‘Lodge 49’ Recap: ‘Moments of Truth in Service’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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One thing I absolutely enjoy when I’m starting a brand-new television series, is the anticipation and wonder that comes with seeing a new show find its groove and its footing over the course of the first few episodes. Because you’re simply in for quite a treat as the story tries out new things all while staying true to the plot points that it introduced in the pilot episode and anticipation and wonder are exactly what was surging through my veins shortly after I settled in to watch the second episode of Lodge 49, because ‘Moments of Truth in Service’ turned out to be an absolute delight.
 
Because this second episode decided that it was going to try and inject a wealth of humor into this story and it succeeded at that since I found myself laughing out loud often over the course of this hour and who knew that most of the humor in this story would have come from Liz’s storyline in this tale? Granted, that’s not meant to insult her, it’s just that she was such the straight arrow in the pilot episode that I didn’t expect to see her help generate some chuckles. But she did, and it was glorious and perhaps the highlight of the night for Liz was the Bank scene and her awesome one liners revolving around the loan agent she was working with, and how said agent, took out loans to go to school to lend money to others.
 
However, while Liz’s journey, and other moments helped to bring about some laughs. The mysticism that was present in the pilot episode was only further enhanced in this story since Ernie called London to start the succession process since he decided of his own accord that it was high time for him to become the Sovereign Protector and well, what we saw in London was just downright fascinating. Because in this part of the story, we came to learn that there are many Lodges all around the world, and that Lodge 1, has some strange traditions and I for one, am dying to know exactly why Jocelyn was forced to wear a blindfold when speaking to his supervisor. Was it because it’s a strange respect thing? Or did it involve something magical?
 
Time will tell of course, but all mystery aside, what made me truly happy when I watched this episode, is that it continued in the pilot’s footsteps and made sure that we received quality and relatable time with our characters as they just tried to make it through the day in some cases and it was quite lovely to see Dud experience some growth in this tale. Because he nearly slipped back into his old habits, which could have gotten him into some serious trouble. But he stuck with the Lodge, and he stood up to Ernie when it comes to the shady choice Mister Fontaine made when it comes to Dud’s membership fees and well, this was just a lovely little episode when all is said and done.
 
I really loved the fact that it found a way to increase the laughs this go round because the comedy was just delightful, and the chuckles didn’t just come from Liz, we also need to make mention of the amazing courtroom scene where both Dud and the man who bought his father’s house had an epic meltdown once the Judge declared it was lunchtime because that was also downright hilarious and well, this series is just shaping up to be something truly special. I can’t get enough of the quirky characters, and it’s provided me with just enough mystery to keep that part of my brain pondering upon on the possibilities down the line and really, it’s just turning out to be a beautiful character study through and through, one that features some fascinating human beings and well, I want more. So, that means it’s high time to fire up the AMC app, and return to the Lodge. Until next time.

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