The Deuce
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Just as theyre getting into it, Ashley notices that C.C.
has pulled up to watch the debacle and intimidate her.
Though initially distracted by his presence, Ashley eventually confronts C.C.
on the street, sarcastically thanking him for making her the woman she is today.
Ashley calmly responds, Youre right.
Because the real me, she just wants to see you buried.
But Ashley rattles him just by standing tall.
She gets under his skin only by saying, No.
The episode opens with Loris disturbing assault, but this rebellion filters through every facet ofThe Deuce.
Flanagans mistress chews him out in the background of the Hi-Hat.
For the series main ensemble, however, true freedom comes with a price.
Take Lori, whos falling apart after she finally learns that not only can she not reason with C.C.
but that her professional success has amounted to nothing in her personal life.
Everything she does belongs to C.C.
and she doesnt have the luxury to walk away.
She might be on the rise, but shes still trapped.
Finally, theres Abby, who continues with her activism but grapples with the hypocrisy in her own backyard.
The envelopes dont go to him, he says.
Abby isnt pure, but its largely because of Vincents actions.
Hes not just a bartender.
Hes a co-conspirator, and hes tainted Abby as well.
This isnt spoken of during their fight, but it informs everything thats said.
Saying No is one thing, but cleaning up your house is another thing entirely.
(Blue Collaris one of my all-time favorite films and one of Schraders very best works.
I expounded on it inVultures ranking of Paul Schrader films.)
Paul is in over his head and way over budget with construction on his new nightclub/lounge.
Speaking of sexual liberation, Big Mike is apparently on the down low.
He sleeps with a trans woman who turns out to be the inside person for his gambling heist.
Shay speaks for many people this week: Dicks are assholes.
Im so sick of dicks.
If I never see another dick for the rest of my life, I swear …
