‘Kin’ Recap: ‘Episode 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the series premiere of ‘Kin’.
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Something that we don’t talk about enough in everyday life, is the power of the moment and that is unfortunate. Because the fact of the matter is, a single moment can change the course of our lives in ways we never thought possible, and if we took the time to ponder upon the power of said moment and talked about such matters openly with those, we love, our lives would likely be in a wondrous place. For we would take time to think about what comes next in regard to every decision we make and that would allow for us to indulge in them without worry or concern or strife. But while some would correctly argue that there is no way to know the outcome of any particular moment, there are definitely some, that we would have control over, and taking charge of those, would give us great peace.

If anything, this concept is of concern today, largely because it serves as the focal theme of the first episode of the new AMC+ series, Kin. For the series premiere of this dynamic new show, introduces us to a family that has mastered the art of examining the moment and with good reason. For the Kinsella clan, while well to do and seemingly peaceful, make their fortune through drug dealing for the powerful kingpin Eamon Cunningham. Which makes pondering upon every moment and every choice, imperative. For one wrong step and they could cross their boss and endure suffering untold. But if they make the right choices, and properly understand the moment... which they have on a consistent basis, they can enjoy peace and joy and when we catch up with them here, they’re enjoying just that… despite dealing with some strife with the boss in regard to a plucky and troublesome new dealer named Caolan Moore.

In fact, their restraint is nothing short of stunning. Since Moore has harmed their people and cost them out of pocket with damages. But they genuinely look ahead when it comes to this scenario and weigh the gravity of every single moment to understand what would happen if other paths were chosen, which makes it seem as though… this is nothing more than a cautionary crime drama. One where we finally meet some decent criminals for a change that aren’t power hungry and eager to conquer the world. A notion that is further reinforced by the arrival of Michael at the Kinsella homestead. Since Mike has seen some rough times and just got out of prison and he seems hell bent on keeping his nose clean so that he can reconcile with his daughter and potentially live a normal life. To the point where he is willing to wash cars at the family’s car dealership to prove to the courts, he is a good man. 

But while it is indeed wonderful to dive into a story that explores the positive possibilities that can come about from taking a moment to pause and think about the moment before we act upon it, this is a crime drama of course, and not every member of the Kinsella clan are willing to stop and think before they act. Which allows for some troublesome and heartbreaking moments to take place in this tale, the kind that remind us, that anger and fury and living in the darkness of any particular moment can bring about great suffering and strife, as evidenced by Viking Kinsella’s journey in this tale. Since his desire to act upon notions of honor and power, lead to all kinds of disaster, to the point where the Kinsella family will never be the same and well, in the end… this is one powerful way to kick off this fascinating new series.

Because crime dramas simply don’t offer up this kind of examination of the human condition in the slightest since they are often eager to focus on the violence and the darkness that we harbor within. So, to find humanity in this tale is downright refreshing, as is its lesson on acting on impulse and not taking a moment to ponder upon our consequences. Since that adds incredible gravity to a story that is clearly going to become quite grave and unsettling in the weeks to come, largely because the course of this family has now been altered by a single moment and a poor decision on Viking’s part and well, that definitely leaves one eager to continue the journey. So that we can see what the fallout will be from that harrowing ending and if this family can maintain its integrity in the face of incredible adversity. Until next time.

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