What I’m Watching: Boss

Boss: Season 2, Episode 9 “Clinch” (B+)

There had to be a way out of this mess, and Tom was going to be the one to find it, at everyone’s expense, particularly Mona’s. Sending her to DC so that he could pull the strings without her watching was cruel, and he wasn’t exactly gentle with her after she was clearly devastated by this new casino that he had announced to the public. His compromises with both Cullen and Alderman Ross were somewhat surprising, since he’s been known to lord his achievements over his enemies rather than make peace with them in the pursuit of victory. He also made sure to alienate his most important supporter, Meredith, by thanking his crush Mona instead of her and not bothering to acknowledge her for the crucial work she put in to introduce Cullen to Gil Bellows’ financial savior. Locking Emma in her room was a harsh but fair punishment, and I don’t see how her situation ends up getting any better with Ian’s uncertain help and Darius’ unfortunate descent into cold-blooded murderer. I’m very curious to see what happens now that Ian knows about Tom’s condition. Taylor’s sudden demise was hardly the most shocking death of the episode, however, as the victim of the hit presumably ordered by Tom was Walsh’s annoying aide – and lover – Tina rather than Sam’s detective contact. Its timing all but negates Patty coming to Kitty with the report of her indiscretion with Ben, and things have taken a serious new direction in preparation for the upcoming season finale.