‘Lodge 49’ Recap: ‘The Door’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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What comes next? That’s a question that has plagued mankind likely for the entirety of its existence, simply because we thrive on notions of the future and we are constantly wondering what tomorrow might bring. Which sounds a tad ominous in its own right, because when life is rough, and we are struggling to keep our heads above water, tomorrow might bring more sorrow and pain and that doesn’t sound appealing in the slightest. But there is a flip side to that. Because when things are going great, we simply cannot wait to see what waits for us come tomorrow, since there is a fair chance that more joy and fulfillment is just around the corner, and that really is a wonderful place to reside mentally.
 
But let’s be honest, life is tough, and it likes to throw more curveballs our way than we care to acknowledge and that tends to keep our minds on alert in a more negative fashion. Because we brace for the worst in the hopes of being prepared, and this is something that is amplified for folks who have experienced great trauma or loss. For it’s quite difficult to find the sunlight when the universe has hurt you so, and this is precisely why we see the tough journey on display in entertainment because the struggle is far easier to dive into as opposed to more positive things and that’s why I continue to praise AMC’s Lodge 49 as often as possible. Because this is a series that always examines both sides of the proverbial coin that is life and as it turns out, last night’s season two finale, felt the need to focus on the bright side of things and examine how sometimes, what comes next for all of us, is nothing but joy and wonder.
 
Because everyone was just in a magnificent place in this story and with good reason. For everyone came to learn that The Scrolls are real and getting out of town allowed for everyone to clear their head and gain perspective on where their lives are at and where they could be going, and that brought nothing but sunshine into their worlds. And the first lesson that ‘The Door’ taught us about the wonder of happiness, is that it is damn infectious and those who are content, love to share happiness at every single turn. For Ernie took the time to buy Dud’s car back for him after the two of them received a promotion at work all in the name of being a good friend who wanted to return the favor to Dud since he went above and beyond to keep Ernie’s spirits afloat a little while back. And speaking of Dud, he too took the time to pay good deeds forward by working with the landlord at the strip mall to give Blaise a second chance when it comes to his business and it was just beautiful to see everyone coming together like this and spreading the wealth whenever possible.
 
Yet while those wonderful moments would have been enough to carry the entire episode, because who doesn’t enjoy watching every character in this story smile and bask in happiness, the infectious euphoria present in this tale was enhanced further by a unique exploration. For this finale also took the time to point out that sometimes the good that infects our lives, doesn’t have come about by way of acts or physical gifts. Sometimes it comes about when our minds are in a healthy and peaceful place and for proof, look no further than Liz. Because she finally found some serious clarity in this tale since she came to realize that she’s a damn fine leader, and that maybe the time has come for her to carve out her own path when it comes to the business world, and that it was okay for her to indulge in a little self-care and things she enjoys once in a while. And as an added treat, Liz wasn’t alone in the epiphany department, for Scott also found himself in a good place mentally in this tale since he came to understand that sometimes he’s a little too closed off and goal driven and that’s cost him wonderful moments like the ones he shared with his friends in Mexico and that prompted him to relinquish his title as Sovereign Protector and hand it over to Ernie and it was wonderful to see both of these characters find the sense of peace they’ve been searching for all season. 

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​But in my humble opinion, the most beautiful moment in this particular tale involved Ernie and Dud. Because the conversation they had right before Ernie was crowned as Sovereign Protector was powerful and moving and thoughtful, simply because I didn’t expect Dud to speak to something we really don’t talk about when it comes to happiness, in that; sometimes the joy is difficult to maintain. Especially in regard to folks who have suffered through trauma and loss. Because folks who experience that, want someone that they’ve bid farewell to, to be present to see them grow and thrive and it was sobering to see a television series explore something so intimate and relatable. For sometimes we really do want nothing more than to share every wonderful moment with those that mean the most to us, and that’s sadly, not always possible. Which is why we need to cherish and hold onto every single beautiful moment that comes our way, so we can call upon them when those darker days arrive.
 
Yet while was it was wonderful to see everyone grow in this tale and enjoy the proverbial salad days; this finale also deserves some serious credit for doing a great job with the mythos surrounding the Lodge. After all, the last of El Confidente’s visions came true with the swim that both Liz and Dud enjoyed since they were indeed islanded in an ocean of stars, and of course the whole mess in England is getting more intriguing episode by episode since clearly, there are some nefarious and selfish forces at work within Lodge 1. And of course, that ending was something to truly behold. Because not only did we finally get to see Liz set foot in the Lodge at long last, it resonated with her in fascinating fashion and watching Dud essentially slip through the framework of our world to end up back where he started leaves us with more questions than answers about the mysterious door that shares the namesake of this episode.
 
Which is why it is imperative that AMC renew this series as soon as possible. Because you cannot leave the audience hanging like that, not when so many mysteries have yet to be unraveled. But there are bigger reasons as to why this series deserves a third season and that’s because Lodge 49 is hands down the most important show on television right now. For this series explores aspects of the human condition that most shows are afraid to dive into, and this one does it in realistic and open fashion to the point where the audience instantly connects with these colorful characters and honestly, I’d like to think that this show is helping folks who have lost loved ones or feel like they’re stuck, to heal. Because I know it’s helped me deal with a few monsters that are rattling around upstairs and a television show that accomplishes that kind of feat is rare and beautiful and needs to see its story come to a logical and cathartic end and I do hope that AMC renews this one quickly, so that we can continue to indulge in this beautiful journey with Dud and his magnificent family. Until next time.    

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