‘Mare of Easttown’ — Review
How a tragic town combined with a perplexing crime creates the best show on tv right now
Barry’s Bites Rating = 8.8
When you’re watching a crime drama tv-series you’re already expecting it to be a tad depressing. Most of the time it’s bad enough that the main characters are entrenched in solving a murder. However, ‘Mare of Easttown’ goes a step further by laying a firm foundation for the characters' background, within the plot of solving a murder. It achieves this is by building its story on the back of the characters' tragic lives. This is where the more depressing parts of the show start to creep into view. Whether it’s addiction, depression, or the loss of a family member, everyone in Easttown is fighting an existential battle. This lends itself to generating a believable setting of a Pennslyvania small-town in the show.
A murder investigation embedded within an existential crisis
Mare Sheehan, played by Kate Winslet, is one of the most interesting characters in recent years. Simultaneously struggling to overcome a family tragedy, while also being heavily involved in a murder case. As she battles her inner demons she must also confront her personal battles without letting it all fall apart. All of these elements combine to create a character that seems to be struggling daily while living in the shadow of her former self. As I said before, Mare is not alone in her struggle. Each of her family members and friends seems to be embroiled in their own struggles. This existential context fits within the same murder-solving plot that the show is based around. Its summation is a provoking sense of belief surrounding the characters because they actually struggle. Instead of feeling the sole burden of Mare’s problems, the audience is left with the weight of the whole town.
“Doing something great is overrated, ’cause then people expect that from you… all the time. What they don’t realize is that you’re just as screwed up as they are.”
The suspect list is obvious yet ambiguous
One obvious takeaway from each episode is the changing list of suspects. As the show twist and turns, you are presented with compelling evidence for suspects. It seems that the show plays into the audience's desire to find the murderer by offering up suspects on a silver platter. By the middle of the season, you have multiple ideas about who could be responsible but no idea who actually committed the murder. This acts as a strong hook to make you feel like the hunt is over only to have contradictory evidence presented. It adds to the confusion and battle within Mare’s life as she is constantly chasing down leads.
What’s in store for the last episode?
As we head into the last episode of the season, it’s hard to see where the show is leading the audience. There are still a lot of plot holes that need to be filled, as well as the most obvious one, the murderer. Every viewer seems to have their own suspicions about what the final episode will tie together. Instead of speculating on the finale, it’s better for you to watch the show and come to your own conclusion. Check out the trailer below!
