The Changeling Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Stormy Weather

 The Changeling Season 1 Episode 7, “Stormy Weather,” finds Lillian returning to her dark night of the soul in an outing that spotlights Adina Porter’s incredible talent. It’s visually stunning and a pinnacle of sleek production values. That said, its placement in the season doesn’t make sense, nor does it feel important enough narratively to detract from the main story with only one episode left. 

Experimental Theater 

Now, that’s not to say it isn’t enjoyable. You have to give it to Kelly Marcel and co. for taking a big creative swing with “Stormy Weather.” That in itself is admirable as all get-out. Plus, theater lovers might find themselves drawn to it for its similar structure to a play. In that respect, “Stormy Weather” feels like experimental theater, from Lillian’s monologues to the staging. 

Standalone episodes can be feats of cinematic creativity, and “Stormy Weather” certainly displays strengths as a Lillian-centric installment. The Changeling is no stranger to tackling intergenerational trauma, which it does beautifully here. Lillian feels she passed her mistakes onto Apollo in her attempt to understand him. The same can be said of Brian: his mother abused him, and then he went on to abuse Lillian and Apollo. 

“Stormy Weather” also addresses Lillian’s immense survivor’s guilt and the plight of the immigrant of color in America. Racism. Misogyny. Xenophobia. The episode doesn’t shy away from the colors and layers of Lillian’s life — a life that’s unfortunately plagued by trauma at every turn. Yet, she still finds those moments in the sunlight and time to dance, as is evidenced in the scene where she’s reminiscing about her grandmother’s aphorisms. 

More Questions Than Answers 

Porter’s performance elevates an occasionally bloated episode that becomes lost in its own bombastic storytelling.  While the dialogue is gorgeously crafted and, at times, profoundly resonant and poetic, the narrative gets too convoluted for the sake of, well, being convoluted.

Sure, we learn more about Apollo’s parentage and what (potentially) happened to his father, but we’re ultimately left with more questions than answers. Unfortunately, with only one episode left (that’s 29 minutes, to boot — the shortest yet), we’re too late in the game to walk away feeling more confused than before. Especially considering that last week’s outing moved the needle in the right direction. 

Powerhouse Performers 

Circling back to the performances, it’s shocking how underutilized a talent of Porter’s magnitude is in this series. So, “Stormy Weather” gives her plenty to play with, which is certainly to our benefit as viewers. She squeezes every drop out of every word. She mines the depths of Lillian’s psyche and emotional core. Porter is utterly compelling and an underrated performer. 

Alexis Louder, who plays younger Lillian, also delivers incredible work in “Stormy Weather.” She’s the perfect scene partner for Porter. Louder and Porter’s performances allow us to fall in love with Lillian. They are electrifying. 

All in all, “Stormy Weather” should’ve happened earlier in the season. Where it sits in the episode count trips up the narrative instead of facilitating its progression. Additionally, the revelations aren’t unpredictable, nor does Marcel commit to them, leaving us to make assumptions. Despite its problems, the effort is admirable, and the visuals are gorgeously immersive. If anything, this episode should be watched for the nuanced, magnetic acting masterclass Adina Porter gives. What a star. 

Stray Observations: 

• Stevie Wonders’ lyrics for “Superstition” appear multiple times in this series. Firstly, in the subway car where Emma gives birth. Then, in the subway tunnel in last week’s episode. Now, it’s etched on that table in Lillian’s hotel room. 
• “If you are looking for a sign, this is it” appears again in this episode. 
• Multiple actors play different roles in “Stormy Weather.” Jonelle Gunderson, who plays the woman from Apollo’s trauma group and is part of The Wise Ones, portrays Angelica. Samuel T. Herring, aka William Wheeler, plays the man who assaults Angelica. Amirah Vann, who plays Emma’s sister, Kim, is the woman in the beginning who sees her child is a Changeling. Jared Abrahamson, aka Brian West, plays the young man dying of AIDS. Albert Jones, who plays Lillian’s boss, Charles Blackwood, is Lester, The Elk Hotel owner. 
• “You are right where you’re meant to be,” or something of the like, is either said or shown in multiple episodes. Interesting. 
• Lillian killed Brian, right? My guess is she stuffed him in the red suitcase, perhaps getting the idea from what Lester says various times that night at the hotel. Given the abusive remarks that Brian said to her and how he almost drowned Apollo, Lillian did what she had to do to protect herself and her son. 
• Charles has to be Apollo’s biological father. I think Lillian lied to Brian about the receipt because he was starting to show his true colors as an abusive a-hole. She had an affair with her boss, resulting in Apollo’s birth in 1977. 
• The final shot shows us text from the opening of Victor LaValle’s book etched into that table. 

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

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

The Changeling streams new episodes every Friday on Apple TV+.

 Follow us on Twitter and Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

15 Most Binge-Worthy Shows of 2023 (So Far!)