‘Sugar’ Recap: ‘Starry-Eyed’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Colin Farrell and Amy Ryan as John Sugar and Melanie Mackenzie in Episode 104 of ‘Sugar’ – ‘Starry-Eyed’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Sugar’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
One unfortunate truth that most investigators are aware of, is that a fair number of crimes in this world, revolve around people who know one another. That means, that far too often, an unfortunate truth or a powerful disagreement, brings forth violence or concerning decisions that lead to someone being hurt in a multitude of ways. Where pieces must be put together when the dust settles, often times by family members, and well… that unfortunate truth is top of mind today, simply because, it was put on full display in the next episode of Sugar on Apple TV+. A feat that ‘Starry-Eyed’ accomplished by first offering the audience a touch of peace regarding several concerning matters that have been hanging over the show for a bit.

One of which is the fact that John Sugar has exhibited some strange physical behavior. The kind that has us wondering if he can function and if something is horribly wrong. But a visit to the doctor first thing, more or less revealed that John basically pushes himself too hard and is now suffering some fatigue related consequences and may have some psychosomatic symptoms plaguing him. But all he wanted to hear was that physically he was fine and once he got that, he got back on the road and came to discover that Davy’s desire to uncover the truth about him, went nowhere, as planned. For ‘Momma Sugar’ was nothing more than an actor who threw Davy off the track and with those matters resolved in John’s mind, he was eager to get back to work and that’s when that truth came to fruition.

Because Melanie came to see John, with concerns about a friend that Olivia spoke with ages ago. Simply because there was pain in that conversation, enough to raise concern and well, that allowed for more of that magical noir to come into play. For Melanie and John hit the streets to see if they could find anyone that recognized the mystery person that Olivia was talking to, and it turned out… that Melanie’s sheer presence brought them to the right person. Wherein the duo came to learn, that Olivia’s distressed friend, Taylor, called out Olivia for her activism against assault, because there was a monster in the family’s midst. For Taylor and Davy hooked up long ago and he used that against her, to demand she be with him again, and that of course… allowed for John to learn about Davy’s indiscretions and consistent abuse of women.

Which of course, prompted John to talk to Jonathan Siegel post haste. To get ahead of this and understand the rot present within the Siegel family. But that was no easy task, because Jonathan and his family were attending a special screening of an old Siegel film. Giving rise to star-studded moments for John as he waited patiently for a chat that did not take place. For in the midst of Jonathan’s Q&A, the news broke that little Davy, was an abusive scumbag and had problems reaching far and wide. Which prompted a heart attack for Jonathan and the reveal… that family was likely involved in this madness. Since Stallings had some harsh words for Davy on his way out of town, and the reveal of a specific trinket in his home, and a locked door… strongly indicated that Davy had Olivia kidnapped and that she’s hidden away in a gross and dingy basement.

All of which, sticks in line with that truth. For if Olivia was indeed aware of what Davy had done, she would not have stood idly by and let him continue, to cause harm. Especially since she was willing to kill in self-defense against individuals that took their own fury against women too far. Which sets the stage for a dark back half of the season. One where poor John Sugar will have to unravel the many ugly layers surrounding this family, the kind that extend to Melanie since she still has ties to Bernie. But while we wait to see what John uncovers, we can celebrate one amazing tale. One that really did offer up an old-school noir vibe, via the hunt for answers and via the little surprises along the way, and truly, it will be interesting to see what lies ahead now that John has some answers regarding what he is actually up against. Until next time.

---

Watch ‘Sugar’

Powered by JustWatch