28th September, 2021.
I think, right now?
That I can say two things.
I’ve had word, earlier today: that the interview that had been booked up for Friday has been cancelled.
Which is bloody annoying!
On the upside … ?
I’ve just seen episode four of Lovecraft Country, will be telling you more about it, tomorrow …
But, boy!
I’ve seen a fantastic piece of work!
29th September, 2021.
Episode 4 — A History of Violence opens with the now traditional re-cap of earlier episodes. Then shifts: to show us Montrose (Michael K. Williams), in an alcoholic frenzy, burning his stolen copy of the stolen By-Laws of the Order of the Ancient Dawn*.
Post titles? We see Christina Braithwhite (Abbey Lee) heading for the Winthrop house owned by Leti (Jurnee Smollett), intent on barging in … only to find Leti has made sure the house is protected†.
But still getting her point across: Christina’s after the previous owner’s orrery, and the remaining pages of the Book of Adam.
We see Leti visiting ’Tic (Jonathan Majors) at the local library: to pass on what’s she’s been told.
The pair decide the only thing they can do?
Is visit the only museum in Boston with a wing named after Titus Braithwhite, the only place those hidden pages could be.
Before Christina gets her paws on them.
The fact Christina is fighting rival factions of the Order of the Ancient Dawn? The fact her former lover, William (Jordan Patrick Smith) seduces Ruby (Wunmi Mosaku)? And the fact an Ancient Arawak has come back from the dead?
Is almost incidental …
~≈🦑≈~
Now … with the soundtrack to Candyman (2021) playing in the background?
I can hear you asking the inevitable question.
“Paul,” I hear you ask, “Paul … ”
“You’ve seen good tv, in your time,” I hear you ask. “Is A History of Violence a good piece of TV: is it an artistically valid piece of TV, of Lovecraft Country?”
“Is it,” I hear you ask, “a good episode?”
No.
No, A History of Violence is not a good episode.
It’s bloody fantastic!
Let’s face it, the central storyline — a race to find a McGuffin, against the clock, solving clues and facing danger along the way — is possibly as old as time itself.
Certainly as old as Raiders of The Lost Ark, WarGames or High Noon.
Given the series title, and the vintage Bentley Abbey Lee’s character riding around?
It actually reminded me of a well executed game of Call of Cthulhu: or, at least, the scenarios used.
Some of which could be very well written.
Tie that in with a well paced script, some well paced direction — hats off, there, to Victoria Mahoney —, some very good acting — Jonathan Majors is playing a blinder: and Michael K. Williams’ death seems even more of a loss — and a twist in the tale that I certainly did see coming?
Leaves me thinking I’ve seen one hell of an episode … !
A History of Violence.★★★★
* My quick double check reminds me that the full name is By-Laws and Precepts of The Order of the Ancient Dawn. Which sounds suitably Lovecraftian, but more of a mouthful. It ALSO sounds like the Sons of Adam, the villains of the piece, have named themselves after the Hermetic Order of The Golden Dawn: a real world group of occultists.
Apparently, MacGregor Mathers, its founder? Was Junior Substitute Magus of of the SRIA. What would’ve happened if the real Magus turned up, I don’t know.
† There’s an ‘x,’ drawn in blood on the front door’s jamb, that prevents Christina from coming in. As I recall? Ancient Jewish tradition tells us of the origins of Passover: in the traditions of the Tenth Plague of Egypt, that says the Angel of Death visit and take the lives of Egypt’s First Borns sons. The Jews were told to make a sign on their doors: so the Angel would pass over their homes.
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