‘Dispatches from Elsewhere’ Recap: ‘Fredwynn’

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 few weeks, AMC’s new series Dispatches from Elsewhere, has done a phenomenal job of establishing itself as the most creative and unique series of 2020. Because this is a show that defies convention at every single turn. Because there is no hook or gimmick when it comes to this story, just an unconventional plot structure that gives the audience just enough in regard to the mystery involving the Jejune Institute and the mysterious game and really, keeping the plot at bay, should send everyone to another network to watch another show. Yet, this one continues to entrance its audience and the true secret to its success; is its dynamic and powerful characters.
 
Because week in and week out, we have been treated to some incredible character studies, the kind that have taught us a great deal about the people that populate this colorful world and ourselves for that matter as well. For we tend to share in some of their traits. After all, there are plenty of us who shy away from the world and work hard to just get by like Peter, and there are those of us who are desperate to make a connection like Simone or we’re eager to make peace with the chaos of life, such as  Janice, and being able to relate to these characters and feel their plight is what draws us into this series. And thankfully, last night’s episode of this magnificent story took the time to continue this proud tradition by allowing for us to get to know Fredwynn in an intimate fashion. 
 
Which is a wonderful thing since Fredwynn has been something of an enigma on this series thus far. For he’s kept to himself for the most part, choosing instead to focus upon the vast conspiracy that seems to be brewing behind the scenes by way of the game and the Jejune Institute. So, getting to spend a little time with him was delightful since we were able to learn a great deal about this mystery man, such as… he’s about as smart as they come. For he was able to rattle off a litany of achievements early on in this tale, the kind that were impressive for certain and well, it didn’t take long for the story to make it clear that Fredwynn’s biggest asset, is also his greatest enemy. Because that juicy brain of his, is constantly on overdrive, and his overachieving ways pushes the others away, and oddly enough, how he interacts with other people is what became relevant to the study of Fredwynn.

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​Because in essence, Fredwynn struggles to make human connections, simply because he wants everyone to be on his level. And he’s so eager to get everyone on the same page, that whatever anyone else feels or thinks on any particular matter is in essence irrelevant. Because he knows he has everything figured out in his mind and the sooner he cuts through the small talk and the boring stuff, the sooner he gets to confirm his theories and show others the way. But thankfully, this episode made a point to teach Fredwynn that people don’t operate in binary. People need to understand you, and they need to trust you, and compassion is the key to making that happen and Janice was the person to properly teach him this lesson and that allowed for Fredwynn to achieve quite the wonder in this tale.
 
But before we get to that, we need to take a moment and discuss exactly what message this episode was trying to convey to the audience by way of Fredwynn’s journey. And in this particular tale, the message inherent here is that our journey through life is better and more fulfilling when we bring friends along, and that in order to make that happen; we have to be compassionate and open to those around us and that’s something we can all relate to as well. Because there are times in our lives where we close off to the world and the people that want to know more about us, for various reasons that are unique to the individual. But the longer the we do this, the more we miss out upon memory wise and it was lovely to see Fredwynn learn this all-important lesson and open up to his friends so that they could indeed share in a powerful moment.
 
Because it turns out that Janice had the key to finding Clara within her mind all along, and once Fredwynn was able to engender trust in her and teach her some of his skillset, the entire group was able to find Clara’s home and well, what awaits them beyond those double doors will have to wait for another time. But in the here and the now, we can bask in another beautiful tale about life and the roadblocks we throw up to keep us from living it to the fullest and oddly enough, one has to wonder if Fredwynn’s journey is going to signal a shift storytelling wise in this series, now that we’ve explored all of the major players. But that is perhaps the true beauty of this show, in that, it keeps us guessing and curious as to what will happen next and that will make the wait for next week’s journey an excruciating one for certain, since the mystery of Clara is about to be solved. Until then.

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