Barry Review: berkman > block (Season 2 Episode 8)
Suppressing emotions and the truth become a common trait on Barry Season 2 Episode 8, “berkman > block.”
A level of darkness falls on each character, a realization or a broken promise leading them down darker paths than they have been on before.
Barry’s road to revenge against Fuches leaves him torn apart and in a state of numbness. Everything starts to sound distant to him, like he’s completely lost inside of himself.
Sally suddenly changing the scene while on stage negates all of the positive change she’s been going for during the second season. Her truth is suppressed in order to better her career when there’s so many eyes watching her and Barry on screen, essentially taking away her emotional breakthrough.
Barry’s lack of emotion, taking the slap and taking the shove, undercuts the one-sided nature their relationship exists in, Sally becoming the very thing she claims to dislike.
It’s fascinating to take her character in that direction, where the possibility of furthering herself is opened back up, but at the dispensing of her validity and honesty.
The crowd surrounds her in adoration, though, which is what she always wanted. It will be fascinating to see if, in season three, Sally continues down this road in order to keep the cheers coming.
Gene’s completely broken from the discovery of Janice in the back of her trunk. The way he’s booked for her murder and ceases up into an empty void is so heartbreaking to watch.
One of the more effective moments is when Gene is about to be transferred, and in his state, he notices a chip in the floor. He stares down at it, completely focused on the blemish in the floor.
It’s small things like this, where you take notice of small things, where Barry shows its power in delivering emotional trauma done down on its characters.
He’s catatonic, effectively, and justifiably so.
It’s what makes Fuches’ whispered message take so long to finally register: “Barry Berkman did this.”
With Gene now knowing what Barry is capable of, it’s a wonder if the show can keep the status quo. It’s something the show continues to do well, nearly ripping itself apart before going back to normal.
It’s easy to see Barry using Fuches being a liar as an excuse, and for Gene to be slightly weary but still trusting. But it could also go the other way, too, with Gene potentially trying to take Barry down in some way.
It’s a fascinating trajectory the show finds itself going down.
Hank losing control of his newly made army is such a Hank thing to happen. His wandering through the monastery, seeing how fanatical they’ve become, beyond his control, brings this level of tension to what they are capable of.
Barry’s slaughter of Hank’s army is a thrilling way to close out the season. They’re no match for Barry in such a rage, wiping them out easily.
It’s what makes Mayrbek at the door so uneasy, knowing he’s the most competent and deadly of the group. The way he lights up at the sight of Barry, only to be killed, is both comedic and sad, to think that he trusted Barry so much.
The final shot we see of Barry is of him entering a massive black void. It’s the shedding of who he wants to be, being swallowed up by the darkness inside. The episode spends a lot of its time with Barry equally as shell-shocked as Gene, but more in fury than in sorrow.
Barry Season 2 Episode 8, “berman > block,” sticks its landing by giving the broken souls in these characters even more sadness to fall down into.
It’s a dark path, certainly, but one done with pitch black humor and wonderful character development. Barry’s reaching a comedy point where it could be considered one of the best in its class.
What did you think of this episode of Barry? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Barry airs Sundays at 10/9c on HBO.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.