‘Lodge 49’ Rewatch: The Power of Validation and Kindness

Written by John Edward Betancourt

How ‘Something from Nothing’ Reminds Us That Validation and Kindness Can Help Us Heal

“Do you guys know what ‘duende’ means? It’s what the flamenco call soul. It’s that real thing inside of us that can’t be faked.”
- Gary ‘Captain’ Green

Over the course of this Lodge 49 rewatch, we’ve examined some fascinating themes in regard to grief and loss and that’s led to some uncomfortable and powerful moments as season one has rolled along. After all, we’ve seen some of the characters at their lowest points as the pain in their hearts consumes them for a brief moment, or we’ve seen them dive deep into unhealthy endeavors in order to escape having to deal with their issues. And for that matter, we’ve even seen this band of broken people face more hits from the chaos that is life by seeing one of their good friends pass into the great beyond while they’re still trying to put the pieces of their own lives back together.
 
Which makes it seem at first glance that season one is filled to the brim with downers, despite the fact that important lessons and some beautiful moments have come forth from this grand exploration of loss and grief and trauma. And that’s why the next episode of this particular tale was so refreshing in its own right. Because ‘Something from Nothing’ really took a lot of what we’ve explored in the past seven episodes and applied it to something extremely positive. For this particular tale really did explore the beginning of the healing process and how validation and kindness from the people around us, sometimes brings out the best in us and that was handled by way of two key characters in this tale, Liz and surprisingly; Gary Green, aka… Captain.
 
But before we dive into Gary’s journey, let’s talk about Liz. Because this episode saw her take part in Omni’s bizarre management training program, one filled with buzzwords and quirks as corporations are wont to do. But none of that mattered to Liz, this was simply about the fact that she wasn’t just some drone, buried in the quagmire anymore. She was suddenly on the up and up, and she had value and worth in the eyes of corporate and that taste of validation allowed for her to shine and open up about her feelings and her experiences and it was just wonderful to see an inkling of the Liz that Sean and flashbacks have hinted at, and revisit an important an important moment in her character arc. One that truly did remind her that she is more and can be more and one that reminds the audience that our worth and our quality never fades, it only seems like it does when we are sad, but when it returns to the forefront of our mind… we can accomplish wonders.

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​However, while this was wonderful to watch in its own right, Gary’s arc in this tale was truly the centerpiece of the story. Because it covered so much. For it helped to remind us that the people we admire and see as legends, are still human beings, who suffer through tough times like the rest of us and need friends and a support network. Which is why it was so special to see Dud push Ernie to just spend time with Gary and get to know him because it allowed for this ‘legend’ to open up and reflect upon the parts of life he enjoys and that also allowed for Gary to have some fun for a change and feel as though he still matters. And while this segment of the story also speaks volumes to how validation of our humanity can help us to move forward since we no longer feel so isolated, the kindness that Dud shows Gary here is what matters most.
 
Because Dud really did everything within his power to make Gary feel like a person again. He wasn’t some failure, or real estate legend that people knelt before anymore. He was just Gary again, and a decent guy who lost his way, in Dud’s eyes, and that level of genuine kindness humbled Gary like never before and allowed for him to open up about his feelings and his lies as well and that also allowed for him to engender hope in Ernie and Dud. For his promise to make them rich and save the Lodge is something that they both needed to hear right now as well and perhaps the best part about all of the explorations in this particular tale is that they all tie into one important theme that has permeated Lodge 49 since its humble beginning in that; it’s the people around us that help us to heal and come back from the darkness.
 
Because both Liz and Gary were surrounded by people that wanted to see them succeed in this tale, and rise above their respective fears and insecurities and that kind of support really does wonders for us, as evidenced by the end result here and that really made this episode an incredibly uplifting affair when all is said and done. For this is the kind of story that leaves you in silence once it is over, because it prompts you to take a moment and reflect upon the good in your life and the people who make you happy and that’s something that few television shows are able to accomplish. Plus, we would be remiss to not take a moment and offer up a shout out to Bruce Campbell for his work in this story. Because he simply stole every single scene he was in with his acting chops and he really sold every powerful moment in subtle and honest fashion. In the end however, this is really a turning point for this saga, since it is about the road back from here on out, and it is going to be quite lovely to join Dud and his friends on a journey filled to the brim with healing. Until next time

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