‘The Man in the High Castle’ Recap: ‘The Box’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

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When we last assembled to discuss the wonder of The Man in the High Castle, I made mention of the fact that the series has avoided really diving into the nature of what brings a rebellion to life, up until this final season. Which may have been intentional in its own right since the folks behind the scenes wanted to save the best for last, so to speak. But in examining that particular aspect of this series, I did fail to neglect mentioning another problem that the show has created for itself in that, we really haven’t seen an outright resistance to the JPS and the GNR just yet. I mean yes, there’s been loss and bravery and combat, but a genuinely successful fight to put an end to this madness has eluded us.
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But once again, this season keeps finding new ways to address long standing questions and lingering notions since ‘The Box’ in essence, gave us exactly what we wanted. Because this is the episode that finally allowed for the BCR and the Resistance to hit the JPS and hit them hard and well, I have to take a moment and give the story serious credit when it comes to building tension here. Because the entire setup leading up to the assault at the auction was incredible to say the least, to the point where I know my heart was thumping and well, it was equally as brutal since we saw losses on both sides. But the assault was a success and it looks like the BCR and the Resistance may have a new ally in always fickle Robert Childan.

However, while it was nice to see the good guys stick it to the jerks for a change, this episode also deserves praise for taking the time to restore the fire and drive within some of its characters. Because let’s be honest, Helen Smith had a tough season three, and she more or less crumbled under the weight of what the Reich and her marriage had become. So, it was quite wonderful to see her make the brave decision to return to New York, to be with her family and guide her daughters in their time of need and also, to surprisingly offer support to her husband. Because it would seem that she is aware of the nefarious forces and threats surrounding him and would like to protect him from them so that he can see his remaining children grow, and it should be interesting to learn what Helen has clued into, that her husband has not.

Yet while all of these elements were quite incredible and enthralling in their own right, none of them compare to Juliana’s journey in this tale. Because she too felt the need to handle unfinished business and spent a better part of this tale trying to figure out what the message was that Tagomi’s ‘spirit’ was trying to get to her. And what she discovered was that she was running from the fight, but not because she was a coward by any means, but because she was afraid. For she genuinely didn’t have a clue how to beat John Smith, and that led her to try and learn about her enemy by way of the good version of him and while that was a productive and wholesome conversation… it ended in tragedy. For a Nazi spy from her home realm attacked her and in turn, the good John when he came to defend her, ending a decent man’s life and leaving Juliana on the run, once again.

If anything, I really am digging how the character development is at its absolute finest this season. Because every single character out there is learning from their mistakes and working to forge ahead in their tough lives and that is just satisfying when all is said and done. But truly the most joyous portion of this tale was watching the bad guys get what they deserved. Because it is about damn time that we saw these evil empires suffer for a change and it should be fascinating to learn how the Japanese Pacific States handle this stunning attack and whether or not Childan will finally choose a side in this fight since he constantly waffles. Either way, this really was a great episode, one that makes it clear that the final season of this series is going to hold nothing back. Until next time. 

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