The Affair: Season 2, Episode 1 (B+)
I haven’t been thinking about this show much since Emmy voters shut it out entirely, but I’m so glad to have it back and beyond pleased to see the new format it’s adopting. Having a third perspective come from Helen is fascinating, and it was extremely informative and added a lot to the story in its first use. Noah’s opening perspective was more than engaging on its own, highlighted by his threat to push his mother-in-law down the stairs and tell the police it was an accident and the supremely awkward and unhelpful attitude of the mediator. Though she was cruel to Noah in mediation, Helen doesn’t have it easy at all, struggling to keep her life afloat and not be judged by everyone she sees, particularly those stupid enough to ask her if she saw signs that her husband was being unfaithful. The most surprising news in her life is that she’s found a boyfriend far more fitting than Noah ever was for her, someone on her level in terms of stature, intellect, and means. Josh Stamberg is great as Max, and though he seems much more into Helen than she is into him, it’s good to see someone treating her well. The news that Noah has been arrested for a hit and run and could be facing fifteen years in jail is major, and I’m glad to see none other than a dependably irritable Richard Schiff show up to save the day, paid for by an oddly caring Helen sometime in the relatively close future. I’m ready for this season and eager to see where it goes.
No comments:
Post a Comment