The Republic of Sarah Review: From Simple Sources (Season 1 Episode 10)
There is a huge problem with tone and pacing on The Republic of Sarah Season 1 Episode 10, “From Simple Sources,” but no denying that it is entertaining anyway.
Greylock goes from in danger of flooding to in danger of sudden doom in the blink of an eye. But this isn’t surprising considering how fast many episodes have moved since The Republic of Sarah Season 1 Episode 1, “Pilot.”
The pace does not leave time for much nuance, but somehow “From Simple Sources” retains small-town charm.
Corrinne goes through all emotions beginning from before the title card drop and ending with the cliff of the final scene.
A jump scare is bad enough. But I’m sure she feels some personal stress when she hears the town is going to be flooded.
Then Danny telling her he’s leaving is immediately followed by the impending doom of her marriage because Adam overhears the conversation. That triggers a panic attack.
Yes, I know I left out the middle of it all. But nearly drowning and suffering a concussion is a piece of cake compared to what Corrinne is about to endure.
I’m out of breath just typing about Corrinne’s saga. And I have barely mentioned that according to Sarah, Greylock is basically under attack from Canada, which is sending a flood to annihilate the newest country on the block.
It’s all absolutely ridiculous. But some scenes, like when Sarah figures out that Canada is fine with sacrificing Greylock, beg us to take it seriously.
Those scenes are followed by the crew putting on their ridiculous masks so they can go steal the machinery from Lyden to redirect the floodwater.
Everyone’s laughing while putting on the masks. So, which one is it, The Republic of Sarah? Is Greylock in grave danger or not?
There is an in-between, but The Republic of Sarah doesn’t exactly emit dramedy vibes.
It’s high time to criticize Sarah again, too, because while I understand that Greylock is a small country, why is she joking around with her brother and friends before pulling off a heist to save her country? Shouldn’t she be acting like a president or a leader at the very least?
We are told more than we are actually shown anything about the flooding threat. All of the dialogue is confusing more than anything else.
So, let us move on to Grover because once again he’s a bright spot.
Therapy session scenes are the one time when telling instead of showing is fine, and The Republic of Sarah does these so well. It’s completely easy to understand how and why Grover has lost all of his identities since losing Patience.
Plus, it’s really good therapeutic advice to remind Grover that he is all of the things he believes he has lost — he just has to find them again.
The clearest purpose this flooding/drowning situation serves is to help remind Grover who he is and that he doesn’t only have to be a caretaker in crisis.
Tito the dog is the cutest. My heart melts seeing these two new pals together.
“From Simple Sources” is flawed but I’m hanging off the cliff with Corrinne’s marriage, enthralled. The Republic of Sarah remains the definition of a diamond in the rough.
Notes
- I do care a little bit that Weston now knows Paul is seeking asylum in Greylock. It’s a little bit interesting.
- I do not care about the teenage cherry popping. Why does every teenager on any show have to have sex so young?
- Danny should really leave Greylock ASAP.
- I do love the full-circle nature of the fraidy-cat game.
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The Republic of Sarah airs Mondays at 9/8c on The CW.
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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.