One could even argue that John is merely one agent of the larger force that is also acting to cause Mitch’s levitation, Shaun’s resurrection, and Barry’s visions. Taking that approach, Barry owning the hotel in the first place is just another aspect of the larger plan, and you could even argue that all the characters are merely pawns of the force, like John is, though in a less obvious way.
However, that posits this force as a negative one, and despite the skepticism in this episode, I don’t think that’s the case. John is going through a crucifixion experience in this episode, the people in authority are turning on him, and his apostles, Butchie and Kai are questioning him. Last week, John received wounds that parallel what Jesus went through, perhaps fulfilling his claim that he would be killed twice. So, is this episode Saturday, the day before his return? He certainly returns next week, though it’s unclear with what message. Certainly the great skepticism about his aims and powers parallels how the Romans viewed Jesus. I’ve thought about doing a story exploring what it would be like for Jesus to turn up in the modern world, I think Milch might have beat me to it. This blend of skepticism and open hostility is likely how most people would view someone with these kind of powers, and this kind of cryptic way of speaking.
Anyway, the reason I doubt that this force is a negative one has to do with the other central concept that crystallized this week. Ever since the first episode, I’ve speculated that John’s purpose was to rehabilitate the Yost family and return them to glory. However, as the cast grew with an increasing number of social rejects and failures, it became clear that John’s purpose in gathering these characters together was to give them a new community, a warmth and connection they were otherwise missing. Bill and Freddie are the most obvious examples, each unwilling to admit how important these people are to them openly, but constantly showing it in their own gruff way. Both those actors are amazing, and if there’s any justice will get some love from the Emmys next year.
At one point in the episode, we see Barry in the bar and Dr. Smith in his new clinic. Each of them has to confront their fear of failure in these broken down surroundings. The rundown spaces are a physical representation of where all these characters are mentally. They are nearly falling apart, but with some care and love could become something wonderful. We saw that in Barry’s experience last week; seeing a theater in the bar, he was able to imagine his dreams fulfilled. But the demons of his past came on the radio, the darkness of this world invading the possibility of his dreams. I’d argue that the force behind John, arguably God, is what spoke to Dr. Smith in the clinic and what sent Barry that vision. The force empowers Smith, but the real challenge is going on without it; he loses his confidence when the voices stop speaking and the real challenge is keeping the faith when God isn’t actually there. Now, that could be faith in God, or it could just be faith in your ability to do something.
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
1 - James
Thanks so much for writing, I am greatly excited by your words here. I feel very much as you do. I am so grateful for the depth of the show, the depth of each character's emotional lives, and so on. I am excited for day nine and hope we are able to see the relationships of the folks in IB further flower and grow in future seasons. As you make clear, these people have a lot of growing to do before they may be capable of healthy relationships, and it would be so thrilling to see how a greater community awareness manages to strengthen individual bonds and deepen personal awareness. (Communication -> Community -> Common Union)
2 - Savannah
Thanks, Patrick. That was thoughfully, and beautifully, written. You echoed my exact feelings about the show that I've been unable to articulate.
3 - Ayela
Patrick, I very much appreciate your perspectives presented here on the wonderful enigma, JFC. I love that you aren't trying to resolve the mysteries so much as explore and illuminate, much like the show itself. Thank you.
4 - JFC Fan
Thank you, I've been unable to explain or even understand why I find the show so compelling your explanation have really helped to enhance my appreciation of the show.
5 - Patrick
Thanks for the feedback, it's such a fantastic show, I'm always left with so much to talk about and reflect on, it's been such a wonderful build, I really hope we get the chance to see more of these characters in another season.
6 - Case
I agree with this analysis completely. I’ve read other reviews which seem express a dislike for the show because of the lack of quick and easy answers. That is what I like about JFC. Other would be viewers/fans are offended by the language, and seem to think that since there is 'off-color' language, that equates to a lack of spirituality. In fact I had a long conversation with a friend in which I was trying to explain the irrelevance of words in general. The fact that John repeats everything that others say exemplifies the lack of meaning in what he says; therefore how he says it is also irrelevant. I like this show. I hope it continues...even though I am somewhat dissuaded from watching at time due to the coarseness of the dialogue.
7 - Patrick
John's repetition is far from meaningless. By repeating things, he gives them a new context and forces us to actually consider the meaning of what we say. Plus, as we see Butchie and Kai discuss in this episode, his repetition is actually an attempt to use what he knows of our language to convey the complex ideas he's been sent here to convey. Milch is able to use words better than almost any other writer working today. Yes, there's a lot of profanity, perhaps a bit too much, but that's his style and other than in the pilot, I don't think it's been gratuitous.
8 - John (Real name, I promise)
Amen brother. Loved it!
9 - Lauren
wow, thanks for putting this together. as confusing as the show seems while watching it, the general themes presented are not at all complex, you just have to sift/think through a bit. (watching twice is big help as well.)
i pray HBO picks it back up. i am really starting to grab a hold of the characters and love this show!
p.s. how did butchie go from detestable to lovable in 8 episodes? he's my favorite character.
10 - Keith
It seems to be a second coming theme, but John is not Jesus. Shaun is the Christ figure. John is the "John the Baptist" figure. If you disregard Shaun's family, there are almost exactly twelve that have come into the community. If they are apostles, that makes sense. They certainly seem to be expressing a love for Shaun that goes beyond the normal.
In fact, Barry as Paul makes great sense. Paul was never married and had "a thorn in his side" and is fairly often thought to be gay. He also was the one who had a vision on the road to Damascus.
Tina, as Shaun's mother, would seem to be the virgin Mary. But Milch is either turning the virgin concept on it's head or combining the virgin Mary with Mary Magdalene in one character.
At any rate, according to the Bible, Jesus disappears for most of his teen years (and perhaps studies with the Essenes). It would seem Shaun has disappeared around the same age.
If so, the second season of JFC would probably be Shaun's return as an older Jesus figure. (I would prefer this, because the kid playing Shaun just can't hold his own with the rest of the cast.)
Maybe in this last episode, someone will deliver John's head? It certainly seems a possibility...
Another exciting thing about all this... If this is indeed what is going on, AND it is clarified in this last show, THEN, in spite of low numbers this season, I think the idea alone will generate enough interest that HBO will commit to a second season.
And that's good, because I LOVE THIS SHOW. Great characters. Great writing. Makes me think.