‘The Man in the High Castle’ Recap: ‘Hitler Has Only Got One Ball’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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I have to admit, that I was supremely excited to start the next episode of The Man in the High Castle. Because after four long years of waiting, revolution has finally come to North America, and that opens up all kinds of possibilities for this normally harrowing tale. For now genuine hope is a real possibility for this world, and others might be inclined to rise up against the Reich and put an end to this nightmare, and that level of powerful storytelling potential is what ignited my excitement in the first place and it just so happens that ‘Hitler Has Only Got One Ball’ did not disappoint in the slightest when it comes to taking this story to places that it has never been before.
 
Take for example Inspector Kido’s journey in this particular tale. Because the end of the Empire’s reign in California, prompted him to reflect upon his time in the bay area, and how he was harder and colder than perhaps he needed to be. Which was quite the revelation to say the least since guys like Kido tend to not ponder upon ugly deeds, they do them and move on. But clearly seeing what the occupation did to his superiors prompted him to look at life differently, as did the current situation with his son. For his baby boy was now in the hands of the Yakuza and it was up to him to set that relationship right. But sadly, a father/son reunion will have to wait for a bit, for an unexpected side effect to freedom is making Kido’s life difficult. For people that suffered under his rule opted for a measure of revenge once the Empire made its exit. And while the BCR was willing to save his life, it wasn’t for heroic reasons since it would now seem that Kido is going to stand trial for crimes against humanity.
 
But while that was fascinating in its own right to watch, the long reaching impact of Japan’s withdrawal from the Pacific States slightly overshadowed Kido’s plight. For this motivated Juliana and her rag-tag band of rebels to begin the process of making contact with Helen while the Reich is distracted and that’s honestly a sound plan. Because as expected, the Reich is licking their chops at the prospect of conquering all of North America, which is chilling for certain. For no good can come of a ‘government’ that believes one race is the only race, meaning that the freedom everyone out west is enjoying right now might be short lived. But while the implications of what comes next are unsettling, there is the potential for some light to shine through these gathering clouds and it may beam from John Smith.
 
Because the walls are continuing to close in upon him when it comes to senior Reich leadership, as evidenced by the fact that Himmler sent Goertzmann to New York to escort John back to Berlin for a meeting on the Pacific States, and to complicate matters further, Hoover is making life difficult for Smith as well. For the smarmy spy is starting to uncover the fact that others are beginning to wonder if the American Reich can be beaten or will fall in the wake of the BCR’s powerful stand, and he’s finding this information out by spying on citizens of the Reich. Something that is unfortunately being extended to John since Hoover is determined to see this sham of a nation continue and he will undoubtedly use the information he’s gathered against Smith in Germany and well, John has quite the decision to make now. Because his trusted friend and confidante, Bill, made it clear that Smith could declare independence from Germany and Berlin couldn’t do a thing about it with all the nukes being stored in America. Which means that John is going to have a choose and side and fast, and this could signal his redemption.
 
But all drama and intrigue aside, it really was fascinating to see a world filled with hope for a change. Because the people of California are finally free, and it was quite incredible to see how quickly they gained that independence. But trouble is still on the horizon for the good people of California, for it won’t be long until the Reich makes its devastating move on the remainder of America and at this point, it really feels as though their fate is in the hands of John Smith, and that is unsettling to say the least. Because he still hasn’t chosen a side, and he still indulges in his dark side far too often and it should be interesting to see if John finally does the right thing or lets the power of a poor ideology consume him. Until next time.  

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