The Best of ‘Hightown’ – Season 2

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Episode 210: ‘Fool Me Twice’
Original Air Date: December 26, 2021

‘Just let me in.’
-Jackie Quiñones

Tonya Glanz and Monica Raymund as Leslie Babcock and Jackie Quiñones in Episode 210 of ‘Hightown’ – ‘Fool Me Twice’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

In this modern day and age of television, the season finale has taken on new life. For what was once designed to just neatly bring a season to a close or wow us with a cliffhanger has transformed into event viewing. Where big moments need to occur and where massive arcs are brought to a powerful conclusion. All so the audience feels ready and raring to go for the next season ahead and so the writers and cast and crew can move the story into new and bold directions. Which is why the STARZ series, Hightown, is of note. Simply because it is that rare show that defies convention and uses its season finales in a vastly different manner.
​
For series creator Rebecca Cutter saw an opportunity to offer up realistic moments at the end of a season. Where the bad guys aren’t always behind bars, just as it is in real life and where mistakes and ego can bring about conflict and confusion, and even sorrowful consequences, and where happily ever after doesn’t exist for the protagonist of the story. Because Hightown was always about being different and raw, and real, and that is why the season two finale is so important and easily the best episode that season two had to offer. Simply because ‘Fool Me Twice’ does all those things, and more, over the course of a single hour.

Take Ray’s journey for instance. Because what should have been a true redemption moment for him, ended up being a chaotic piece of storytelling. Where it became clear that his desire to manifest his way back onto the force was done without thinking twice about consequences or causality or the horrible missteps that came into play in getting there. Since he basically shoved Alan to the side and of course… ended up becoming Renee’s squeeze whether he liked it or not, because of his irresponsibility and this was… shockingly realistic. Because we see so many people do stuff like this all of the time to find their path and their agency and leave damage in their wake.

---

Dohn Norwood and Atkins Estimond as Alan Saintille and Osito in Episode 210 of ‘Hightown’ – ‘Fool Me Twice’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Of course, this story also deserves serious recognition for also pointing out that good only wins so often in this life. For while Frankie was behind bars at last and suffering quite a bit thanks to a vengeful Osito… Osito was back on the streets and ready to work. In fact, he was making moves and solidifying power and a future network with the New York supplier. Serving to remind us that there is always someone out there willing to step up and gain control because that’s what the crime world offers… power and riches to those who want to fight for it, helping us to realize that in the end, not much changed on the Cape by putting Frankie away. Plus the whole mess with Charmaine also helped us to realize… that people that cross that line will do whatever it takes to survive, to avoid seeing the inside of a cell.
​
But above all, it’s Jackie’s storyline that truly impresses in this tale. Because not only did she do the bare minimum here regarding her addiction, since she believed as so many do, that the bare minimum is all you need to recover, but she also… saw the penalties for not putting in the work. Because the loss of Charmaine and Leslie’s double cross… spoke to someone that in that moment, didn’t take their work seriously and didn’t think any more harm could come their way, at a time when they needed stability and caution to avoid people that take advantage. Who then of course… relapsed hard because of those ugly truths. A move that reminded us all too well of our flaws and the power of addiction and how we find our way back to its toxic arms.

All of which came forth courtesy of amazing writing, the kind that featured fleshed out moments and characters we can all find familiarity within and above all… it really was another revolutionary finale. Because in many ways, it also set the stage for what we are seeing play out in season three. For without Jackie’s stumble, there is no epiphany and redemption, and without Ray’s ego, there is no decision to potentially leave it all behind in the name of what he craves the most, love. And that’s just stuff we don’t see in season finales all that often and it leaves us ready to settle in and see how the story ends and how the case closes, tomorrow… when Hightown comes to an end.

---

Watch ‘Hightown’

Powered by JustWatch