Lodge 49 Review: Le Reve Impossible (Season 2 Episode 9)
Some sun, a nice margarita, and the scrolls are some of the noteworthy things you can find with friends on a fun trip to Guadalajara on Lodge 49 Season 2 Episode 9, “Le Reve Impossible.” But it can also bring some much-needed leaps of faith to finally step away from what’s considered normal and to dive straight into the unknown.
That the episode takes this idea to heart and applies it to almost every member of the cast makes for an absolutely riveting hour of television, and one of the most feel-good episodes of the series to cap it all off.
Dud finally gets to go to Mexico, and it’s such an uplifting moment when he sees all of the lodge crew hanging out with Liz. There’s this feeling like everything has clicked together exactly as he always wanted: everyone together, enjoying themselves. It’s not exactly his dream of everyone together on a beach like he mentions on Lodge 49 Season 2 Episode 4, Conjunctio,” but it’s close.
Plus, almost everyone ends up on the beach at the taco stand at the end of the episode, so he does get his happy ending, after all.
It’s that feeling that lasts throughout the episode that makes it feel so special. It’s a genuinely spirited enthusiasm that is boundless and such a joy to watch. At this point in time, all of the characters (outside of Janet) are enjoying themselves and living in the moment, far from their problems and taking this pocket of time to be free. The episode has that sort of free spirit, as well, and it’s invigorating.
The scene at the restaurant (we’ll get to the best part later), with everyone sharing what they’re grateful for, is such effective writing by Andy Siara, with Jake Schreier’s direction panning around the circle of people as they confess something revealing and heartfelt. It’s a window into each of them, and could not be more poignant.
But when it comes to the quest, it’s a soiree of shadowy buyers and sketchy characters, straight out of a Tom Stone novel. The auction is one of those scenes that is full of foreboding and chance, the likelihood of the scrolls being in Larry’s bowling bag a complete impossibility.
But as is the episode’s name, the impossible dream comes true. The chaos, along with Genevieve’s wonderful serenade, is this explosion of emotion, what they have come all this way for taken away in an instant. It’s appropriate that Ernie is the one who dives for Larry’s bowling bag, with how Larry means so muchto him and also for the lodge knight to complete the quest.
That the bowling bag actually contains the scrolls is a surprising turn of events. The journey is usually the reward more than the destination, and so for their quest to actually prove successful is another feel-good moment. Blaise’s intense joy at holding the scrolls is more than enough for the journey to be worth it; the rest is just gravy.
Liz becoming part of the group is something long coming, and while she’s hesitant to hop into the lodge goings-on, her chemistry with the group is perfect. Her dumpling game is strong, too, the competition between Lemar and herself yet another standout scene. She’s there to enjoy her first time out-of-state and to support her brother, and she’s having a ball. Having her thrive away from home is what Liz needs.
Paul Giamatti fits so well with the show, Lemar’s journey to gain back his mojo such an capsule-sized story that works so well with the small amount of time it’s given. Giamatti’s presence alone breathes so much into it, along with the character’s quirks, providing this down-on-his-luck persona that is instantly relatable that fits in so well with everyone else.
That he hits it off so well with Clara is a nice little addition. Once she approaches him at the phone booth, with the many reminders of his ten-year celibacy, it is a ticking time bomb of how the punchline will land; it turns out, the punchline isn’t his pained (or exhilarated?) yelling, it’s the disturbed expressions on everyone as they realize what they’re hearing.
We finally get the jet crash from Lodge 49 Season 2 Episode 1, “All Circles Vanish,” and it turns out it’s Lemar stretching his delusions into believing he can fly the jet. What’s interesting is that it does leave Daphne, Dud, and Ernie to land on the beach with the lodge crew, but only Lemar’s typewriter lands with them. Is he lost to the skies, or is he keeping his mystique alive, as Lodge 49’s version of D. B. Cooper?
Lodge 49 Season 2 Episode 9, “Le Reve Impossible,” along with Lodge 49 Season 2 Episode 8, “Zugzwang,” is like getting an extra helping of dessert. There’s so much greatness to unpack, and not many shows rival the unbridled fun and excitement Lodge 49 creates. The cast is so likeable, and the writing so on point, that it becomes something wholly original with the vibe it’s striving for.
The positivity and the ideals of being with friends on a journey is captured so wonderfully here, making Lodge 49 one of the ultimate hang-out shows. The scrolls now in their possession will possibly deliver some answers and a hero’s return, but will the open road leave the return a bittersweet moment, or leave our heroes wanting to strike out again? Either way, it’s a fantastic ride.
What did you think of this episode of Lodge 49? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Lodge 49 airs Mondays at 10/9c on AMC.
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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.