not said and done by a long way. John and Diana’s kids are told not to speak to their uncle Danny. Understandably confused, they ask for a reason but none is given. Bloodline even keeps the suspense going for its characters as well as their audience.
The final ten minutes is the best of the season so far. I got sucked into thinking that Danny was coming clean and wanted a free conscious when he turned up at the office of his brother, John. Not so cut and dry as he prevented the potential capture of Quintana. He mentions to his brother “I call the shots now.”
Not perfect but one of the best episodes so far. We’re still getting random mentions and scenes with Kevin and the narration that also comes and goes should either stay or go.
Gary McCurry – Follow me on Twitter
Originally published May 28, 2015. Updated April 13, 2018.
