‘Locke & Key’ Recap: ‘Past is Prologue’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘Locke & Key’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, we’ve talked at length about some of the fascinating themes and concepts that the Netflix series, Locke & Key has taken the time to explore and rightfully so. Because this show is going all out in season two and is spotlighting a bevy of unique topics that don’t get discussed all that often in everyday life. But while it has been fascinating to learn more about the nature of trauma and healing and how the past can be difficult and painful to process, this is at its core… a horror story. One involving a grand fight between good and evil, or more specifically… a family that knows nothing about magic, that is working hard to defeat a powerful demon, and we’ve been curious as to when that particular fight was going to resume. For a monster like Dodge can only hold back for so long, and as it turns out, the next episode of this storied and magnificent saga, served as the perfect time to refocus the story on the fight ahead. 
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But not before ‘Past is Prologue’ closed the chapter on one lingering plot thread. Specifically, the whole mess with Duncan. Because that poor man has been suffering with the past for some time now and when we catch up with him here… that suffering is leading to some manic behavior in an attempt to keep the memories at bay. Which motivated Tyler to work hard to find the Memory Key at the Academy and despite being slowed down by Gabe, for obvious reasons… he was eventually able to get his hands on it and do the seemingly impossible and heal his uncle. Giving Duncan peace at last and a chance at a new tomorrow and that’s a wonderful thing, since they might need Duncan’s prowess with making keys in the days ahead… now that the truth about Gabe’s real identity has been revealed to the family. 

A feat that this story accomplished, by way of two key storylines. The first, involved Bode. Because he received a letter from Rufus and was quick to admit how badly he missed his best buddy and how badly he wanted to see him and catch up on old times. And thanks to Erin, who reminded him that the Anywhere Key was back in the Locke family’s possession, he was able to do just that. Which led to a wonderful and uplifting reunion between two old friends, one that was soured by the end of the day. Because while they were out in Rufus’ new treehouse, Bode was able to check out the incredible artwork that Rufus was creating to both heal and expand his mind and in that art, was an image of two Dodge’s. Which Rufus admitted was an outright memory of that fateful night, one that was he was trying to reconcile, and once the horror that the wrong person went into the Black Door settled into Bode’s heart, he pressed Rufus for more details.

Which didn’t exactly reveal the identity in question, but was still important none the less, since Bode will be able to properly confirm the discovery that Kinsey made in this tale. Because she decided that the time had come to learn more about Eden and her ties to Gabe, and why she was acting so strangely and thanks to a boatload of alcohol at a party, she was able to get her uncomfortable answers, courtesy of the Mind Key. For the instant that Eden passed out, Kinsey went into her head, and after learning a great deal about Eden’s past… she found an uncomfortable corner of her memory boutique, with Scot’s help of course. One that showed her the truth about what happened to Eden in the caves and the truth about Gabe for that matter as well, and just like that… Kinsey and Tyler and Bode are aware that Dodge survived and the first two know that she is using Gabe to play them all, and it will be quite interesting to see what they do with this information. 

Because they could confront Gabe immediately and let the battle and the games begin or they could take a moment and observe their enemy and uncover Dodge’s weaknesses and the details to her overall plan. But while we wait to see what comes next after this discovery, we can most certainly celebrate a delightful and engaging tale. Because it was a true treat to watch Kinsey unravel the mystery of Dodge by using her fears as a strength and it was equally as amazing to see Scot support her in this quest and it also doesn’t hurt, that the fast-moving plot in this tale, still found a way to celebrate something positive. Since Bode and Tyler’s journeys served to remind us of the power of kindness and sadly… that might be the last time we enjoy some lighthearted and uplifting moments this season. Because clearly, with the Dodge out of the bag, things are going to get ugly as she works to get the key she wants, and hopefully our heroes can outmaneuver her and defeat her at last. Until next time.  

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