S01.E09: Next To Nothing

[formerlyfreedom]

As the siblings work together to repair the damage caused by the hurricane, Charley, Ralph Angel and Remy are shocked to discover two corpses on their property.

[Dee]

That last scene between Remy and Charley? All types of hot.

[Arcadiasw]

Too bad it took two deaths for Charley to realize what the right thing to do is. I was hoping the dead men weren’t the workers on the farm because I thought Remy and Charley didn’t leave until all the workers left but as it was explained on what happened to them, Charley’s actions did have an unfortunate hand in their deaths. Remy is right. Charley will still do what Charley wants but I really hope she will listen to him and Prosper when they tell her something. As for Charley and Remy, I’m waiting for Davis or something from Remy’s past to pop up.

[DearEvette]

I don't know that I necessarily agree that Charley's decision to delay their leaving had a hand in their death. I know it feels like it should but correlation does not imply causation.  They were murdered by a meth addict.  Wrong time, wrong place.  They could have just been as easily murdered on any other day.

I do think the larger message of their deaths was to open Charley's et al. eyes to the humanity of their guest workers.  To show how easy it is , even for black folks who still know strongly the legacy of slavery, to fall into the trap of treating persons like commodities and not taking the time to know something as simple as their names.  There is a very strong social justice thread that is running through this show that hovers just below the the Bordelon drama that I find very affecting mainly because it centers on just acknowledging the basic humanity of people: sex workers, drug addicts and yes immigrants with no papers. 

The scene around the table with them talking to the workers was so wonderfully acted and shot.  I was so incredibly affected by that man's simple grief over his co-worker's death. 

Oprah tweeted that the actor just started crying during the scene and the director just went with it, that it hadn't been rehearsed.  And then everyone else was affected too.  How awesome is that? Dawn Lyen-Gardner tweeted something about the two actors as well and it was just so fun to see on their twitter handles that the guy who was doing the crying is a dancer and choreographer in addition to being an actor IRL. 

[Dee]

The way the show has handled Hollywood and Violet's relationship the past couple episodes is highly disappointing.

I know they're "Romance Goals" and Hollywood is a "Good Man," but his actions, no matter how well meaning, constituted a huge violation. That coupled with his flagrant disregard, extenuating circumstances notwithstanding, of her boundaries in the aftermath makes their rushed reunion kind of gross.

Edited November 3, 2016 by Dee

[topanga]

1 hour ago, DearEvette said:

Oprah tweeted that the actor just started crying during the scene and the director just went with it, that it hadn't been rehearsed.  And then everyone else was affected too.  How awesome is that? Dawn Lyen-Gardner tweeted something about the two actors as well and it was just so fun to see on their twitter handles that the guy who was doing the crying is a dancer and choreographer in addition to being an actor IRL. 

The somewhat chubby one or the lanky one? In any event, both actors were extremely talented. I speak thatmuch Spanish (meaning, less than a smidgen), and the Spanish words I did understand were dripping with grief and admiration for their fallen co-workers. 

 

1 hour ago, DearEvette said:

 

I don't know that I necessarily agree that Charley's decision to delay their leaving had a hand in their death. I know it feels like it should but correlation does not imply causation.  They were murdered by a meth addict.  Wrong time, wrong place.  They could have just been as easily murdered on any other day.

I do think the larger message of their deaths was to open Charley's et al. eyes to the humanity of their guest workers.  To show how easy it is , even for black folks who still know strongly the legacy of slavery, to fall into the trap of treating persons like commodities and not taking the time to know something as simple as their names.  There is a very strong social justice thread that is running through this show that hovers just below the the Bordelon drama that I find very affecting mainly because it centers on just acknowledging the basic humanity of people: sex workers, drug addicts and yes immigrants with no papers. 

 

Yes. I loved this aspect of the story. I think it was Charley who said that black was being replaced by brown in terms of exploited workers.  I hope it affects how they run the farm.

 

20 minutes ago, Dee said:

The way the show has handled Hollywood and Violet's relationship the past couple episodes highly disappointing.

I know they're "Romance Goals" and Hollywood is a "Good Man," but his actions, no matter how well meaning, constituted a huge violation. That coupled with his flagrant disregard, extenuating circumstances notwithstanding, of her boundaries in the aftermath makes their rushed reunion kind of gross.

I agree. I hope they get into it more in later episodes. But I did like it when Hollywood told Vi that she was wrong, that she needs to let Ralph Angel make his own relationship decisions. 

[FoxyBrown]

2 hours ago, Dee said:

The way the show has handled Hollywood and Violet's relationship the past couple episodes is highly disappointing.

I know they're "Romance Goals" and Hollywood is a "Good Man," but his actions, no matter how well meaning, constituted a huge violation. That coupled with his flagrant disregard, extenuating circumstances notwithstanding, of her boundaries in the aftermath makes their rushed reunion kind of gross.

 

I thought I was the only one not really feeling the way he insisted on being there even though she asked him not to be. He just disregarded her request like he knew what was best. Respecting her wishes is best even if he disagreed. I adore them as a couple and hope they work things out but I think she first needs the space to get her mind together. Like Rutina said in this ep, she has a lot going on and a moment to breathe and consider her own needs is overdue.

Anybody else not understand the devastation  Vi was feeling after the storm tossed her plants everywhere? Yes, the clean up is a hassle, but everything and everyone else was intact. Why the dramatic sorrow?

[topanga]

13 minutes ago, FoxyBrown said:

Anybody else not understand the devastation  Vi was feeling after the storm tossed her plants everywhere? Yes, the clean up is a hassle, but everything and everyone else was intact. Why the dramatic sorrow?

I thought she was lamenting on the futility of life, how everything good and alive can be wiped away in an instant. Like the open and honest relationship she thought she had with Hollywood. And it probably made her grieve Ernest all over again.  Plus she's been feeling old and alone lately. Which is why I'm glad Nova told her that it's time for Vi to do Vi and stop focusing on taking care of everyone else.  Isn't Vi a great cook? I think she's young enough to start her own catering business. A restaurant might be too much for her (or for anyone!).

[DearEvette]

2 hours ago, topanga said:

The somewhat chubby one or the lanky one? In any event, both actors were extremely talented. I speak thatmuch Spanish (meaning, less than a smidgen), and the Spanish words I did understand were dripping with grief and admiration for their fallen co-workers. 

The chubbier one.  His name is Jacinto Rodriguez.  He was the one that was crying the most because I think one of the murdered men was his brother?  I also liked the call back to Blue's teacher.  I hadn't even thought of her, I thought maybe it was gonna be Darla that was the spanish speaker.  This was so much better.  I loved that the majority of the dialogue was in Spanish (with no close captioned translation).  It made the scene that much richer, we understood the grief and acknowledge that regardless of station or language this was something universal.  And then they all held hands to pray and then I was a goner.

[Dee]

Micah and Keke were the cutest.

His sheepish reaction to the conventions of country living and lowkey stunting about his semi-charmed life was hilarious. I like that she immediately saw right through his false bravado though.

[Arcadiasw]

7 hours ago, DearEvette said:

I don't know that I necessarily agree that Charley's decision to delay their leaving had a hand in their death. I know it feels like it should but correlation does not imply causation.  They were murdered by a meth addict.  Wrong time, wrong place.  They could have just been as easily murdered on any other day. 

It was Ralph Angel’s theory, “The workers cut across the field to go to the next farm to catch the bus,” made me think Charley’s decision to keep the workers working unfortunately led to their deaths. If they had left when Prosper wanted them to perhaps they wouldn’t have needed to cut across the field or the Meth addict wouldn’t have been there at that time. At this point, it’s all what ifs but it’s really gonna stick to Charley to listen to others and that’s probably the point of it all.

I’m not surprised Charley and Nova didn’t know the workers names but I’m surprised Ralph and Remy didn’t. They worked with those men a lot more than the ladies. Prosper’s absence was glaring. It doesn’t appear he was told about the men’s death yet and unless I missed it, I didn’t see him in the room with the farmers when Ralph broke the news to them.

I didn’t have a problem with Hollywood helping out during the storm but now that it has passed, I would’ve preferred he gave Vi her space and let her decide what she wants to do in regards of their relationship. A rushed reunion isn't needed at this point.

[Empress1]

I just have one question for y'all: where do I get a Remy?

[Timetoread]

Where does anybody get a Remy?

[Dee]

When y'all figure it out let me know. I prefer to buy in bulk.

[ridethemaverick]

I'm waiting for the other Remy shoe to drop because he is so freaking perfect. Something has to be wrong, right? I hope not, but I once thought Hollywood was perfect too...

Micah and Kiki were adorable. I love that he has no game and is a giggly, blushing mess. 

What a powerful message with the two workers' deaths. I echo the sentiments here, really great storytelling that sends a subtle message. 

[Artsda]

Remy's speech at the end was amazing. 

[Joimiaroxeu]

This is likely the episode (or at least one of them) that will be submitted for Emmy consideration. Excellent acting and dialogue all around.

Still feeling suspicious of Darla. I fully expect her to do something to disappoint Blue and just hope she doesn't also endanger his life. RA has no clue how powerful codependency is.

[maraleia]

On 11/3/2016 at 1:38 PM, Dee said:

Micah and Keke were the cutest.

His sheepish reaction to the conventions of country living and lowkey stunting about his semi-charmed life was hilarious. I like that she immediately saw right through his false bravado though.

They're setting this up for him to say he wants to go to Keke's school which is probably the local public school. Mark my words.

[Dee]

1 hour ago, maraleia said:

They're setting this up for him to say he wants to go to Keke's school which is probably the local public school. Mark my words.

Which will lead to Charley, of course, having an EPIC fit.

[Syndicate]

Of course Remy has a secret.  This is nothing but a soap opera just like all others before it. Just when things get really hot and heavy between him and Charley, Remy's ex-wife or ex-boyfriend or SOMETHING will make their appearance.

[Clanstarling]

I loved this episode and the effect the hurricane had on them all. The destruction of the hurricane, and that emotional night before, has opened the Bordelons up to reevaluating their lives and their behavior. Nova was wonderfully nurturing of her own family for once, and respectful of Charley's role as Micah's mother. Charley is understanding how her behavior effects others, and owns up to her own poor behavior. And Ralph Angel is opening up to allowing Blue's mother have a role in his life. Aunt Vi isn't quite there, but she's certainly on the verge, thanks to Nova's encouragement.

I did get the feeling that Ralph Angel actually knew the names of the dead men. Then in the scene when they broke the news, they had the names of both men, which puzzled me, but maybe I missed something.

That scene around the table was devastating. I didn't actually cry, but came awfully close.

[Dee]

Violet is going to push Ralph Angel away permanently if she keeps being so shortsighted about Darla.

If she really wants to keep Blue & RA close as she says, she should agree to grant Darla increased visitation, provided she stays clean. That way she gives RA the impression she's at least willing to negotiate without giving up full custody.

[Neurochick]

Here is my UO about this show.

I think Vi and Hollywood should get back together.

I had a good friend who recently passed away.  When she first met her husband he lied to her about something MAJOR, I mean it was HUGE.  I could not understand why she continued the relationship; but years later I got it.  She looked at the whole person and asked herself if the lie he told was worth her leaving the entire relationship and to her it wasn't worth throwing away the relationship.  They stayed together, then married and were pretty happy until she died.  

Sometimes I think people get so caught up in things; we end relationships because they might not seem healthy; but to me, what's healthy for one person, one couple, might not be healthy for another.  Now I'm not talking about abuse; but there is a huge grey area between an abusive relationship and a perfectly healthy one.  YMMV.

[wanderingstar]

Quote

The scene around the table with them talking to the workers was so wonderfully acted and shot.  I was so incredibly affected by that man's simple grief over his co-worker's death. 

That scene had me bawling. It caught me totally off guard. On another show, that scene would have been about telling the workers about their friends' deaths and hustled us to the next plot development. One of the things I love this show is how scenes like this are allowed to breathe, and the characters are given space to process these significant moments.

[Neurochick]

15 hours ago, Gillian Rosh said:

That scene had me bawling. It caught me totally off guard. On another show, that scene would have been about telling the workers about their friends' deaths and hustled us to the next plot development. One of the things I love this show is how scenes like this are allowed to breathe, and the characters are given space to process these significant moments.

I think the reason that scene was so well done was because it wasn't about the Bordelons and their feelings.  It was about the migrant workers and their feelings.

[candall]

On ‎11‎/‎3‎/‎2016 at 7:06 PM, Empress1 said:

I just have one question for y'all: where do I get a Remy?

I know you all are talking about how hot he is, but I see Remy as the Bordelon family savior, which they do not appreciate nearly enough.

I was in the same position as Charley--my father died and left behind a large farming operation that I had to either sell or try to run.  I moved here, thinking I was going to be able to count on his friends to help me and give me advice, but that turned out to be SO wrong.  Some of them were like "good luck!" and some of them gathered at the café in the mornings to drink coffee and compare notes on who had scammed me the hardest.  There weren't any YouTube channels or Dummies books to turn to.

While they're laughing about "no one can ever tell Charley anything," I'm thinking if I'd had Half-a-Remy, I'd have done his laundry and massaged soothing balm into his feet every night.

 

(Whew, okay, that felt good to get off my chest.)

Edited November 21, 2016 by candall

[jhlipton]

On 11/4/2016 at 11:05 AM, Joimiaroxeu said:

Still feeling suspicious of Darla. I fully expect her to do something to disappoint Blue and just hope she doesn't also endanger his life. RA has no clue how powerful codependency is.

I think Darla is working hard on her recovery and Vi just slaps her in the face.  That doesn't help Darla.  I can understand being wary, but Vi is mean!