‘Homecoming’ Recap: ‘Soap’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

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

When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Amazon Prime series Homecoming, we talked a lot about the structure of this particular series, and how it was a bold decision to shake things up by taking us into the past to reveal more about Alex and the fallout of season one. Because one would normally expect a second season of a story to be grounded in the future, where only echoes of the past come into play from time to time. But as it turns out, the past is something that is going to be supremely relevant to season two of this titular series. For the next episode of this saga kept us planted firmly in yesterday, in order to further explore what brought to us an awkward celebration at Geist HQ in the season two premiere.
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As it turns out, one of the reasons that a celebration was in order, was due to the fact that Geist aced their investigation by the Feds. Because ‘Soap’ reveals the fact that no one has come forth to complain about what happened to them at Homecoming. In fact, they all went their separate ways and some even returned to duty without any cause for concern. And that kind of fresh start, prompted Leonard Geist to decide that perhaps the time had come to return to the company to its roots. Because the berries were clearly dangerous in their own right, and if allowed to continue to exist, more problems could arise for the company down the line. A decision that startled Audrey since she thought now was the perfect time to move ahead with a revolutionary new product that could change the landscape of the world and she wasn’t alone in that line of thinking.

For Francine Bunda, a Department of Defense official, firmly believed that the berries and their unique properties were something that the DOD needed to be involved with, and while Leonard had no interest in dealing with the Federal Government again, Audrey was apt to listen to her pitch and offer to basically take over this project for Geist and make the company boatloads of cash in the process. Which in turn answers our questions in regard to who the new partner is that Geist is working with. But while this power play on Audrey’s part is cause for celebration between her and Alex, since this kind of promotion would make all of their dreams come true, trouble was brewing for them behind the scenes. For Walter was still eager to learn about what happened to him at Geist and he opted to take matters into his own hands.

Which means that he made the bold move to head down the VA office to obtain his medical records. For they would undoubtedly show him what kind of treatment he received after his return to the United States. But that proved to be quite difficult, since the office was only able to offer him a confirmation that he was treated at Geist and a promise to obtain the details of said treatment within 8-12 weeks. Something that he agreed to before losing his temper out of frustration, when he realized the exact info was inches away from him. A move that begins to bring us one step closer to the future. Because word of that records request gets back to Audrey and puts her in a panic, since this could jeopardize the contract with the DOD. Something that prompts Alex to take matters into her own hands and create Jackie in order to talk with Walter and that’s where we leave her in this tale.

If anything, this episode really does do a fine job of answering quite a few questions for us. For now, we know with certainty that Alex headed down that way to squash this Walter problem before it could become an issue. But what’s truly fascinating about this move; is that Geist never sanctioned it. Alex made the call, in order to protect the woman she loves and her own future for that matter as well, and that’s quite the fascinating twist for certain. One that shows us just how far some people are willing to go in order to enjoy a little comfort and security in their lives. But alas, while this fills in a great many blanks for us, there are still more mysteries hanging over this story. Such as how exactly Alex loses her memory and how exactly her meeting with Walter goes south. But considering the fact that she’s in his town and ready to bail him out, it won’t be long before we figure out what caused Alex’s plans, to fall to pieces. Until next time.   

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