‘The Afterparty’ Recap: ‘Ulysses’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

John Cho as Ulysses in Episode 207 of ‘The Afterparty’ – ‘Ulysses’. (Photo Courtesy of Apple.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 207 of ‘The Afterparty’. To revisit the previous episode, click here. Also, this piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, the series being covered here wouldn’t exist.
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One particular type of genre of film that people tend to flock to often, is the epic romance. Wherein star-crossed lovers’ cross mountains and oceans to try and be together, for their hearts crave one another and long for the connection they share, and we flock to these stories for some simple reasons. For starters, we’re all suckers for beautiful romances that revolve around where the heart wins the day and because… these are also perfect escapist stories. Since they present us with what we all wish romance could be. A genuinely magical and whimsical experience where we only feel joy and wonder. If anything, the majesty, and the escapist nature of these stories is top of mind today, simply because the next episode of The Afterparty on Apple TV+ showcased the highs and the lows of this genre.
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A feat that ‘Ulysses’ accomplished, by exploring what made this iconic FUncle the isolated and quirky man we met in the season two premiere, and well, it turned out… that an epic romance for the ages did the trick. One that was forged in tragedy when young Ulysses was part of the USO Tour in the First Iraq War. Since a dark day in the war, broke him and kept him from his love of dance. But Vivian was there to revitalize it and his heart and his passion for dance, and that led… to the love affair we know and love in this genre. Where Ulysses could achieve anything by being with and near Vivian. All of which celebrated the majesty of the genre, before deeply exploring some of its problems. Specifically, how it is a little too escapist at times. For we do see these stories ruin lives in the name of love and that’s not right, and that’s why this story took quite the turn. 

Because there was a real chance here for Vivian to leave Feng and start over with her children in the arms of Ulysses. But she came to understand that this was wrong, and she broke it off, and that led to Feng learning of the truth and pushing Ulysses away and just like that… he became the isolated world traveler we met in the premiere. A man that knew that his love for Vivian was toxic and being near her would cause more harm than good. But only returned to do right by his nieces. Or rather… potential family. Because this sequence posed quite the powerful question. Such as whether or not Ulysses was actually Grace’s real father since her age matched up with the love affair, all of which brought home a sobering side to these stories that they gloss over, while explaining exactly what Ulysses was doing with the glass. Since he intended to learn the truth about his genetic relationship to Grace for his own peace of mind. 

All of which, was a brilliant way to properly celebrate and criticize this iconic genre. For it really did showcase what makes the epic romance so special and where it needs to improve, and it did so in a very objective and thoughtful manner, and yet it still found ways to make us laugh to keep true with what this show really stands for. Courtesy of some perfect satire of the over-the-top moments that we sometimes find present within the genre, and let’s be honest… it’s John Cho that allows for this story to work so well. Because he uses his comedic and acting chops here to sell every moment with the right amount of humor and dramatic gravitas, and that made for one incredible story when all is said and done. One that also set the stage for the forthcoming season two finale. 

Because Ulysses’ story here, makes this crime suddenly quite personal and difficult for Aniq. Since he now harbors a powerful secret about the family and of course… he must figure out how to navigate this to get to the truth, and well… we may be closer than ever in obtaining that. Since Feng and Vivian are refusing to be interviewed, which brings suspicion surrounding them to a whole new level, and of course… the camera footage from the weekend, the kind that could harbor all kinds of secrets… is about to be seen at last. All of which is going to lead to a powerful conclusion to this tale. One that could potentially shatter two families forever when we finally learn, who killed Edgar… and why. Until next time.

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