‘Gracepoint’ episode 2 review: Who’s pregnant and what is Mark’s secret?
The premiere of “Gracepoint” set up the season perfectly as we got a feel for big city cop Emmett, small town cop Ellie and the township of Gracepoint in general. The mystery behind young Danny’s death was easy for us to get completely absorbed into and we found ourselves counting down the days until the next episode… and finally it’s here!
Danny’s parents Beth, and Mark, and his sister Chloe get finger printed and give a list of people they think might have killed Danny to Ellie. They are crushed that they can’t get Danny’s body back for burial, because it’s evidence – really the whole town feels they can’t move forward until Danny is put to rest.
Beth has a break down in a supermarket parking lot and tells the local priest (Paul) that she’s pregnant. It seems that Paul may have some feelings or interest in Beth, but it’s not clear yet (we love the slow reveal). When Paul makes a public statement talking about his love and support for Mark and Beth’s family, Mark storms over to the church and threatens Paul, telling him to stay away from his family.
Five hundred in cash under Danny’s bed (a lot of money for an 11 year old), and drugs under Chole’s bed. Chloe says that it’s not hers and that she doesn’t deal – that she got it from Jemma and was holding it for her. She also says that she knows nothing about the money under Danny’s bed, but is she telling the truth?
Jemma says that Chloe got the drugs for a couple staying at the hotel, but then she didn’t need them because they left and gave them back to her. Chloe’s not being totally honest, seems everyone is keeping secrets.
We also learned that Mark wasn’t working the night Danny was killed (which we already assumed), and was instead waiting for someone… but who? When Emmett asks him about that night, Mark says he can’t remember who he was with and that they had food and drinks (is he having an affair?). When Ellie calls Emmett and tells him that she found the place that Danny was killed, he learns that Mark’s finger prints were the only ones found.
After watching this episode we are starting to think that there are a lot of people in this town that are keeping secrets about what happened to Danny or what they know about his murder. It’s unraveling slowly like a nice piece of salt water taffy. Episode grade: B+
We are covering “Gracepoint” all season so if you want more previews and TV news on the show, just head over to the link here and let us be your guide. Also,sign up now to get further news worth singing about via our CarterMatt Newsletter.
Photo: Fox
Josie
October 10, 2014 @ 6:06 pm
I wish I could watch this but I already saw the British original “Broadchurch” and had a wonderful experience. I don’t want it marred by looking at the American version. The fact that they brought the orignal male actor but not the original female actress (Olivia Colman) who I believe will be this generation’s Dame Judi Dench, indicates the shallowness of Hollywood by placing a ‘pretty’ actress in her place.
Part of the reason I enjoyed Broadchurch was because of Olivia Colman’s portrayal of the torn wife/invesigator. I’ll pass on this like I passed other American copies of excellent original productions that were done overseas.
There are cultural cues and idioms that just don’t translate and plus once you see another actor who is half as talented as the original in their place does not make you want to pursue it all. I would suggest people look at Broadchurch instead.
eskridge77
October 10, 2014 @ 6:31 pm
I understand your feelings about Olivia Colman, and I share your respect for her. But I believe your being unfair to what is shaping up to be a topnotch production. I loved (and preached) “Broadchurch” to all and sundry – even with the frankly brutal and clumsy cuts by BBCAmerica. (In fact, Amazon should send me a commission check for all the people I convinced to buy the series. But I digress…)
“Gracepoint” is already more richly textured than “Broadchurch”. The basic story line is the same, but the shadings already hint at different directions it could go. The power struggle between Ellie and Carver is sharper and, to me, more realistic, given the circumstances.
Do as you wish, of course, but passing up “Gracepoint” because you presume it can’t possibly measure up to “Broadchurch” is, I can assure you, a mistake.
Do as you wish, of course.
eskridge77
October 10, 2014 @ 6:31 pm
I understand your feelings about Olivia Colman, and I share your respect for her. But I believe your being unfair to what is shaping up to be a topnotch production. I loved (and preached) “Broadchurch” to all and sundry – even with the frankly brutal and clumsy cuts by BBCAmerica. (In fact, Amazon should send me a commission check for all the people I convinced to buy the series. But I digress…)
“Gracepoint” is already more richly textured than “Broadchurch”. The basic story line is the same, but the shadings already hint at different directions it could go. The power struggle between Ellie and Carver is sharper and, to me, more realistic, given the circumstances.
Do as you wish, of course, but passing up “Gracepoint” because you presume it can’t possibly measure up to “Broadchurch” is, I can assure you, a mistake.
Do as you wish, of course.
Josie
October 11, 2014 @ 6:50 am
I shall do as I wish. Like the Killing, like the Office, like Llie on Mars I won’t view Americanized versions of productions made elsewhere. Just as I will not view non-American originals copied by non American productions. I’m a purist and will not mar originals for copies.
I’m tired of producers taking lazy approaches to entertainment. No offense to your enjoyment of the series. I’m happy you are enjoying it. I’ll pass thank you.