‘Mammals’ Recap: ‘Episode 3’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Mammals’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Prime Video series, Mammals, we talked at length about how people in relationships have a tendency… to hang onto someone that has been unfaithful for far longer than expected. In part because of the need for normalcy, routine, and comfortability. Since we are beings that hate change and cannot stand the idea of having to start over when we’ve worked so hard for so long for something we desire. But like it or not, there comes a point where we must make a decision regarding a toxic relationship. In that we can either hang onto what we have and forgive and try to forge forward… or let go and move on rather than endure more emotional harm.
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Which is precisely the decision that Jamie was forced to handle in the next episode of this series. For when we caught up with him, here, he was truly lost and uncertain of what to do next. In fact, the wise thing to do in his eyes… was to cover up his moment of anger for starters and just… try to keep the status quo going. In part because the restaurant’s opening was around the corner, but also to just… think. Because he was truly struggling to process everything that was happening and burying himself in his work seemed like the best way to handle that and escape the hardships that would come forth from having to make a decision. 

In fact, he buried himself so deeply in work, that he all but disappeared from Amandine’s life for a short while, so that all of his energies were focused into opening night and for a time… it truly seemed as though such a move was helping him. Because he was in control of the kitchen and able to please guests and cook and find passion, and he seemed to have focus and clarity at last. But that decision still hung heavy over him in this tale and as we’ve always learned in life, burying ourselves in distractions will only take us so far and eventually… that which bothers us will bubble up again and haunt us and that was most certainly the case with Jamie. For once the dinner service was complete… reality settled back in, and the clarity and focus disappeared.   

That meant, the decision had to be made, and fast. After all, Amandine was there for the opening, still supporting him despite their troubles and clues regarding the violin. And well… for a time it seemed that Jamie was leaning toward forgiveness and stability. Since he spoke to the wonder of her love and support and how that went into the decision to name the restaurant after their love and everything it stood for. That is until… he snapped and realized that this level of hurt could not be overcome and that so much had been thrown away in of the name of desire and who knew what else. Which in turn, prompted Jamie to just… let loose and embarrass her and leave her behind. Which is… a shocking way to end this episode. Since we are only halfway through season one and already, he’s done and off into the night. Meaning that something unique has to be waiting for us beyond this episode.

But before we learn what that is, we can once again, celebrate a story that is grounded in hard reality. Because this is the stay or don’t stay struggle that so many of us have experienced regarding infidelity. Since it isn’t an easy decision to just kick someone to the curb when there is so much history together, and it is the realism present here that makes this a powerful and compelling story. One who’s ending really does leave us eager for more, since there is now a real possibility that what comes after and how we pick up the pieces is what will be explored next. Of course, the only way to know is to continue the journey, so it is best we do that post haste… to learn what awaits this troubled and broken couple. Until next time.

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