‘Night Sky’ Recap: ‘The Caretaker’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Night Sky’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Truly one of the most wonderful aspects of diving into a brand-new show, is the sense of discovery that accompanies the early episodes that we settle in to enjoy. For this is when we get to know the characters inside and out and this is also when the plot begins to present itself, and we also come to learn… exactly what the show stands for. If anything, that sense of wonder is top of mind today, largely because that’s where we are in our journey through the Prime Video series, Night Sky. For this fascinating science fiction tale isn’t rushing to the finish line in the slightest, allowing for us to reside perfectly within that sense of discovery through and through. 

In fact, the next episode in this story, ‘The Caretaker’, touched upon all three of the positive storytelling elements we just discussed. Since this is a tale that really helped to inform us just how strong the bond between Franklin and Irene truly is. For despite helping out with Jude and offering him a hand in friendship, Franklin simply didn’t trust the man in the slightest. In fact, he was so done with him, that he actually took the time to pull five grand out of his bank account to serve as a payoff. One that would help Jude get rolling and out of town so Franklin could reclaim his time with his wife and feel safe about who was living under their roof.

But the hurt on Jude’s face, combined with how well he handled himself around Irene, changed Franklin's outlook on the matter and that is what truly helped us to understand how much he loves Irene, since he’s willing to put a little risk into their lives if it keeps Irene feeling whole and as though a surrogate son is nearby. Plus, this is a move that informs us… that a great deal of the plot is going focus quite heavily… on redemption and reclaiming what this couple has lost to feel whole again. Since the move to keep Jude around speaks to a need to see someone leave their home on better terms than how things ended with their son. Adding depth and gravity to this plot, one that is also slowly building to more information regarding the portals.

Which was handled by Stella’s journey in this tale. Since it was made clear that she and her family, are protectors of these strange portals. To the point where they are often assigned quests by other protectors that exist in the world, and that is precisely what Stella was tasked with here. For she needed to find a missing person and enlisted Toni’s help in the matter, to show her the truth and to help her see what her future is likely going to entail, and this was… quite cool. Because this made it clear that this network of portals is quite the big deal and known by so many, and they can do far more than just transport a couple of sweet midwestern Americans to an alien world. Not to mention, they can also generate trouble.

Since the York's nosy neighbor discovered the backyard portal and well, it should be interesting to see what this discovery does for him and if by chance Jude is the person that Stella is now searching for. But while we wait for that resolution, we can bask in the wonder of another quality tale. One that continued to put the characters and the world-building at the priority list over anything else, and it did such a fine job… that this episode compels us to continue the journey. So, we can see if Franklin and Irene obtain their much-desired redemption and closure, and so we can finally come to understand everything we can about the portals and their purpose. Until next time.  

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