Cruel Summer Review: An Ocean Inside Me (Season 1 Episode 6)
It’s clear from Cruel Summer Season 1 Episode 6, “An Ocean Inside Me,” that I owe Cindy Turner an apology. You probably do, too.
She is obsessed with status in 1994 and it definitely influences Jeanette. But Cindy is not to blame for who Jeanette has become. In fact, she is actively trying to set her daughter on the right path.
Jeanette resists every chance her mother gives her in 1994 to tell the truth about whether or not she’s ever been in Martin Harris’s house.
Cindy does not confront Jeanette with the key, which is confusing at first. Soon, we realize she is just planning; it will be easier to talk to her daughter with Greg on her side.
Poor Cindy is the most gaslit person in Skylin, Texas in 1994. So of course her husband does not believe her at first. It’s maddening to watch because we know that Greg has been lying to Cindy about Jeanette’s actions since 1993.
Talking to her son about it is desperate for sure, but Cindy has nowhere else to go. I’m really proud of her for literally flying away.
The scene where Cindy tells Greg she is leaving is unbelievably raw. This is thanks in part to Sarah Drew’s performance and in part to the beauty of simple writing.
Cindy: You know what, Greg? When you finally face what is actually happening with our daughter, you will be exactly where I am right now and it’s gonna break your heart. It is excruciating. I’m so lonely without you here with me.
Her voice shakes in key places, but her emotions resonate because of how direct she is.
Cindy does not have a theory to prove anymore, she just wants to escape her loneliness, as is human nature. She lets Jeanette know she would stand with her if she tells the truth, but Jeanette is not interested in the truth.
Jeanette wants to play the victim. We know as much when she tells Vince that even her mom doesn’t believe her. She can’t even be a little bit honest with her best friend.
We can’t blame 1994 Cindy for parenting the best way she knows how.
Yes, she has lived in Skylin her whole life, but that is not her choice. To her credit, once she realizes that she has set a bad example for Jeanette by being obsessed with status, she instantly acts to change that.
Jeanette and Greg don’t like it, but that’s not Cindy’s problem. Unlike her husband and her daughter, she refuses to be a victim of her circumstances anymore. Her 1995 transformation to a flight attendant is totally badass.
So is her visit to Angela at the bar.
Cruel Summer continues to set itself apart from typical TV shows because it refuses to engage in tired, harmful tropes. Angry ex-wife confronts a bitchy mistress? Who needs it. Not us.
It’s much more satisfying to watch two women share a drink and praise each other as Cindy tells Angela the whole truth about the demise of her marriage.
When I think about it too hard, I get sad that Jeanette is not there to share at that moment. But she makes her choice with her lies.
I still believe that Jeanette does not see Kate in Martin’s basement. The fact that she blackmails Tanya does not change that.
But everyone is guilty on Cruel Summer. If you are looking for another villain who is as evil as Martin Harris, you’re watching it wrong.
Cindy Turner is proof that most Skylin residents are just humans doing their best.
Crime Scene Observations
- The Menendez brothers reference is perfect.
- Jamie’s line, “You don’t really get in trouble much, do you?” is played over Cindy’s face when she finds the key to Martin’s house and it’s brilliant.
- Vince coming out to Jeanette in 1994 is the opposite of a big deal, yay Cruel Summer.
- I always try to see if I remember the movies that are on the posters at the video store, but none of my ’90s faves have made an appearance yet.
- If I sarcastically called my mom a “space cadet” I’d have to go find a bedroom in space.
- Every speech Angela gives Jeanette is on point.
- The final scene of the episode is… a lot. Poor Greg.
- I wish I could have a drink with Cindy and Angela IRL.
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What did you think of this episode of Cruel Summer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Cruel Summer airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on Freeform.
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.