I Know This Much Is True Review: Season 1 Episode 5

I Know This Much Is True Season 1 Episode 5 is the story of two Domenicos: Domenico Tempesta and Domenico “Dominick” Birdsey. The connections between these two men run deeper than we initially believe.

From the beginning of this season, we have known about Dominick’s grandfather’s book and that it holds all the secrets of their family. However, it becomes apparent on Episode 5, that the two Domenicos share more than just DNA with one another. 

While Dominick isn’t nearly as cruel and abusive as his grandfather he does have a similar short fuse and is just as arrogant. Dominick doesn’t seem to really respect women any more than his grandfather did, but at least he isn’t abusive toward them. 

It’s scary to see just how similar the two men are because this whole time we’ve been led to believe that Dominick isn’t too terrible of a person, while his grandfather is possibly sexually abusive and potentially their father. 

However, the more we see of Domenico Tempesta the more we see how frequently Dominick’s behavior mirrors his.

This doesn’t bode well for Dominick taking full custodial control of his brother. In fact, it shows even more how eerily similar the two are because Domenico was all about control as well.

Dr. Patel may be encouraging Dominick to read his grandfather’s book in order to learn more about himself but make no mistake, the woman isn’t supportive of Dominick’s drive to care for his brother. It’s as if the doctor realizes that her patients’ grandfather is a sick and evil man that gave many personality traits to his grandson. 

From the beginning, we have seen just how quick Dominick is to anger. He gets embarrassed or hurt and in turn, he will lash out toward someone who isn’t deserving of such treatment. We have seen it in him since he was a child.

Individuals such as Ralph, Thomas, and Dessa are major examples of just how unforgiving and cruel Dominick can be at times. Now, we see just how deep that cruelty within him lies. 

He is very subtle about his cruelty toward Thomas, but it is still there — lurking in the shadows, disguised by the other moments of grace and comfort he gives his brother.

Dominick knows that a blood test will be extremely traumatic for Thomas and instead of taking the lead from Mrs. Sheffar, he bulldozes his way and forces them to take blood from his brother. 

It is all done in the name of seeking out the truth and wanting to protect his brother, but there are other ways to go about it. Ways that are less within Dominick’s control, but that is what it all boils down to — Dominick needs control.

Ultimately, Dominick doesn’t want full custodial care of his brother because it is what’s best for him. He wants it because it is what’s best for Dominick. 

Ever since they were kids, Dominick has tried to control the narrative of how the world sees them. By protecting his brother when he fell short academically he also denying his brother’s existence when it got in the way of Dominick having a “normal” life. 

He has always been quick to judge and force his brother to be more within the box of normality by society’s standards instead of actually listening to his brother and working out how to help him. Dr. Patel and Mrs. Sheffar aren’t wrong in believing that Dominick isn’t Thomas’ best option for care.

Transversely, we see a similar dynamic with Domenico and his brother Vincenzo when they first immigrate to Three Rivers, Connecticut from Sicily. His younger brother is more immature and flighty so Domenico takes measures to control him — to teach him the proper way to behave.

It even goes as far as tipping off the husband of the married woman Vincenzo was having an affair with. Domenico directly causes the death of his brother and his only comment on it is to say how unfortunate it was to have happened.

The control doesn’t stop, even with his wife and her sister. Both of these women suffer under the cruel hand and tongue of Domenico. Things fall out of his control because these women don’t let him get away with his actions and he blames a “curse” for his misfortune. 

Even though Dominick doesn’t come out and say it directly, he blames Dessa in part for the death of their daughter and the break up of their marriage. Nevermind, that he was cruel with his behavior towards her way of grieving or that he got a vasectomy.

This episode is a major wake up for the viewers on just how bad Thomas’ move from Hatch could possibly be for him. Yes, the doctors and orderly’s there are guilty of abusing him but, is his brother really any better?

I Know This Much Is True continues to be tremendous at weaving together pieces of the past with the present to try and present the whole story. At the same time, it never gives away too much in order to keep us guessing on what the right answer is for Thomas. 

Each episode is a step further into the mind and dynamic of the Birdsey/Tempesta family. The further we delve, the more twisted the story gets, and the harder it is to decide what is best for Thomas’s care.

What did you think of this episode of I Know This Much Is True? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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I Know This Much Is True airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO.

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