The Big Door Prize Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Trina

Many people are unburdening themselves on another solid, The Big Door Prize Season 1, Episode 5, “Trina.”

It’s Kolton’s birthday, and from the moment the episode opens, it’s clear that it will be challenging for Trina. With Dusty and Cass out of town for the weekend, Trina’s left to fend for herself on the weekend she needs her parents the most. So that leaves her with the option of going to Jacobs for movie night commemorating Kolton’s birthday.

Just so happens to be Jacob’s birthday as well, being a twin and all.

Trina’s Life’s Potential: Liar

There’s something incredibly relatable and honest in how Djouliet Amara portrays Trina’s angst and guilt. You just can’t help but feel for Trina as she’s left alone the weekend she needs her parents the most.

I like the choice of having her confide in Father Reuben, even if she unwillingly does so. The fact that she says her parents talk to her is heartbreaking. You can feel it throughout the episode as we see small, imperceptible moments where we get instances of the grieving teenager she doesn’t necessarily like to show.

Paired with the fact that she’s not invited to Megan’s party, a palpable sense of isolation continues.

Her only solace? Movie night with Jacob and his dad, Beau.

The movie night turns into commiseration for the trio about the late teenager.

I like Trina and Jacob’s time together, staying hidden in their secret relationship. I appreciate their dark humor and how they console each other in their loss.

Learning that they started hanging out once Kolton began flaking out on plans with Trina helps provide more context to their dynamic and gives their relationship a bit more depth.

What’s interesting about this episode is that it’s not such a heavy-handed insight into Trina, though we can glean a lot more information from how she reacts to Beau’s comments on how faithful she was to his son.

Trina’s confession is a surprise for everyone involved, including the audience. It’s interesting, though, that it leads Jacob’s dad to want a more honest and open relationship with him.

A familiar thought that runs through the minds of those grieving the loss of someone close. It’s a moment that hits too close to home. That need to change his ways and build a relationship with Jacob is admirable. With the lie lingering between the pair, they have a long way to go.

Meanwhile, At the Cruise and Cruise Inn…

Principal Pat’s suggestion of a romantic weekend away as a surprise doesn’t play out the way Dusty hopes it does. But Cass does get a surprising revelation. One that no doubt takes time to process.

Martha and Rose’s ship-themed Inn is hilarious and adorable in a way only a fictitious, themed bed and breakfast can be. From Rose’s captain uniform to the interactive dinner experience, it’s a perfect setup for Dusty’s continued attempts to spice up his marriage.

What’s unexpected is Hawaii and Glen’s presence leading to another funny, sitcom-like situation where Hawaii propositions Dusty and Cass. If there is doubt about how meant to be the pair are, their synchronized freak out at the whole case should be enough to keep those away.

Most of this story does an admirable job serving as the levity and lightness of the episode, giving us jokes and excellent acting by O’Dowd and Dennis.

But the final moments at the Inn feel like another solemn moment of revelation as Cass gets new information that will have her reconsidering most of her childhood as Martha reveals that she wanted a relationship with her, but Izzy denies her.

It’s heartbreaking to learn and yet seemingly on a brand based on what we know about the self-centered Mayor and mother.

Like I said earlier, LOTS of people unburden themselves on this episode!

Random Thoughts

• Giorgio’s got something going on, and I am curious to see where that goes.
• What is with Beau’s cowboy hat and chainsaw bit at the end?

What did you think of this episode of The Big Door Prize? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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The Big Door Prize streams Wednesdays on AppleTV+.

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