‘Hightown’ Recap: ‘Great White’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Hightown’.
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What comes next? That’s an important question that most of us are going to ask ourselves at some point or another in our lives. Because life is pure chaos and constantly in motion and while we roll with most of the punches it sends our way, sometimes… it drops a big moment in our lap. The kind that outright changes everything for us, to the point where that question is a necessity to ask oneself. Because now we need to plan ahead for the new normal that surrounds us and really, that question is relevant to our discussion today… simply because it served as the focal theme of the season two premiere of Hightown on STARZ.
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For when we return to the cape in ‘Great White’, everyone we came to know in season one is asking themselves that question and some are finding some positive answers in regard to what lies ahead for them after some serious changes came forth in their lives at the end of season one. Take for instance Alan Saintille, for this proud officer of the law found himself in a bold new position in this tale, for he was named Sergeant of the CCINU at last and was overjoyed over this promotion. Since it likely meant he could now impact real change on the cape and continue disrupting the drug trade of this quiet little community and he wasn’t the only one riding on cloud nine in this tale and looking toward a better tomorrow regarding that all-important question.

For Jackie Quiñones… was finally sober. Thanks to the fact that she took the time to examine every tough moment she experienced in season one and asked herself what would come next if she stuck to a better path and the answer to her question… was a supremely positive one. Since sober Jackie, found warmth and value in keeping clean and sticking to a substance free life, and that also gave her newfound direction. Since she was now focused on her work with the Fishery Service and her liaison work with the CCINU and was eager to make a difference and wouldn’t you know it? She got her wish. For the death of a drug dealer and the death of three teens because of a potent new drug on the street that shared the namesake of this episode, allowed for her to go full time with the State Police to help in the investigation and now she will have a change to make impactful change on the cape. 

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But more on that in a moment. Because this is an episode that also informed us that sometimes, the answer to that question is quite sour in nature and the darker side of that was handled by Ray Abruzzo’s journey. For when we catch up with him here, he’s in a tough place. Because he’s still on suspension and he’s serving drinks at the very bar he was a bouncer at the end of season one and misery was flowing through his veins. Because this wasn’t the life he envisioned in the slightest and being away from law enforcement was eating at him. But this time away wasn’t a total loss, because for a brief moment there, we saw contrition from Ray, the kind that genuinely leads one to believe he might stand a chance at redemption… if he can get out from under his own shadow. Because his reinstatement hearing was a disaster, and he isn’t getting back to the force anytime soon thanks to his past, and that did motivate him to slip into some bad behaviors again and clearly, to Ray… the answer to that question is one that informs him that nothing, but dark days are ahead and there might not be any escape from this dark patch… and that’s powerful to say the least. Since it’s quite the realistic route to take for his character since the bad times sometimes only allow for us to see the dark clouds ahead and not the light behind them. 
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However, while it was fascinating to see where these characters are at and explore this next chapter in their lives… we do need to get back to that investigation. Because evil is genuinely brewing on the cape. For Frankie and his cousin Jorge are wasting little time in getting back to business now that they are free and clear of charges, and they made it clear in this tale… they want in on whomever is supplying Great White to the masses. Since it is powerful stuff that can make them a lot of bread and well… their desire to rebuild their empire could potentially bring our worst fears to life. For the primary pusher/suppliers of this powerful drug… is Charmaine. Since she is keeping with her promise to sell dope to ‘suckers’ on the cape and now that she’s met with Jorge, there’s a real chance evil can gain momentum and do real damage to the peace that Alan and Jackie are desperate to maintain.

Which means that more than likely, season two of this series is going to feature that grand battle between good and evil as Jackie and Alan work side by side to stop the Cuevas family from spreading their poison throughout the community and that is going to make for one incredible ride. But while we wait to see how that fight will play out, we can bask in the wonder of one quality season premiere. One that did a wonderful job of re-establishing what this universe is all about, all while ramping up the stakes and of course, growing characters we know and love and well… in the end, all this premiere does, is build up some incredible excitement for the rest of the season. Because at long last, we’re back on the cape and surrounded by relatable characters we love and adore and the challenges they are going to face both externally and internally are going to make this year’s adventures, incredibly worth our while. Until next time.

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