‘Lodge 49’ Rewatch: Rolling the Hard Six

Written by John Edward Betancourt

How ‘Zugzwang’ Reminds Us That Sometimes We Need to Take a Chance in Life

‘Zugzwang’
- L. Marvin Metz

Bittersweet is perhaps the best word to use in relation to this leg of our journey back through the wonder of Lodge 49. Simply because we are nearing the end of our time with this series once again, and that definitely evokes a sense of sadness for certain. Because this is a series that left the airwaves well before its time and knowing that we are once again going to discuss an ending that offered more unknowns than answers will be frustrating for certain. But at the same time there is cause for celebration as well. Because this segment of the series is staying within some supremely positive territory, since it is offering tips on what to look for to recognize recovery and what one can do to stay on track when you’re making progress in healing your soul.
 
Which is quite the amazing storytelling feat for certain, since few shows out there offer up actual tips to their audience, and it just so happens that the next episode in this magnificent saga has a few more helpful tidbits for us to chew upon as well. But at first glance, it sure doesn’t seem as though that’s what ‘Zugzwang’ is going to be about. Because there’s a lot of mundane present in this tale, and strife. Since everyone seems to be pushing for some kind of stability, which really makes it seem as though this story is going to revolve around finding balance and preparing for a stable future, and therein lies the trick. Because the actions of the characters slowly reveal that this tale is about something far more complex, specifically… how a sense of comfort while we recover can make us complacent.
 
Because at our lowest points, where it seems as though everything is falling to pieces and there’s no hope for tomorrow, we slip into full survival mode. And we do everything we can to keep going, all in the hopes of finding balance and peace. But when we find those things and the storm surrounding us starts to end, that’s when survival mode plays a dirty trick on us. For it recognizes the fact that we are in a safe and stable place at last, and since this is all it thinks we want and need, it demands that we stay there and truth be told, we listen. But while there is merit to be found in playing it safe and enjoying some chill moments, let’s be honest, that’s not us. We have dreams and goals and things that we were chasing before life got difficult and that setup allows for the big lesson to come into play.

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For in essence, this is a story that is designed to remind us, that when we find ourselves in that safe and dull space; we need to mix things up and take some risks. Because that’s the kind of bold action that helps us to feel alive once again, and it helps us to realize that we are still the same dynamic and bold individual that we thought we left behind when crisis struck and as an added bonus; we’re even stronger than we were before. Because we’ve been to hell and back and rolling that proverbial hard six and just going for it, means that we will likely achieve wonders and make some big things happen and we see that unfold by way of the journeys present in this particular tale.
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After all, Liz embraces this notion and doesn’t put up with any crap in regard to Janet. And because she is bold and unrelenting for the first time in who knows how long, she gets to learn the truth about Omni and nets a free trip to Mexico aboard a private jet. Plus, a similar result happens for Ernie and Dud. Because we see them embracing the mundane in this particular tale, despite running into their writing hero, and once they come to realize that they need to do something in bold in life, because they have nothing to lose and everything to gain, they light up with excitement. The kind that spreads to everyone as they assemble to head down to Mexico as well, and it is just wonderful and inspiring to see the characters teach us this lesson through their actions.
 
If anything, it really is wonderful to walk away from this one feeling inspired to go out into the world and take your own brave and bold risk. Because this tale really does help to remind us, that we’ve got nothing to lose by taking a chance and trying something bold, and as the next episode proves, who knows… going for broke might pay off in spades. But before we jump ahead, it’s best we truly celebrate one uplifting and hilarious tale. Because we also cannot forget that Paul Giamatti steals the show comedy wise as L. Marvin Metz in this one and well, it really was a true delight to go back through this joyous story one more time and now that it is behind us, it’s time to explore an important life lesson that we often lose sight of, and that is where we will pick up, next time. Until then.  

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