Support NeoGAF

[PeskyToaster]

Just caught up (Thank you lord for HBO Go) and I've been hooked so hard by this show. I don't really know what people have been speculated but in hindsight I should've known something was up the way they focused on the lawnmower man. Ah well, great show!

 

[James Woods]

?

That picture is from Arrested Development. My post was confusing.

 

[JCreasy]

So does Rust want to kill himself? Is that why he said he wanted to come back? To solve this case before he ended his life?

 

[Steelyuhas]

Ummmm, why does HBO list this being on at 10 next week with Girls and Looking on at 9 and 9:30?

 

[Bam Bam Baklava]

I think the camera panning around so The Lawnmower Man can dramatically declare, to himself, that his family has been around a long time might've been shit regardless of anticipation.

Yeah that was so cheesy.

 

[Vespene]

I seriously think the whole Carcosa stuff was just flavor lore the writer added to flesh out the cult's story. He took passages from a book more than a century old for inspiration. C'thulu fanboys saw this and went nuts about a mainstream show directly referencing their beloved lore. They started drawing connections as if the story was echoing the King in Yellow.

In truth, I think all the occult references are there because they sound cool and fucked up.

 

[Check Mark]

Ummmm, why does HBO list this being on at 10 next week with Girls and Looking on at 9 and 9:30?

Maybe you're looking at the replay? That's how the schedule was earlier too.

 

[BearPawB]

So did we see scars on lawnmower man before? We did right? How the hell did he not connect the dots. Can't be that many dudes with scars like that

 

[Dennis]

Content Round Up - Episode 7 - After You’ve Gone
- Onion A|V Club review

Really? A "C" rating?

Even if this wasn't the best episode of the show it is still way better than anything else on air.

Who knew an hour could fly by that fast?

 

[Askherserenity]

Man, not sure if it's just me, but I can hardly tell those were scars. I thought his face would be super fucked up but it just looks like he has a bad beard or something :/

 

[Vespene]

So did we see scars on lawnmower man before? We did right? How the hell did he not connect the dots. Can't be that many dudes with scars like that

I think Nic envisioned a thicker beard on him for the scene he was interviewed by Rust. The way his facial hair looked in that scene, his scars would've been pretty obvious to Rust who was just standing a few feet away.

The internet fucks stories like this though. It's impossible to lay subtle hints like the spaghetti sketch without having the collective mind of the world connect all the dots. Next season I'm watching without the internet.

 

[Socreges]

I love how people were calling lawnmower man being involved the second his ass showed up. There was way too much focus on that dude for that one scene. Something seemed fishy.

I have a feeling one of them is going to die next episode. I think it'll be Marty.

Didn't help that someone posted here (weeks ago after his first appearance) that IMDB had him in two more episodes. At that point it was pretty apparent. People then filled in the blanks and connected the dots.

 

[duckroll]

I think they nailed it. These are two men who in the time they spent together early on, defined each other so well that without the other, their lives just lost meaning. That was really apparent when Rust reveals that he hasn't been working this case for 10 years. He basically gave up and fucked off, just like Marty did, but it seems like he came back for a specific reason. Maybe he's dying? Diagnosed with cancer or something? He seems to want to wrap this up so he can move on, but there's nothing else for him to move on to, so it has to be a realization of his mortality in some way.

I thought the symbolism of the cult and the rituals were pretty obvious, as I detailed in a previous post, but I am glad that they actually did directly touch on that as part of Rust's research. It's probably good for viewers who didn't catch the cultural connections and mutations, and it ties up the references for those looking for the "why" of the various weird stuff.

The preview for the finale looks pretty intense. It's going to be a really good final hour! We're in Carcosa now! (Better get those jumper cables ready.)

Regarding the lawnmower man, that was a pretty cheap scene, but whatever, I think the show is allowed to have a bit of cliched fun to elevate the heaviness of the Rust/Marty stuff. The two new detectives are jokes anyway, so it's fitting that they get the worst trope scene in the entire show. Lol.

 

[JCreasy]

Also, how did Marty know the sheriff was lying? That wasn't really clear to me.

 

[Vespene]

Also, how did Marty know the sheriff was lying? That wasn't really clear to me.

I could tell he was lying right away.

 

[Nesotenso]

Also, how did Marty know the sheriff was lying? That wasn't really clear to me.

he lied when he said that he didn't take the statement of the Fontenot girl's family. His old beat was around the Erath area where the Tuttles hail from as well. He never mentioned all
this when he worked with them at State police.

At least that is how I think it is.

 

[TheOddOne]

 

[duckroll]

Also, how did Marty know the sheriff was lying? That wasn't really clear to me.

The way I saw it, for a random missing persons case 20 years gone, his response seemed awfully well rehearsed. Like a lie he's used to telling to neatly shut questions away. Which is extra odd because he didn't bring any of it up back in '95 when he was part of the squad and that was actually a part of the overall investigation.

 

[Pocks]

Also, how did Marty know the sheriff was lying? That wasn't really clear to me.

The sheriff was a little too open to the idea of meeting Marty's client, suggesting it two or three times. It gave Marty the vibe that the sheriff wanted to know who they were so he could find out more about them, maybe silence them.

His behavior otherwise was a bit suspect, but when that's what made it clear he was lying.

 

[Socreges]

Also, how did Marty know the sheriff was lying? That wasn't really clear to me.

Childress.

Marty actually repeated the name.

That was my take anyhow since its the only instance that didn't come down to 'he seemed suspicious'. It gives Marty an explicit link to a previous suspect (of Rust's) and part of the apparent network.

 

[HalfBakedProphet]

their lives just lost meaning. That was really apparent when Rust reveals that he hasn't been working this case for 10 years.

yeah, that was heavy. I liked the idea Rust was this undercover batman for 10 years...turns out it was only 2. And less batman, more broken, functioning alcoholic for all of it.

I understand why people would think this was the weakest episode, but I really loved it. Seeing Rust carrying around his black book again, Marty and Rust working together, Rust breaking into the Tuttle mansion. All of it was great, in my mind. I have the bad feeling

Spoiler

Rust is going to get shot by police (possibly pinned for the murders too). I think he'll get his personal closure and put an end to the lawnmower man, but after seeing the preview...idk. There was a lot of foreshadowing Rust's death this episode

 

[duckroll]

If Rust is really already dying, I don't think him being killed will really be a sad thing so much as a sort of release. If he knows he's dying, and he wanted to solve this one loose end in his life before passing from this world, then that's what matters to him, more than surviving the case.

 

[Vespene]

Give some credit to good ol' Marty. He might not be the smartest guy and he's a hell of a hypocrite... but when it comes to children, he keeps the other bad men from the door.

I think they're both going down next episode though.

If the cult survives their wrath, it might be that season 2 centers around another investigation elsewhere in the US where the same cult or a satellite cult is involved.

 

[HalfBakedProphet]

oh boy, this gif going to get a lot of work.

 

[Imm0rt4l]

I feel like there's more to the story of Marty quitting the force. His story kinda mirrors Rusts where he unloaded on a tweaker who injected his child with meth. I also get the feeling that Rust is either dying or now has the constitution to commit suicide(based off dialogue), maybe both, but probably neither.

 

[potam]

If Rust is really already dying, I don't think him being killed will really be a sad thing so much as a sort of release. If he knows he's dying, and he wanted to solve this one loose end in his life before passing from this world, then that's what matters to him, more than surviving the case.

Wait, Rust is dying? I usually watch the episodes at work and then again on TV the next morning, so I could have zoned out.

If the cult survives their wrath, it might be that season 2 centers around another investigation elsewhere in the US where the same cult or a satellite cult is involved.

I don't think that will happen for a couple of reasons: 1) A nation-wide cult like this seems a little too out there for a show that aims for (sur)realism and 2) it would be disappointing for the fans if they were to reference this case, but not have Marty and Rust at least make an appearance, which isn't going to happen.

 

[amnesiac]

Wait, Rust is dying? I usually watch the episodes at work and then again on TV the next morning, so I could have zoned out.

He didn't say it, but he implied something related to death (maybe suicide).

 

[Ashes]

If Rust is really already dying, I don't think him being killed will really be a sad thing so much as a sort of release. If he knows he's dying, and he wanted to solve this one loose end in his life before passing from this world, then that's what matters to him, more than surviving the case.

I doubt it. Man's debt speech was a long time coming - at least in my own opinion. Debt related to justice is an old theistic theory. Probably from the author's catholic roots.

 

[duckroll]

Wait, Rust is dying? I usually watch the episodes at work and then again on TV the next morning, so I could have zoned out.

When Marty asks why he came back after all this time, he said he just had to finish this. He couldn't leave this undone before moving on. Something must have happened to him to give him the incentive to want to tie up loose ends. The way he says it, if it came from a normal person it would sound like he could be talking about getting married or becoming a priest or whatever. But knowing Rust and the sort of non-life he has been leading before that, it seems to me like he was confronting his own mortality.

I doubt it. Man's debt speech was a long time coming - at least in my own opinion. Debt related to justice is an old theistic theory. Probably from the author's catholic roots.

No, not that speech. When Rust asks Marty why he really quit the force, and then Marty asked Rust why he decided to come back in 2010. That was what stuck out to me.

 

[potam]

When Marty asks why he came back after all this time, he said he just had to finish this. He couldn't leave this undone before moving on. Something must have happened to him to give him the incentive to want to tie up loose ends. The way he says it, if it came from a normal person it would sound like he could be talking about getting married or becoming a priest or whatever. But knowing Rust and the sort of non-life he has been leading before that, it seems to me like he was confronting his own mortality.

Oh, I interpreted that as Rust ran from his demons to Alaska, where they finally caught up to him and he decided to do something about it and finish the case.

 

[Socreges]

Wait, Rust is dying? I usually watch the episodes at work and then again on TV the next morning, so I could have zoned out.

"This is something I had to see to. Before getting on with something else."

I love the line. Very ambiguous.

 

[Ashes]

No, not that speech. When Rust asks Marty why he really quit the force, and then Marty asked Rust why he decided to come back in 2010. That was what stuck out to me.

Possible. But I still think it's atonement.

 

[Imm0rt4l]

Possible. But I still think it's atonement.

The two aren't mutually exclusive.

 

[DrBo42]

Wait, didn't Marty's daughter have the action figures set up like the scene in the VHS?

 

[potam]

Wait, didn't Marty's daughter have the action figures set up like the scene in the VHS?

 

[duckroll]

I think atonement is the core theme about how both these men let their personal issues get in the way of the case being reopened in 2002, and how they have to set it right this time. For Marty, he owes Rust because he partly fucked it up in 1995 when he killed the suspects and Rust covered for him. For Rust, this is about not leaving an important job unfinished.

The question though, is why now? Change doesn't happen randomly when a person has settled into a pattern. It's something the show has taken care to show in the character arcs. Major change happens in their lives because of specific events which push things forward. The Dora Lang case brought them closer together as partners. Killing Reggie LeDoux helped save Marty's marriage for a period of time. Maggie sleeping with Rust tore them apart.

So in 2010 something must have happened to Rust. Something he's not sharing yet, but it pushed him to return to the state, break the law, find compelling evidence, and continue this crazy investigation he dropped 8 years before that. It's not going to be a "OMG WTF" plot twist either, because the story has always been about the characters and how they related to the world and others around them. So I think him having to confront his own mortality and wanting to make the best use of his time before he goes, fits with all the other themes too.

 

[DrBo42]

I just now watched the episode, I'm sorry.

 

[JCreasy]

Thanks everyone for the feedback.

Did anyone else freak a little bit when the elderly woman said Carcosa? My heart gave a little flutter. Didn't expect that.

Wait, didn't Marty's daughter have the action figures set up like the scene in the VHS?

Fuuuuuucck

 

[potam]

I think atonement is the core theme about how both these men let their personal issues get in the way of the case being reopened in 2002, and how they have to set it right this time. For Marty, he owes Rust because he partly fucked it up in 1995 when he killed the suspects and Rust covered for him. For Rust, this is about not leaving an important job unfinished.

The question though, is why now? Change doesn't happen randomly when a person has settled into a pattern. It's something the show has taken care to show in the character arcs. Major change happens in their lives because of specific events which push things forward. The Dora Lang case brought them closer together as partners. Killing Reggie LeDoux helped save Marty's marriage for a period of time. Maggie sleeping with Rust tore them apart.

So in 2010 something must have happened to Rust. Something he's not sharing yet, but it pushed him to return to the state, break the law, find compelling evidence, and continue this crazy investigation he dropped 8 years before that. It's not going to be a "OMG WTF" plot twist either, because the story has always been about the characters and how they related to the world and others around them. So I think him having to confront his own mortality and wanting to make the best use of his time before he goes, fits with all the other themes too.

Do we know when Tuttle became Senator? I'm grasping at straws, but is it possible that Rust saw the news of his election and it reignited his passion and gut feeling that they were responsible?

Did anyone else freak a little bit when the elderly woman said Carcosa? My heart gave a little flutter. Didn't expect that.

Who was that woman? I missed the introduction.

 

[kirblar]

Wait, didn't Marty's daughter have the action figures set up like the scene in the VHS?

Whatever happens in the finale, I bet it's only the tip of the iceberg.

 

[JCreasy]

Who was that woman? I missed the introduction.

She was a housekeeper for the Tuttles back in the day.

 

[potam]

She was a housekeeper for the Tuttles back in the day.

Ahhh thanks. I was so distracted while watching this episode.

 

[duckroll]

Do we know when Tuttle became Senator? I'm grasping at straws, but is it possible that Rust saw the news of his election and it reignited his passion and gut feeling that they were responsible?

Maybe. The thought of Rust being drunk and space out in some room or bar in Alaska, fumbling through the papers and suddenly jumping up all alert and obsessed again when he sees the minor headline on page 25 which says "TUTTLE WINS SENATE RACE" is pretty fucking hilarious though.

 

[HalfBakedProphet]

Rewatching it now, the video was some creepy ass shit. The way the kid was crying, them holding her down...and then they leave it up to your imagination. Ugh.

 

[Game-Biz]

Haha, I flippin' called it:

Hmmm, just noticed that the name of one of the guards who escorted the pharamcy/murderer guy to his cell right before he slit his wrists, was named, "Childress." The same last name of "Ted Childress," the detective who was in charge of the the missing Fontenot girl case. Speculation: Probably the son/relative of Ted (who probably swept the Fontenot case under the rug). This guard, being that he works in the area, could have easily found out that the guy was talking about the "Yellow King" and informed his higher ups that he was about to talk which is why the dude got that phone call. Meh, it's probably nothing. This is what addys do to me when watching this show. Time is a flat circle.

Do I get a cookie?

 

[JCreasy]

2 more questions . . .

1) what was that Rust said about doing a stint for breaking and entering? Did he ever bring this up before?

2) what was that rural version of mardi gras they brought up, where Rust referenced the antlers and masks? What was it called?

 

[Ashes]

I think atonement is the core theme about how both these men let their personal issues get in the way of the case being reopened in 2002, and how they have to set it right this time. For Marty, he owes Rust because he partly fucked it up in 1995 when he killed the suspects and Rust covered for him. For Rust, this is about not leaving an important job unfinished.

The question though, is why now? Change doesn't happen randomly when a person has settled into a pattern. It's something the show has taken care to show in the character arcs. Major change happens in their lives because of specific events which push things forward. The Dora Lang case brought them closer together as partners. Killing Reggie LeDoux helped save Marty's marriage for a period of time. Maggie sleeping with Rust tore them apart.

So in 2010 something must have happened to Rust. Something he's not sharing yet, but it pushed him to return to the state, break the law, find compelling evidence, and continue this crazy investigation he dropped 8 years before that. It's not going to be a "OMG WTF" plot twist either, because the story has always been about the characters and how they related to the world and others around them. So I think him having to confront his own mortality and wanting to make the best use of his time before he goes, fits with all the other themes too.

True. Talking about atonement, what's bugging me is why Maggi is still a key cog in the cast? She's the detective's wife. I've never seen a detective's wife play as key a role as in this mystery. She was one of the three being interviewed. And now she's back.

The author is a literary man, and as such I cannot explain it using any literary theories. Maybe, he likes the character? That's happend before in the literary world.

It would be funny if she helps solve the missing part in this whole thing. Two loose emotional men with the most stable character on the show solving it in one grand finale.

Rust didn't do time, it was from his experience as a cop working in robbery. He worked in robbery before he switched to narcotics. I believe he was in the robbery squad when his daughter died.

Time is a flat circle. :/

 

[EverythingShiny]

1) what was that Rust said about doing a stint for breaking and entering? Did he ever bring this up before?

Rust didn't do time, it was from his experience as a cop working in robbery. He worked in robbery before he switched to narcotics. I believe he was in the robbery squad when his daughter died.

 

[JCreasy]

Rust didn't do time, it was from his experience as a cop working in robbery. He worked in robbery before he switched to narcotics. I believe he was in the robbery squad when his daughter died.

Oh word? Thanks for clearing this up. Very much appreciated.

 

[DrBo42]

2) what was that rural version of mardi gras they brought up, where Rust referenced the antlers and masks? What was it called?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Courir_de_Mardi_Gras