City on a Hill Review: The Deaf Sage of Pompeii (Season 1 Episode 9)
Jackie’s need for glory leads to an irreparable rift on City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 9, “The Deaf Sage of Pompeii.”
A decisive rush of reality sets in as everyone faces some awful truth on the episode. Jackie’s finding himself on the outs, clawing his way back. Decourcy and Rachel lose a colleague due to Jackie’s clawing. Jenny relives past trauma as it reflects on the present. And the Ryan family see an end to their attempts to do better. All of them together make for a hard episode, but a fantastic snapshot of hardship.
Jackie’s reign of terror seems to know no end, his continual need of being in control this time botching the sting operation.
At least the rest of the world appears completely done with him, his old partner retiring as the Clay situation rears its head, and even Decourcy’s boss Nathan (Kevin Dunn) disinterested in indulging him.
Jackie has this unbelievable knack of becoming cornered but still looking to be the victor. It helps that Kevin Bacon is so charming in the role, as awful as Jackie gets. There’s an undeniable electricity to his performance, combined with the emotional scene of finding Benny sleeping in the tub, that sells a completely flawed character that still has a tiny shred of humanity still in him. It’s just buried deep.
His story of his childhood home burning down begins and ends the episode. It’s a fun little twist that at the start, someone is interested and listening, while at the end, Kick doesn’t care and cusses him out. His enjoyment of the latter, though, feels like he enjoys the disrespect more than the respect.
Jimmy turns out to be the undoing of the Ryan family. It’s a wonder how much clout he will have with Decourcy by leading them to the armored car robbery, especially with Decourcy now hot on Jackie’s trail. His little deal will likely leave him in a vulnerable position, as his usefulness is still required.
Frankie’s look at Jimmy in the back of the car has a feeling of recognition, as though he’s pieced together it’s Jimmy that led to their arrest. Jimmy’s assurance that he come along for the robbery, and attempting to get Frankie to sit it out, is warning enough; for this to be the result, Jimmy’s going to have a rough time proving his loyalty now. Frankie knows his brother is a weak link, and this solidifies it.
Jenny’s reveal of what happened to her father, and her mother’s relief of her assault, is heartbreaking. Jenny reliving it all in a single instant, staring forward and gripped by the trauma, helps redefine a previous scene, how her mother shifts blame onto her for Benny’s assault. It’s a reverse psychology move (ironic, since Jenny is taking classes on that), and shapes what her childhood must have been like.
Jill Hennessy brings a lot of power to the show, these two scenes particular examples for City on a Hill. Her performance, along with the writing, really turned Jenny into a fascinating character.
With Hank’s death, Jimmy now in custody, and Jackie taking all of the attention for the arrests, City on a Hill Season 1 Episode 9, “The Deaf Sage of Pompeii,” is setting up for a confrontation between Jackie and Decourcy. There’s a dark cloud that follows Jackie everywhere he goes, but as mentioned before, he always makes a cornering a victory.
The pressure of his actions have been building, and have affected everyone in some way. Rachel has a blueprint to his demise in the notebook, and with Decourcy’s vow in the hospital, there’s potential for a massive clash to come. The episode builds on that potential, and the family tragedy of the Ryans, and Jenny’s devastating story, to make another incredibly strong episode for the series.
Some stray thoughts on the episode:
- Decourcy reading Toni Morrison’s Jazz in bed is a coincidental tribute to a fantastic writer. Rest in peace.
- Rachel and Hank make for such a wonderful team, Jere Shea and Sarah Shahi having a wonderful odd-couple rapport. It’s a shame that has to come to an end.
What did you think of this episode of City on a Hill? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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City on a Hill airs Sundays at 9/8c on Showtime.
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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.
One thought on “City on a Hill Review: The Deaf Sage of Pompeii (Season 1 Episode 9)”
With GOT six feet under, maybe some other series can vie for attention. This series started off slow, but I am appreciative of how they’ve slowly fleshed out the characters. Bacon’s delicious portrayal of Jackie and the depth Hodge brings to Decourcy’s character is great acting, Hopefully, the Emmy’s have this one on its radar. Since I am the quintessential Law & Order fan, I was happy to see Jill Hennessy again. We L&O fans never got to witness the depth she brings to this role. Her frustration, doubt and fears as Jackie’s wife, and daughter of “the Mother from Hell” is something I haven’t witnessed in a long time…good, solid acting. I hope Amanda Clayton’s acting is not overshadowed because she’s certainly “bringing it” as well. I think Tucker’s cool, calm reserve is ready to blow a gasket based on the way he looked at his brother. And, Kick…what a Kick– her name is almost as fitting as Roach’s. Overall, I am enjoying this series and hope they are readying for a second season. RIP Hank. I really liked the camaraderie you were developing with Rachel. Lastly, I too noticed Toni Morrison’s JAZZ that Decourcy was reading in bed…how coincidental/ironic that she passed away the same week. Oh, just saying…although I feel awful about what happened to Jackie’s daughter Benny, she was a real piece of work prior to that. That household puts a capital “D” in dysfunctional.
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