‘Dispatches from Elsewhere’ Recap: ‘Everyone’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Over the course of the past five weeks, Dispatches from Elsewhere has provided its audience with an experience unlike any other on television. Because few shows out there ever take the time to explore their world or their characters in the same manner as this series, and that has led to some genuinely beautiful moments for certain. For we have been able to see the world through the eyes of some dynamic and fascinating characters and spending time with them has allowed for the audience to experience great beauty storytelling wise, since these four individuals have offered up unique commentary on our world and the wonder present within it.
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But while it has been nice to enjoy an old school character study in an era where television shows move a breakneck pace as often as possible, at some point or another this story has to put together an endgame for its characters and its mysterious plot and last night’s episode of the series served as the perfect moment to allow for that transition to begin. For ‘Everyone’ saw our intrepid and unexpected heroes planning their next move in regard to their discoveries regarding Clara and after a touch of bickering, they all decided that the time had come to split up to accomplish two key goals. The first one being, to figure out as to whether or not Clara was actually real and in trouble. A task that Eve and Janice felt they could handle no problem. And while they ventured off to handle that, Peter and Fredwynn would try to figure out how the Jejune Institute put the game together and why.

But what made this little investigation so worth our while, is the sheer fact that it allowed for everyone’s unique proclivities and skills sets to be used in a positive manner. Take Peter and Fredwynn’s quest for instance. Because Fredwynn’s obsessive attention to detail and tenacity, and Peter’s ability to recall important facts and his understanding of how data works, allowed for the both of them to achieve wonders. For they were able to figure out together that a massive corporation owned the locations where clues to the game were residing and a quick stop by Peter’s old place of work, also revealed that the music playing in the background of these locations, was put together by someone. And a backtracking of that playlist led them to a central location, one that would hopefully offer up answers at last.

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However, there was mention of the fact that everyone was able to shine in this particular tale when it comes to their talents and that most certainly applies to Janice and Eve as well. Because Eve was able to use her vast knowledge of art to help this duo look for clues and Janice was able to call upon life experience and her proclivity for kindness to bring about results in their hunt and what they uncovered was equally as incredible. For they came to discover that Clara was indeed a real woman named Clara Torres and she once stayed at a mental health facility that Janice used in her youth to deal with postpartum depression. And that facility was now a lovely new apartment complex, and it was also the source of the playlist and that brought everyone back together for one tense finale.
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Because the group was being watched at every single turn in this tale. To the point where Fredwynn and Peter were harassed via phone whilst on the trail for clues, and Janice and Eve were being watched often by the mysterious businessman in the brown suit that loves chocolate milk. Which meant there was real danger waiting for them in the penthouse above and the state of that swanky pad only added to the tension. For it appeared as though someone was removed from this place in a hasty and violent fashion thanks to the state of the pad. But alas, this climax only brought about more questions than answers. Because the only clue within the walls of the penthouse, was a message on repeat, informing our friends that Clara was in danger. Meaning we will have to wait until next week to get answers and that’s not a bad thing by any means.

Because this particular tale was a wonderful opportunity to take four people who aren’t sure they have purpose and meaning in the world and give them exactly what they desire in life by having them solve a grand mysery. If anything, it was quite delightful to see every single one of these characters shine at last and accomplish wonders by simply being themselves, and now that their arcs have reached an apex, the story can indeed dive deep into the mystery at hand, allowing for Clara’s strange and winding journey to come to a resolution as we learn the truth about the game and why it exists. And this show’s ability to shift gears in this manner and still stay interesting and entertaining is a testament to its uniqueness and its brilliance, and it is quite refreshing to know that nothing, but surprises await us as we continue along on this incredible journey. Until next time.

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