Lodge 49 Review: The Door (Season 2 Episode 10)
The end of the journey leaves Lodge 49 Season 2 Episode 10, “The Door,” in a state of picking up the pieces of returning to normalcy.
But it’s in the episode’s sense of finality where a wealth of meaning makes this one of the most poignant Lodge 49 episodes yet.
The episode is brimming with beautiful moments.
Scott, in particular, has a touching conversation with Ernie about no longer being certain who he is anymore. The conversation is between two men who have never quite seen eye to eye, but there’s this mutual respect to how they see each other now, and that Scott is willing to admit that he’s finding himself, and doing so in a positive way, is leaps and bounds ahead of where he started the season at.
Eric Allan Kramer has perfectly played the angry side of Scott, frustrated at trying to fix the lodge; but it’s through his character’s embracing and allowing the universe to decide what comes next that allows a lot more freedom for Kramer to explore and enjoy.
Another comes from Dud and Ernie’s talk before the leadership ceremony. Happiness and its fleeting nature is something Lodge 49 has explored expertly, but Dud’s concern of nothing lasting forever is as heartfelt as the show can possibly achieve. It’s universal, something that everyone can feel to some extent.
But it’s through Ernie’s confirmation that that feeling never goes away where it becomes accepted. Things may never last forever, but it’s through enjoying it while it lasts that makes it all the more special. Wyatt Russell and Brent Jennings have both been outstanding rocks for the show, able to convey heartbreak and enthusiasm with such vividness.
The ending becoming a loop of the beginning, with Liz realizing she’s been to the lodge before (as Dud has in the pilot), makes for a curious closer. It’s not only at the sight of the throne room that sets Liz off to being slightly woozy: her eyes catch the wall of sovereign protectors first, hesitating at the photos. Is it a repressed memory coming back, or is it a face on the wall she remembers?
It starts with Connie noticing something in Liz, that she should come inside. It’s an intriguing moment, combined with Ernie mentioning before that Connie needs a squire of her own. Does Connie see something in Liz, that Liz is just as lost as the rest and thinks the lodge may help?
That it coincides with Dud struck by lightning and sinking into the mud is no coincidence. Their time in the water, completing El Confidente’s painting of them surrounded by stars, is certainly up for interpretation. It’s possible that Dud and Liz are floating in the realm of endless possibility, and that both are drawn to the lodge because of something deep in their past.
Maybe the lodge, with both involved, will be their ultimate salvation and enlightenment. Or perhaps it’s far more speculative, and Dud being swallowed up and spat out the lodge door is because his quest is complete and it’s Liz’s turn now to find her way.
It comes down to the suffocating finality that fills every scene. It’s like a big goodbye, where everything isn’t resolved, but there’s direction to each character’s life now: Ernie’s at the top at work, Dud has structure to his life, Scott is embracing finding himself, Blaise has a new shop, and Connie is back writing.
It’s only Liz who is left on uncertain terms.
A third season that follows Liz’s journey into the lodge could lead down some marvelous avenues. Sonya Cassidy’s portrayal of Liz has become one of the strongest aspects on a show full of shining examples of excellence. Liz’s trip to Mexico allowed her a window into the world, and this episode feels like a full dive in.
But for Lodge 49 Season 2 Episode 10, “The Door,” it’s hard to ignore that finality. The episode feels like a farewell, intentionally or unintentionally. There are hints of continuation, with Liz’s reaction to the lodge, with Clara being requested to speak, and with the scrolls needing protection, most likely from Janet.
But it feels like the show wants to say goodbye, even if we’re not ready yet. There’s the potential for rebirth, of finding itself in a next chapter that is even more rewarding. Lodge 49 is in a league of its own for creating a genuine joy and respectful spirit when watching its many layers unfold.
The season finale is another glowing example of how wonderful this show can be, and while Ernie is thanking Dud for sparking a new chapter in his life, there’s thanks to go around to Lodge 49 for being exactly what it wants to be, and doing so perfectly and with a full heart.
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.