Perpetual Grace, LTD Review: The Elements of an Epiphany (Season 1 Episode 9)
Yesterday’s news and space become major pieces of Perpetual Grace, LTD Season 1 Episode 9, “The Elements of an Epiphany.”
The episode makes a strong case of its characters being worthy of redemption, as they wait for the thing that will redeem them. For some, it may come through small acts, while others may have to wait a little while longer.
Chris Conrad
New Leaf (or is it Space Junk now?) turning a new leaf and leaving his gun behind for Deloash is a fantastic step for him as a character, but means infinite trouble for James and Paul (most likely entirely James). Chris Conrad plays the scene with such conviction as he sees a phantom of darkness far darker than New Leaf could ever achieve. He knows to leave behind the darkness for that darkness to consume.
We’re also treated to the titan meet-up of Timothy Spall’s Deloash and Terry O’Quinn’s Walker. It’s a pairing I never expected to happen, but it feels exactly like it’s meant to happen. Their casual talk of yesterday’s news and precision is a captivating window into two completely different souls, but ones that see life in a different prism than the rest of the characters. It’s what makes their meeting so potent.
Hector pecking away at his typewriter, accompanied by an uplifting score as he finalizes what’s truly important to him, is such a cathartic scene for a character who has been the butt of so many jokes throughout the run. But for it to completely end as Valerie appears at the door is a fitting way to tie Hector back in. As I’ve mentioned before, it’s feeling like no one will have a happy ending.
The second-to-last scene, of Glenn and James’ father in the astronaut suit, is one of those beautiful moments only Perpetual Grace, LTD could possibly create. Just when you think the two of them running together is wonderful, there’s the view of the unending road passing through the helmet reflection that makes such a statement for what the show is about.
It’s about a journey to redemption, of reclaiming yourself from past sins. James laying down among the glass shards of his car crash in the dealership, saying the poetic and astounding words, “I’m just going to live in the glass of my mistake,” is the farthest the show has gone to tell its own theme aloud.
Steven Conrad’s writing on this episode is full of gems like this, establishing character through turns of phrase and the precise manner in which they speak to make them both comedic, tragic, and endearing all at the same time. He also manages to tie in the story of a small American town that’s come and gone, becoming a shell peppered with its histories on its shuttered windows.
It’s fitting that New Leaf kicks in a lot of them, shattering the past. Though it’s a wonder if New Leaf will be New Leaf on the finale, or Space Junk. Time will tell!
Perpetual Grace, LTD Season 1 Episode 9, “The Elements of an Epiphany,” is a powerful reminder that tragic beginnings lead down paths of endless searching for redemption. Is it there to find? The show isn’t ready to reveal that yet, but it’s becoming a touching and beautiful soul along the way, and that’s making the search an astounding achievement.
What did you think of this episode of Perpetual Grace, LTD? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Perpetual Grace, LTD airs Sundays at 10/9c on Epix.
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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.