Stateless: Season 1, Episode 6 “The Seventh Circle” (B+)
I wasn’t sure how all of this was going to be resolved since a happy ending didn’t seem appropriate given the real-life inspiration for many of these stories and the fact that it really just wouldn’t fit tonally. Instead, I think the characters experienced some intense growth and faced harrowing decisions that made them come out the other side broken but on the mend towards something that might hopefully be healthier for them. It was reassuring to see Margot press so hard to locate her sister when she came up against so many obstacles that made no sense, and it was a relief that, though she missed the ambulance that took Sofie away after she had to be sedated, she was in fact able to find her. It says something that someone who didn’t belong in detention because they were entitled to other rights as an Australian citizen was the catalyst for a change in treatment to other detainees, but I suppose it’s an indictment of the bureaucratic nature of the operation that takes the humanity out of it, resulting in situations like this. Sofie hallucinating everyone dancing was an intriguing stylistic choice, one that worked well since she suffered considerably but got to enjoy something comforting and pleasing while everyone else just perceived a dismal camp. Ameer’s choice to separate himself from his daughter for her protection was heartbreaking, but he recognized that it was the only way to ensure her safety and permanent stay in Australia. Cam being promoted by Harriet put him in a place he couldn’t stand, pushed to be someone he wasn’t by his circumstances, and simply walking away was the only way he could deal with it. Claire giving a different story to David so that Ameer wouldn’t be the focus of everything was her own sacrifice, and she was ready to accept the consequences if it blew back on her. This show was absolutely thought-provoking and well-done, featuring strong performances and an important story.
Series grade: B+
Series MVPs: Yvonne Strahovski as Sofie, Jai Courtney as Cam, and Asher Keddie as Claire
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