‘Hightown’ Recap: ‘Chekov’s Gun’

3/2/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Monica Raymund as Jackie Quiñones in Episode 306 of ‘Hightown’ – ‘Chekov’s Gun’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘Hightown’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

It is definitely safe to say, that the third and final season of the brilliant and hit STARZ series, Hightown, has been nothing short of a masterclass examination regarding the human condition. Specifically, how causality is something that none of us can escape from, and how the consequences of our actions put us at quite the crossroads. Wherein we must decide to either change course and be free of the ugliness we’ve created or sit within the hellscape we’ve created and find peace there and well… what’s amazing is that it still has more to explore and say regarding this, as evidenced by this week’s brilliant episode of the show.

For ‘Chekov’s Gun’ did something that not every show does when it holds up a mirror to who we are. In that, it took the time to look at the benefits of our decision if there are of course any, and what choosing that hellscape path can transform us into. Which made for some powerful television, the kind that took us on an emotional rollercoaster. For instance, Osito’s storylines brought thrills and benefits galore. Since he and Charmaine’s teaming up allowed for them to carefully maneuver their way back into the game. Giving Osito the second chance he’s craved at being the sole owner of the Cape when it comes to the drug trade, because he didn’t give up. Granted, his goal is awful in nature, but there is something to glean from his determination.

Which is a storyline that was deeply contrasted by Ray and Renee’s journey. Because their choice to hold to one another and their toxic traits brought some ugly changes come to bear. All of which came to fruition by a series of downers for this couple. Largely thanks to the work of one Sergeant Alan Saintille. Because he was hellbent on solving Jorge’s case, to the point where even Frankie was basically offering to help out on the matter, and while Frankie played Private Investigator, the heat was turned up on Renee. For Alan dropped by her work to look for physical evidence, rattling her and leaving her worried about what was to come next, and even Ray found himself pushed to the limit in this particular tale.

Imani Lewis and Atkins Estimond as Charmaine Greca and Osito in Episode 306 of ‘Hightown’ – ‘Chekov’s Gun’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Because not only did he have to break it off with Sarah and endure embarrassment over her having the same aloof attitude toward sex as he, but she nearly lost her life when an attempt to bring in Owen went sideways during a traffic stop. Because Owen sniffed out that she was a cop, and plugged her and plugged the other officer, who did die in the line of duty. And while Owen was handled by his uncle Shane, the damage was done. Ray tasted failure again and then came to learn that Alan found the cleaner through Frankie’s intense investigative work. Leaving he and Renee in a dark place, one of their own creation… and one… that prompted a deeper journey into darkness. Since Ray crossed the ultimate line and agreed to side with the bad guys in the name of love and toxicity, helping us to understand that life ahead when we choose the hellscape, is downright awful.

However, not all the storylines about what comes next when we choose were grounded in dubious and dark truths. For once again, Jackie Quiñones demonstrated what good can come from choosing the right path. Because this whole episode, she was sharp and on point and almost brought in Owen with her quick thinking and great skills, and once that handled itself, she was able to dig back into Petey’s case and the other murders and that brought her to quite the surprise. In that, she needed more help from Detective Dolan down Fall Brook way to piece more of this together and while in his home, she came to realize… this detective had also made some poor choices and embraced the darkness, since he had the bayonet that Petey took as payment, giving rise to some worry about Jackie’s safety.

After all, clearly the detective is guilty for a lot of crimes, and showed no eagerness at being discovered. But nobody messes with Jackie Quiñones and gets away with it, and more importantly, her choice to be sober, and be better… helped her to possibly find quite the monster. A lesson that very easily speaks for itself via an episode that was indeed as brilliant as advertised. Because it explored a lot about who we become when it comes to causality and now… the stage is set for the finale. Where Ray and Renee will likely have one last chance to find redemption and where Jackie can lean into being a hero and with Alan at her side… might finally be able to bring some peace and harmony to the Cape, and it will be interesting to see how all of this comes together when Hightown conducts its curtain call… come next week. Until then.

Watch ‘Hightown’

0 Comments