Eight stars. Because Demeter and Blythe Danner are such a GREAT addition. The
interaction between McShane and Danner is the key emotional nugget of the whole
season. And the acting of the two of them shows the sort of brilliance that
only a lifetime (okay, two lifetimes) of work can attain. The Lakeside stuff
is spot on, mainly because it follows the book. And the scene between
Ann-Marie and Chad at the search site is an absolute high point of the season
so far. It, and Shadows accidental research, are teasing us with the great
town secret. Very well played. Laura, of course, is still with us. And still
a condescending jerk. Her interaction with Mad Sweeney was the appeal of her
character. Without him, all we see is her anger, entitlement, and false
superiority. Until her last scene. Again, very well played. That it offers
no answers is fine. The cliff-hanger sets up one of the most peculiar
alliances of the show, and one of the few big departures from the book that
actually works well. 6 March 2024.