Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Pressure Drop
Sullivan’s Crossing Season 1 Episode 5, “Pressure Drop,” scales back the intensity and slows the pace, but it works for the heavier subject matter it tackles lightly and delicately.
In the aftermath of the missing child crisis, Sully’s and Cal’s secrets finally emerge. Meanwhile, Maggie continues preparing for her deposition while trying to navigate complex family dynamics.
There are a lot of twists and turns in this episode, but they’re handled very well. Instead of trying to provoke the shock factor, these twists have a bit of realism while still adding unpredictability to the story.
The themes of this episode are loss and control, which are much deeper than the ideas previously explored.
While Sullivan’s Crossing has always delved into complicated family dynamics, burgeoning relationships, and estrangement, it is usually done melodramatically. Hence, viewers may not have been sure how deep the show was willing to go.
However, the heavier themes raised in this episode are bound to persist for the remainder of the season.
This is because all the characters are a little more aware of their mortality and loss of control after being exposed to a sudden crime at the usually tranquil camping site. It’s something that Frank and Edna Cranebear find themselves struggling to come to terms with as they realize they’re aging.
Maggie can’t escape the concept of mortality either, as she prepares to stand trial over a wrongful death suit. With this strong contemplation of loss, Cal lets it slip that he lost his wife.
It was becoming easy to guess his “secret” by the previous episode, so, fortunately, this episode chose to acknowledge it rather than needlessly dragging on the mystery.
“Pressure Drop” doesn’t get too deep into Cal’s grief, and that’s not entirely a bad thing. Those around him understand the concept of loss and don’t treat him any differently after learning of his past.
There’s no cliché talk of healing — just a mild conversation about what it’s like a few years after a significant loss and how it impacts one’s perception of life.
The episode says what it needs to say about grief and then charges on. It just feels honest, like the show’s just acknowledging the reality of loss but not trying to be profound or stir too much emotion in viewers.
The other major theme is about control — Maggie has to exercise control for her deposition, but other characters are spiraling out of control themselves, especially Sully.
Viewers learned Sully had financial problems in the last episode, but now viewers see him spiral. He’s losing control of his temper and emotions, causing Maggie to leave Sullivan’s Crossing again.
Part of Sully’s spiral is due to Maggie’s stepfather, Walter, arriving. However, it’s not entirely clear who’s at fault.
While Sully is very gruff, angry, and struggles with alcoholism, it seems he may have made an effort to be better for Maggie, but Walter and Maggie’s mother still kept her away from him.
This is where the realism starts to come in as the episode reflects what family situations look like. There are multiple perspectives, and each perspective seems to be missing key info, so those outside aren’t sure which side to trust.
Viewers still need to figure out the whole story between Walter and Sully. Right now, it feels like both want the best for Maggie but have very different ways of expressing it.
Again, the show refrains from trying to say something too profound about the situation or taking sides, allowing viewers to mull over it until the next episode arrives.
With a comfortable pace and a take on serious subjects that is light-hearted yet touching, the latest episode of Sullivan’s Crossing feels realistic and genuine.
What did you think of this episode of Sullivan’s Crossing? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Sullivan’s Crossing airs Wednesday at 8/7c on The CW.
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Rachel Ulatowski
Rachel Ulatowski is a freelance writer from Oshkosh with a penchant for TV, film, and celebrity news. Her work can also be found on Screen Rant, The Mary Sue, and Monsters and Critics. When she's not writing professionally, she enjoys blogging, running, watching film and television, and conducting research for her future novel.