S04.E02: Escape From The Garden

[frenchtoast]

As Cullen plans an exit from Fort Smith, he challenges The Swede; when a new adversary arrives, Cheyenne feels his presence.

 

 

[Sidney]

The show was on FIRE tonight! Cullen and Psalms!!!

I wonder how Ruth is going to react with Cullen having a wife an child.

Hurry up Elam come back! Cullen and Eva need you!

Edited August 10, 2014 by Sidney

[bentley]

Not entirely buying that the Swede would reveal everything in the midst of a religious fervor, or maybe just because he's batshit cray cray, but whatever, anything to get Cullen out of that place and back with the gang. I was so impatient when I saw the episode was going to end with Cullen still on the outskirts of town. I just want him to be there already. Can't wait to see how he is going to square off against the Carpetbaggers, excuse me, government-appointed lawmen. This looks to be an interesting season.

 

The reunion I'm most longing to see is Cullen and the little boy. Love those two together.

 

I liked that the episode ended with Cullen not putting a label on what Elam was to him.

[Ohwell]

Wow, this episode had a lot packed into it.  I think it was one of the best.  Can't even process all of what happened right now, but Cullen's face at the end when he was thinking about Elam, almost brought me to tears.  And yes, that Mormon boy needs him and I can't wait to see his face when he sees Cullen.

 

I loved how he finally figured out a way to fuck with the Swede's mind.

 

I like Eva standing up to Mickey, although I still don't like what the writers have done with him.  Also can't wait to see her happy face when Elam comes back.

 

I'm so glad we are seeing more of Psalms this season.  Hope nothing bad happens to him and he stays out of the way of the carpetbaggers.  Those dudes are baaaaad news, although I do like them messing with Durant.

 

ETA:  I forgot to mention that I can't wait to see what the Mormons do to the Swede.  I don't know how violence-prone Mormons were back then, but I wish they would torture his ass before they kill him.  Just get medieval on him.

Edited August 10, 2014 by Ohwell

[Dowel Jones]

I liked the locomotive cameo at the end.  Cullen must have been thinking, "Yep, Durant's still in charge."  And that letter was the most apt description of Durant I have heard yet.

That kid is going to be the resident juvenile delinquent.  He'll be working for Mickey in no time.

[Puffaroo]

WE WANT ELAM!!!

[virginiawoman54]

Much better episode than the first one. Now we are rolling!

[Sidney]

I liked that the episode ended with Cullen not putting a label on what Elam was to him.

I can't wait to see them together again!

[bentley]

 

And that letter was the most apt description of Durant I have heard yet.

 

I  wonder if Durant's ability to intercept their mail is going to be a crucial plot point. As Newman (Seinfeld) once said, "When you control the mail, you control...Information". And I could be mistaken, but Grant didn't give them quite as much authority as the leader implied to his group, did he? The season may end with Grant showing up shocked about what's being done in his name. And IIRC he and Cullen have a shared respect, so there's that...

 

Here's some possible irony ... Cullen left the Mormon way of life, but soon may very well find himself feeling as if he's juggling two families: his new bride and chlid, and the Reverend and the Mormon boy.

 

I wonder if the Swede is going to wiggle out of another execution somehow. Thematically, I thought the Mormon boy (what is his name??) should have been instrumental in bringing The Swede down somehow.

[nodorothyparker]

Much much better than last week.  Cullen wins in the battle to outcrazy each other on wit alone, which was a pretty gutsy thing to do on a show where most conflicts are settled with gunplay.  Because it's this show, though, I know we'll be seeing the Swede again in some new incarnation somewhere down the line.  They'll never let the crazy bastard die.

 

So our little now ex-Mormon family drove all the way from Fort Smith to Cheynne (no short distance) and we STILL have no sighting of Elam?  I really thought that's where they were going with the appearance of the Indian and I suppose they still may but it's disappointing to be heading into the third episode now still having no resolution on what happened to him.  Cullen's reaction to news of his disappearance and his inability to easily put a label on who Elam was to him was well done. 

 

I love Psalms just because and thought Naomi's hesitancy and not knowing what to make of him was a nice touch.  She's in for a real culture shock and a likely rude awakening to just who her new husband is and the world he inhabits now that he's no longer under the thumb of the church fathers and back to his own element.

 

As much as I don't care for the new carpetbagger "government," Campbell's letter did absolutely peg Durant, who clearly isn't going down without a fight.  I'm anxious to see where the newly resurrected Cullen is going to fit in there.  I have a feeling we're about to see Durant suddenly embracing him as an ally again.

Edited August 10, 2014 by nodorothyparker

[justmehere]

I wonder if the Swede is going to wiggle out of another execution somehow. Thematically, I thought the Mormon boy (what is his name??) should have been instrumental in bringing The Swede down somehow.

 

 

Because it's this show, though, I know we'll be seeing the Swede again in some new incarnation somewhere down the line.  They'll never let the crazy bastard die.

 

 

Yeah, my fear is that the Mormons will just expel him and he'll show up again. Maybe the new governor would hang him for his crimes if Ezra identified him... I don't know, but his story needs to end decisively somehow.

 

Glad to see Ruth again. I hope with so much time having passed that she's just happy to see Cullen alive and doesn't pine after him. I thought they had good chemistry and was interested in some kind of gradual development, and some reaction is warranted in light of last season, but show, please don't drag it out.  It would probably be one-sided, anyway, with Ruth just being miserable. I'd like to see their friendship renewed though, and maybe Ezra keeps that link.

 

Definitely a better episode than the last. I agree; get to Elam already.

 

Cullen vs. reconstructionists will be interesting. Their energy is palpable - very cohesive, very confident, no fear. I'm curious to see what will break through their control.

 

I  wonder if Durant's ability to intercept their mail is going to be a crucial plot point.

 

 

That's a good point.

 

I have a feeling we're about to see Durant suddenly embracing him [Cullen] as an ally again.

 

 

Agreed.

[riverheightsnancy]

I MUST find a screen shot of that last scene and Bohnanon's eyes. SWOON. I would have been like Original Naomi in the barn too! 

To more serious matters, I wish that they had shown us a few short scenes of the Mormons and their subtle, little doubts about the Bishop. A few of the wives talking about how he did something odd or said the wrong prayer while they hang out clothes. A few of the men mentioning that the Bishop changed protocol on how X is performed while they tend the field. It is beyond the pale that a non-religious person can fake a deep knowledge of the Mormon Bible, however, most importantly the customs and rituals of the entire group. PLUS, he doesn't even have any wives! That would almost seem unacceptable for a person in the Mormon faith, especially the leader. I wish that they would have shown us, small subtle things here and there, so that when the Swede outed himself, it would make a lot of sense to the people who had started to have doubts. 

[M-L-C]

"THE FALSE PROPHET"

This episode was over the top *AmAzInG* I loved it a lot!

 

1. Because, Finally the Swede will get his just deserve. He has hurt so many and has squiggled his way out every time. From the beginning I did not like him. But, what he did to Ezra's parents and leaving Ezra a lone, despicable. I'm not a cruel person by nature, but I want some of that cruelty to happen to the Swede. He is exposed now,(OH MY GOSH), what if he squiggles his way out of this as squiggly as he is.
2. Mickey,what on earth did this freak do back home? What if he's the one who tortured the girl's .and now he has his sights focused on Eva (WoW). I love Eva, I want her rise above everything that has kept her down and completely take control of her life! I don't want Mickey any where near her, I fear he will hurt her BAD!
3. (OMG) Cullen & the Indian, they looked back at each other! Nerves of steal! (WoW), but, wasn't that one of the Indians that Elam encountered too!? I am so glad that  Cullen exposed the Swede, and is finally out of the Mormon camp. He's coming home to raise a little H*O*W, I seriously can't wait for next week. I want Cullen to go out looking for Elam, because I believe  Elam is still alive (in the Indian Camp), I think they helped him after he was attacked by the bear. I don't think this tribe is a bad one. 
4. In closing The False Prophet is going down. I think what he did to Ezra's parents really P*O*ed the Mormons, and they will get their justice, but he's a crafty one. THIS WILL BE FUN as it plays out. (I hear the *JAWS* music) It's gonna be a great season to be sure!

Edited August 11, 2014 by M-L-C

[ikmccall]

Maybe the Indian that passed by Cuulen and his family knows where Elam is and was trying to communicate that.

[nodorothyparker]

Maybe the Indian that passed by Cuulen and his family knows where Elam is and was trying to communicate that.

 

I wondered that as well.  Otherwise, the scene was kind of pointless.

 

On rewatch, Cullen whistling Dixie as he passed the Swede to leave was about six kinds of fantastic.

[Sidney]

On rewatch, Cullen whistling Dixie as he passed the Swede to leave was about six kinds of fantastic.

He told the Swede that he had a vision of going out that gate whistling Dixie. LOL!

[Francesca007]

Now that was my show back. Cullen feeling the spirit and outing the Swede was probably one of my favorite moments of the series.

I'm really interested in Carpenter and his men. Anyway who threatens Durant is alright with me. I'm kind of glad they are bringing some law. Next maybe they can bring some lye soap and washtubs for those men.

One thing I am puzzled/concerned about is Mickey. What does he want with Eva? Is he in lust or love with her? Him watching her scrub bloody floors was creepy.

[Jeebus Cripes]

Finally out of the Mormon Camp of Boredom! Sorry, but I didn't care for that storyline at all. 

 

So our little now ex-Mormon family drove all the way from Fort Smith to Cheynne (no short distance) and we STILL have no sighting of Elam?  I really thought that's where they were going with the appearance of the Indian and I suppose they still may but it's disappointing to be heading into the third episode now still having no resolution on what happened to him.  Cullen's reaction to news of his disappearance and his inability to easily put a label on who Elam was to him was well done. 

 

I can't remember what Elam was wearing when he was attacked by the Indians/bear, but I did notice that the Indian who Cullen encountered wasn't wearing traditional Indian garb. 

[RealityGal]

I loved how he finally figured out a way to fuck with the Swede's mind.

 

 

I'm so glad we are seeing more of Psalms this season.  Hope nothing bad happens to him and he stays out of the way of the carpetbaggers.  Those dudes are baaaaad news, although I do like them messing with Durant.

 

But strangely how right was Cullen, the Swede does appear to really believe he is some sort of prophet

 

I totally agree with you about Psalms, and the carpetbaggers being bad news.  I'm hoping Grant gets rid of them once he finds out Cullen is back.  I think there is going to be a lot of trouble between Cullen and the carpetbaggers.  I hope Grant makes Cullen the governor, or the president, or whatever of the Wyoming territory.

 

Much much better than last week.  Cullen wins in the battle to outcrazy each other on wit alone, which was a pretty gutsy thing to do on a show where most conflicts are settled with gunplay.  Because it's this show, though, I know we'll be seeing the Swede again in some new incarnation somewhere down the line.  They'll never let the crazy bastard die.

 

I love Psalms just because and thought Naomi's hesitancy and not knowing what to make of him was a nice touch.  She's in for a real culture shock and a likely rude awakening to just who her new husband is and the world he inhabits now that he's no longer under the thumb of the church fathers and back to his own element.

 

As much as I don't care for the new carpetbagger "government," Campbell's letter did absolutely peg Durant, who clearly isn't going down without a fight.  I'm anxious to see where the newly resurrected Cullen is going to fit in there.  I have a feeling we're about to see Durant suddenly embracing him as an ally again.

 

I don't see why the new governor would even trust the post office to send his letter without Durant reading it first?  But maybe he didn't and it was just a way to mindfuck Durant even more.  I hope Durant and Cullen work together, everytime I fully hate Durant, he does something that makes me see a glimmer of light about him.  Like his talk with the Mormon boy.

 

ITA that the Swede is never going to die.  I'm going to have to see a scene with someone shooting him in the head, with a view of him from the front before I would ever believe they kill him.  

 

I love Psalms!  

[RealityGal]

one more point about the Mormon boy and Cullen....I wonder if there will be conflict because the Mormon boy will be jealous of Cullen's new shiny baby boy.  IIRC, the Mormon boy (I know he has a name, but I can't remember it!) was the only child of his two parents, so he may not be used to having to share the attention of a parental figure.  Now Cullen has a new baby and a wife, and he may not like all of that too much, and he doesn't mind acting out so it could be interesting.

[Irishmaple]

This episode went a long way to easing my pessimism about the show.  I was relieved when Cullen left the compound with both his wife and his son.  Most shows are all about the instant connection and finding love with a soul mate, so I like watching two people who don't know each other very well come together because of circumstances and make the best of it, coming to care about the other as they become more familiar with each other.  I was curious to see how Naomi would manage outside the compound, and I liked seeing how much she trusts Bohannon, and how they work together.  It may not be True Love but their marriage seems based on mutual respect and kindness.  It's more interesting than other relationships I've been asked to buy over the years where the two lovers don't even appear to like each other.  I wasn't sure about Naomi but I think it took some courage to leave her family and the only life she's lead, and I admire her for that.  I'm looking forward to seeing how she manages with Ruth, Eva and especially Durant, who was Cullen's competition for Lily Bell.

 

One of my brothers studied History and the Reconstruction era was his area of specialisation, so Jake Weber's character fascinates me.  I'm not opposed to Cheyenne getting some law and order, but the summary execution of a man seemed as illegal as shooting another guy for cheating.  The carpet-baggers are not making a good first impression.  I'm surprised they haven't run up against Maggie yet.  They'll likely come between her and her ambitions too.

 

I was also surprised to see that Eva was able to leverage Mickey's weirdness into a new position for herself at his casino.  I'm just confused as to what exactly her leverage was.  I love Eva because she's always made her way in the world despite being one of its outcasts.  Would anyone in Cheyenne really care that Mickey had groped her in the tub?  What was she holding over him?

 

I really wanted to see the Mormons shoot the Swede.  The character has run his course, especially now that the newcomers to Cheyenne have been established as antagonists. 

[annlaw78]

 

Not entirely buying that the Swede would reveal everything in the midst of a religious fervor, or maybe just because he's batshit cray cray, but whatever, anything to get Cullen out of that place and back with the gang.

Sing it!  So glad that we're done (hopefully) with Fort Boredom (TM, someone clever) and getting Cullen back where he needs to be. 

[Ohwell]

I really miss the other woman who played Naomi.  I thought she had a serene face which seemed to fit her character.  This new Naom's nose sticks out too far and it's annoying. 

[nodorothyparker]

The first actress had a certain baby-faced innocence that seemed to fit the character.  But this is who we've got now so I hope she can make the most of it. 

 

Following their escape, I was struck by how every time Cullen asked her if she was say, frightened or tired or hungry, her response was basically "I'm not if you're not."  Combine that with her background story about how her father never even stopped the wagon for her mother to give birth to her and the general subservience she's already shown, and it's going to be interesting to see how she handles a far less restrictive life in Cheyenne and the women there who tend to be a lot more independent and outspoken.   I'm actually rather curious to see what she and Ruth make of each other.  They're both religious women who have a personal relationship with Cullen, but while Ruth can at times be brittle and self-righteous, she's also very tough and has been managing on her own for awhile.

[RealityGal]

 

I was also surprised to see that Eva was able to leverage Mickey's weirdness into a new position for herself at his casino.  I'm just confused as to what exactly her leverage was.  I love Eva because she's always made her way in the world despite being one of its outcasts.  Would anyone in Cheyenne really care that Mickey had groped her in the tub?  What was she holding over him?

 

Well, I think Durant has a very soft spot in his heart for Eva.  So, I think it makes sense for Mickey to try to make nice with Eva.

 

What I want to know - and someone with a background in history can clear this up - is what happened in Atlanta??

[Jeebus Cripes]

Well, I think Durant has a very soft spot in his heart for Eva.  So, I think it makes sense for Mickey to try to make nice with Eva.

 

What I want to know - and someone with a background in history can clear this up - is what happened in Atlanta??

 

Didn't it get burned to the ground pretty much? I don't have a background in history, btw, just making a guess.

[RealityGal]

Didn't it get burned to the ground pretty much? I don't have a background in history, btw, just making a guess.

Sadly, neither do I, you're probably right, but if I get to it I'll look it up on Wikipedia.

[Jeebus Cripes]

Sadly, neither do I, you're probably right, but if I get to it I'll look it up on Wikipedia.

 

Did it for ya. From Wikipedia: 

• During the American Civil War, Atlanta, as a distribution hub, became the target of a major Union campaign, and in 1864 Union General Sherman's troops set on fire and destroyed the city's assets and buildings, save churches and hospitals. After the war the population grew rapidly, as did manufacturing, while the city retained its role as a rail hub

[RealityGal]

 

Did it for ya. From Wikipedia: 

• During the American Civil War, Atlanta, as a distribution hub, became the target of a major Union campaign, and in 1864 Union General Sherman's troops set on fire and destroyed the city's assets and buildings, save churches and hospitals. After the war the population grew rapidly, as did manufacturing, while the city retained its role as a rail hub

 

 

Thank you!  I suppose that does warrant a demotion to the lowly Wyoming territory.

[Ottis]

To more serious matters, I wish that they had shown us a few short scenes of the Mormons and their subtle, little doubts about the Bishop.

 

 

I liked this episode far better, but I struggle with this and with whatever the hell happened to The Swede. It wasn't clear to me why he acknowledged in front of everyone that he killed the real bishop. More importantly, whatever the reason was, it was so tenuous that the fact Cullen counted on it happening stretches far beyond any reasonable suspension of belief. "I am so sure The Swede is crazy, that I will - in front of everyone - gamble that me, the person The Swede knows and hates and who he knows hates him, will fool him into believing I am now a believer in him, and as a result of that, the Swede will openly admit he is a false bishop AND he killed the real one with his own hands." Just no.

 

But we are out of the fort, so let's move on.

 

Also, this is the only time I have ever seen a depiction of Mormons where they seemed kind of bad ass, in a way.

[RealityGal]

I liked this episode far better, but I struggle with this and with whatever the hell happened to The Swede. It wasn't clear to me why he acknowledged in front of everyone that he killed the real bishop. More importantly, whatever the reason was, it was so tenuous that the fact Cullen counted on it happening stretches far beyond any reasonable suspension of belief. "I am so sure The Swede is crazy, that I will - in front of everyone - gamble that me, the person The Swede knows and hates and who he knows hates him, will fool him into believing I am now a believer in him, and as a result of that, the Swede will openly admit he is a false bishop AND he killed the real one with his own hands." Just no.

 

But we are out of the fort, so let's move on.

 

Also, this is the only time I have ever seen a depiction of Mormons where they seemed kind of bad ass, in a way.

 

I don't know - letting your kid hang for your crime doesn't seem all that bad ass to me, but I always had a problem with that guy since that happened.  But Mormons with guns is not something you see everyday.

 

I agree that the willing suspension of disbelief has been stretched pretty far.  I can see why the Swede did it, because he maybe has convinced himself that it is the absolute truth, that he was meant to kill that guy and take over.  But if thats the case, why wouldn't he just announce it to the entire congregation if he really thinks thats god's plan?

[annlaw78]

 

what happened in Atlanta??

From Gone with the Wind... (and some actual history), Sherman burned Atlanta to the ground, and then during Reconstruction, carpetbaggers from the north were sent in to run things for Washington, and what happened was somewhat similar to Germany after WWI in the Weimar era ("raising the taxes sky-high on Tara").  The South remained severely economically depressed for many years after the Civil War.  There's a popular theory that had Lincoln survived, he would have had the wisdom to be a reconciling figure ala Mandela (or something like the Marshall Plan after WWII) to help reunify the country and bring the South back into the fold.  Instead, Lincoln was assassinated and the South got Andrew Johnson. 

Edited August 12, 2014 by annlaw78

[TV Anonymous]

I totally agree with you about Psalms, and the carpetbaggers being bad news.  I'm hoping Grant gets rid of them once he finds out Cullen is back.  I think there is going to be a lot of trouble between Cullen and the carpetbaggers.  I hope Grant makes Cullen the governor, or the president, or whatever of the Wyoming territory.

 

Unfortunately, those Carpetbaggers are there to stay, at least the Governor. John Allen Campbell is a historical person, the real first Governor of Wyoming Territory and indeed appointed by President U.S. Grant. He would only leave his office on 1875, after being there for six years.

[RealityGal]

Unfortunately, those Carpetbaggers are there to stay, at least the Governor. John Allen Campbell is a historical person, the real first Governor of Wyoming Territory and indeed appointed by President U.S. Grant. He would only leave his office on 1875, after being there for six years.

Poo.  I hate when history ruins things :)

[nodorothyparker]

Thomas Durant is also a real historical figure.  That hasn't stopped the show from playing fast and loose with many of the particulars of his story.