‘Servant’ Recap: ‘Haggis’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 107 of ‘Servant’.
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When it comes to the power of loss and the trauma that accompanies it, it is commonplace knowledge that it is up to the individual, to finally realize that they can no longer stay within the pain that state of mental being produces, and that it is up to them to get better and find a way forward. As to how long it takes to reach that particular epiphany, varies from individual to individual since grief is a tricky monster for certain. But the expectation is that eventually, we recover and come out that experience as a stronger person and that’s why storytelling focuses so heavily on the road to recovery since it helps and inspires others who might be going through that exact experience, to continue to fight the good fight, in order to find their path forward.
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But the particular path we’ve outlined doesn’t happen for everyone out there. For some let the pain that comes from losing a loved one consume them, to the point where it seems as though they are forever lost to the world. And that unfortunate reality is what has made Servant such a unique series, since it has focused squarely upon this darker side to loss and trauma from day one. For the Turner family has done little to confront the death of baby Jericho and they’ve genuinely made great efforts to ensure they will never have to and that’s led to danger and darkness in their home. Leaving one to wonder if they will ever truly face the harsh reality that surrounds them, and it just so happens that the next episode in this fascinating series, makes an attempt to answer that question in quite the unique manner.

For ‘Haggis’ takes the time to introduce us to a friend of the family named Natalie, who was the architect of the ‘doll’ recovery plan and well, her interactions with Dorothy in this particular tale put her in a panicked place. Because she simply cannot believe that Sean and Julian are letting this unhealthy charade continue, and that motivates her to do something that no one else in the household is willing to do; and confront Dorothy about her situation and what needs to happen next. A notion that sends Julian and Sean into a panic because they’re happy with the status quo, and the fact that Dorothy has a child to care for, and they do their best to keep that rolling. Even going so far as to block Natalie at every turn when she attempts to reveal the truth to Dorothy that her baby is gone from this world. 

An act that oddly enough, they are successful at by offering up one hell of a lie about the baby that is currently living within the household once Natalie discovers its existence. But what matters more about this long, drawn out attempt to hide from truth and reality, is that it offers up a sour answer in regard to the question posed earlier. In that, eventually this family is indeed going to face their pain and the long road ahead, but not of their own accord. Because everyone in this household is an enabler and will do whatever it takes to keep their pain buried deep within their souls. Which means that when the truth does finally come to the surface, the recovery process will be an ugly one indeed and nothing in the Turner home will likely ever be the same. The greater question now, is whether or not we will be privy to it this season, since Sean and Julian are going to the extra mile to protect this mysterious baby. 

In the end however, this really was quite the fascinating character study for certain. Since it really did do a magnificent job of reminding us of how hard people will work sometimes to avoid the troubles in their lives and really, it will be quite interesting to see how far this denial can go before it finally collapses. But while it was lovely to finally see this matter return to the forefront of the story, we would be remiss to not point out the fascinating supernatural twist present in this tale as well. For this episode more or less confirmed that Leanne has some kind of power to resurrect the dead, since she brought that dead dog back to life after Julian beat it down. Which leaves one to wonder, if she has channeled Jericho back from the great beyond and well, the only way to find out for certain; is to continue this harrowing journey and see what others secrets it is willing to reveal. Until next time.

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