The Third Day Review: Monday – The Mother (Season 1 Episode 4)
There may be a new narrative, but The Third Day Season 1 Episode 4, “Monday – The Mother,” captures that familiar feel of the previous three episodes while adding something new.
It’s not perfect, as so much of the hour is spent wandering around the island and seeing how it’s changed since the last time we see it. But there are some clues of deterioration that prove intriguing.
We know what’s coming, even if Helen may not, in terms of what to expect on the island. But it’s a surprise that nothing lives up to expectations, even when they’re lowered.
The island has a strange feel to it in comparison to when we last see it (if discounting the “Autumn” special), like it’s been overrun and is on its last legs, to the point that even the townspeople know it.
The shift in narrative and lead takes away some of the exciting psychological style that Sam’s narrative holds, where here it’s more straightforward and relies more on the peculiar atmosphere.
We do get some reprieve once Mr. and Mrs. Martin come into the picture. Helen is as skeptical as we are after everything they have experienced, but their kindness does allow for some disarming and for a kinder closing than previous episodes.
But why is Helen so adamant they stay on the island, thus missing the causeway?
The first instinct when Helen grows increasingly upset over Larry talking to her daughter is that the show will eventually reveal that she is Sam’s estranged wife finally coming to look for him.
The fear of losing another child gives that immediate impression, and so while the iPad background is certainly a big reveal and confirms their relation to Sam, it comes after some obvious connections. Helen has the same fears that Sam does, after all.
There’s a parallel to Helen’s own start in Osea, with the accusations and stress of the life left behind causing some early friction and difficulty. But has she come to bring Sam back, or is she looking for the money? There’s a lot of mention of a tight budget early on.
Helen is somewhat of a blank slate still, beyond her love for her two daughters. She has a similar temper to Sam’s, but besides that there’s still quite a bit more to learn. Naomie Harris is dynamic in the role, but more agency beyond wandering is needed in her character.
So much of the imagery revolves around birth, from the strange drawings on the walls to the sheep with the doll inside of it. There’s also talk of a woman nearly dying among some of the townsfolk at the construction site, and so this birth of some sort is dividing the island.
If there is a split, one possibility is that Sam’s reign as the new Father isn’t being taken so well by the more entrenched folk. That’s merely a guess, though, as from the “Autumn” special, it appears Sam passes the trials.
There’s always the possibility that Jess is the one pregnant, as we do see the two blond girls who may be her daughters carrying supplies. This could lead down a dark path, where Helen arrives just in time to find Sam moved on and in an entirely different life now.
But this becomes the problem with The Third Day Season 1 Episode 4, “Monday – The Mother.” We can still only speculate, as we have less information coming out of this initial episode than we do the pilot.
There are new faces and creepy images galore, but no context to serve them apart from being intriguing. At least with Sam, we have a grieving father and the more psychological bent to things.
Here, we don’t see the hook until the very last moment of the episode. So while it’s a fine start, it’s exciting as it ends and needs the strength of further episodes to create an impact.
Some stray thoughts on the episode:
- The “Autumn” twelve-hour special is worth checking out if you’re interested in more of The Third Day. After catching bits and pieces, there’s definitely plenty of history and lore to uncover, on top of some great filmmaking and sound design. It doesn’t appear to be mandatory, but more a supplemental piece.
What did you think of this episode of The Third Day? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Third Day airs Mondays at 9/8c on HBO.
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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.