Gary McCurry reviews the second episode of Bloodline…
We’ve all heard the saying “blood is thicker than water.” Here, episode 2 brings with it two events that could disprove the theory. These moments will likely change life within and out-with the family.
Unlike the first episode, spoilers will be in effect here.
Following on from “Part 1” we have Local detective, John Rayburn (Kyle Chandler) attending an autopsy of a young Hispanic girl he discovered floating in the waters surrounding his beloved home town. Drowning is the official cause of her death, although burns have ravaged one side of her body. Due to events elsewhere this thread is strangely never picked back up, however expect to see this storyline to be continued in the coming installments.
Taking his attention away from the case is Danny, who most were under the impression had left town. After an altercation with head of the household, Robert Rayburn (Sam Shepard) he finds himself explaining the story of how his father came to be in hospital. According to Danny they “talked for a bit, he got back in his kayak, paddled away then flipped over.” We’re told by voice-over that younger brother, Kevin takes after his father in regards to having a temper. Knowing that Danny was the only person around during the accident, this story of his dad just toppling over just doesn’t sit right with him so he takes a leaf out of John’s book and does a little bit of detective work himself.
“Part 2” plays around with narrative structure. This can be misleading in the wrong hands but here, it adds to the anticipation and tension of the show. Becoming a player in the complex game, you come to your own conclusions and make snap judgments before you discover the truth. What some call slow, I call deliberately paced. You always get the feeling it’s going somewhere, albeit on a deliberately paced horse. Just soak up the atmosphere and watch the low clouds moving in to match the storm brewing among the seemingly perfect family.
Not to veer too much into just writing a synopsis piece we also have a strand that gives depth to John and Danny’s relationship as brothers and the bond they share. This allows for our understanding of the pair to grow as well as the characters themselves. Special mention to Sissy Spacek here as she is able to show such emotion within the short scenes handed to her. Granted, this is not a surprise considering it’s Sissy Spacek but, really, watch and just revel in it.
So much is to come from Bloodline. The Rayburn’s dark past will soon meet with the present. Think of this as stockpiling the wood before setting it all alight. Now to sit back and enjoy the flames.
Gary McCurry – Follow me on Twitter
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL18yMRIfoszFLSgML6ddazw180SXMvMz5&feature=player_embedded&v=ONsp_bmDYXc
Originally published March 31, 2015. Updated April 14, 2018.
