“Dusty is disappointed by his performance, but then is witness to something that will change the world forever.”

Character: Dusty (Jacob D. Smith)

Episode 08 is yet another change of pace, focusing on a more abstract, artistic, even poetic approach. It’s an example of the series expanding its palette. And the effects are all for the best.

In this episode:

• Performs a small play on stage
• Afterwards, recounts his performance
• Says he doesn’t like the parties
• Says that he “messed up”
• Is worried about the reviews
• Says that the camera makes him uncomfortable
• The camera captures a strange light in the sky
• Describes it as a “bubble”
• Doesn’t know what happened on the day, but “won’t question the wisdom of the universe”
• Ends with a voiceover accompanying a montage of scenes (many of them new)
• Prominent quote: “Too many times in our lives we forget where we came from, and seldom do we know where we are going. And each step of the way leads us closer to the end. And takes us farther from our dreams. They wither and vanish and we take for granted all that we have been blessed with.”

The “big” moment of the episode is, obviously, the strange light in the sky. But this episode is one of the deeper installments to date, thanks to Dusty’s introspective monologue. It’s the kind of reflection that drives home the sense of loss and disorientation that these people feel. What’s important, though, is that the lessons Dusty speaks about are as relevant to our world as they are to his.

Topics: Sci-Fi, Web Reviews
Filed under: After / Before Judgment

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