‘Pantheon’ Recap: ‘Zero Daze’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

This is a spoiler free article for Episode Five of ‘Pantheon’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say, that mankind has quite the complex relationship with the truth. Simply because… we know what it means to us, and we know its importance to us. To the point where we preach that we should offer it to others at all times and chase it when we have concerns to enjoy a clear mind and clear conscience, but we don’t really abide by that. Because we lie, plain and simple. Sometimes for reasons that are kind in nature, but often are not, and of course… we fear chasing the truth. Simply because we know the pain it can bring us and others when it is put on full display and uncomfortable in nature.
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But despite the trouble it brings and our efforts to avoid it, we always chase it, and we eventually spill the beans, because that is what is the right thing to do. But in that moment, when it is in front of us and there is a lot to unpack regarding it, it is shocking and hurtful and devastating at times and that particular moment and how we deal with it is top of mind today, simply because it was put on full display in the next episode of Pantheon on AMC+. A feat that ‘Zero Daze’ accomplished by putting Caspian in quite the tough place. After all, he was still reeling from the discoveries he made during last week’s episode and well, that prompted him to make quite the important choice.

In that, he could either play the game and see where this little chess match would take him, or he could take the reins of his own destiny and dig deep on the truth regarding what was going on and well… he chose the latter. Which led to some stunning scenes for certain. The kind that saw Caspian work hard to have agency and control and eventually, that brought him face to face with the truth in a harrowing manner and well… that brought about the key exploration in question. For the truth was downright shocking to say the least and he handled what will indeed change the course of his life in ways he never thought possible… in a bold manner. And that moment was also was epic and powerful enough, that the plot in and of itself has changed. Because let’s be honest... nothing will EVER be the same after that.

However, while that storyline alone could have carried this episode through and through, this episode still had more wonder to send our way. For Maddie’s story in this tale reminded us of the humanity that genuinely makes this series so special. For she and her mother and Cody… had to deal with the problems they ran into during last week’s tale and well, they rose to the occasion for certain and their push to create a true safe space for David and Laurie was genuinely touching and delightful to watch. Just because it reminded us of the good in our hearts and the wonder of family and how we lift one another up in said family, regardless of the odds and regardless of the situation that our family members are dealing with. 

But make no mistake about it, that big reveal and that big moment involving Caspian and the truth, did indeed overshadow the feel-good stuff. Simply because, this series is moving into a bold new direction, the kind that will keep us guessing as to what comes next and will undoubtedly bring forth some fine new commentary on the many topics introduced in this tale and well, that is going to make the wait for next week’s episode, quite painful for certain. Because this was just an amazing story through and through, one that genuinely blew us away with a twist for the ages, and in the end, all of this just reminds us… that this is one of the most original science fiction shows in years, courtesy of the fact that it is brave in how it tells its story. Until next time.

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