‘American Rust: Broken Justice’ Recap – ‘Light Me Up’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Jeff Daniels as Detective Del Harris in Season 2 of ‘American Rust: Broken Justice’. (Photo Courtesy of Dennis Mong/Prime Video.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘American Rust: Broken Justice’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One unfortunate truth we don’t like to discuss when it comes to new chapters in life, is that… they’re not always what we expect them to be. For they can in fact, take us in a vastly different direction than we expected to go, one that isn’t bad but is shocking in some regards. Or… they can turn out to be an outright failure and offer us strife we hoped to avoid. So perhaps… we keep those realities a secret to keep people from feeling fear or hesitation in starting over and going for that new chapter we desire. But we should in fact, speak of it… so people are ready when the surprises come, or they might struggle. As was the case in the next episode of American Rust: Broken Justice, on Prime Video.

For ‘Light Me Up’ saw many of the characters in this world struggle with issues they were not prepared for regarding their new chapters. In fact, it was really Grace that didn’t suffer in this tale. Since she was bold with Chief Park about his actions and even found a way to play nice (per Del’s advice), which gave her access to Steve’s plans, and she got paid. Giving her joy and agency at this point in time. But everyone else… dealt with hard times in their new chapters. For Billy still could not find peace or agency by pushing forward with his goal to become a marine. Since his PTSD continued to haunt him and hurt him and it pushed him to do ugly things to feel again and that led to some dark moments for him, the kind that have us wondering if Billy can and will find peace this season.

As for others, well, Lee obviously suffered by watching Billy hurt in this manner, and the fear surrounding her decision to help others, was strong. Because of the trouble it could create. But she saw it all as necessary to get truth out. Plus, poor Isaac dealt with the horrors of having his lover be in the closet and eager to hide his desire for Isaac. But of course, the real centerpiece of this theme, related to Del. Simply because… he was at a loss regarding what to do with his redemption case, next. For Vic disappeared, and with him… the recording lighter. Making it seem as though he had caught on, and was perhaps on the run and well, that meant Del couldn’t sit and sulk for too long, he needed answers.

Which once again brought forth trouble and concern regarding the bombing case. Because despite getting some intelligence and answers as to what was going on, Del was forced to step away to look into what happened to Vic, and that brought forth some surprises. Such as the fact that Fisher seemed to be checking on Vic’s affairs and hovering close by places that Del was taking the time to explore. All of which only added to the mystery of what happened to Vic. Which as it turned out… was the worst-case scenario. For Vic actually gave that bartender Grace’s number, and that was to get Del’s attention… so he could discover Vic’s body. 

For Fisher did indeed do him in, and he even got hold of the recording device and opened it up, not to mention… things actually managed to get worse for Del from there. Since Angela tailed Del and discovered he was up to something unique, courtesy of an admission from Cynthia. Giving rise to a juicy cliffhanger and a story… that truly hammered home its point regarding new chapters. Since sometimes they bring out old traumas or lead us to the wrong people and the wrong places, and that’s life, and the only way we deal with them is to adapt and learn and do our best to come out of the other side stronger and unscathed, and it will be interesting to see how everyone handles that as season two of this engaging show continues along. Until next time.

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