The Purge
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Wait, are we watching the wrong show?
As The Forgotten opens, its daytime and theres up-tempo music playing.
A man gets out of bed and seems perfectly happy to start his day.
There seems to be joy in the world!
Or, at least, not a constant barrage of terror and misery that were used to seeing.
That face looks a little familiar.
Weve seen it once before, crying, after failing to protect some would-be victims of the Purge.
Its the creepy mask guy.
Only, as well soon discover, hes not that creepy.
Hes just disaffected, a laid-off factory worker whos seen his job disappear and his prospects dry up.
Only Joes not the typical Purger.
As does why Jane is part of his next rescue operation.
How could he know shes in trouble?
But make no mistake, Janes inbigtrouble.
And hes awful in an especially timely way.
Also not subtle: William Baldwins Trumpian performance, but its also kind of perfect.
We live in such unsubtle times thatThe Purgehas to caricature a caricature so you can alter it at all.
That Amanda Warren continues to give the series most grounded performance as its most multifaceted character helps too.
But hes a pig that has her in a tight spot as the episode ends.
Though reunited at last and participating in a dramatic escape, Miguel and Penelope mostly run in place.
Jenna claims she doesnt still love Lila, but she cant stop calling her.
At one point, someone does answer Lilas phone, only to say shes dead.
Rick and Jenna resign themselves to making breakfast as they stay safe at home.
The camera lingers on their reconciliation just a little too long … and then someone pounds at the door.
Survival Tips
That last scene is surprising only up to a point.
Lili Simmons remains in the opening credits and we neversawher die.
Though not much happened this week, it remains one of the shows most compelling plot lines.
Nice callback: Rick and Jennas jerk of a neighbor laughing as theyre pursued to their front door.
Were not that different, you and me, Henry says.
Is that the best you’re able to do?
What do they sell?
And what C-list celebrities show up on it?
