‘The Mosquito Coast’ Recap: ‘Dead Totems’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 208 of ‘The Mosquito Coast’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It really is amazing, what a single moment of inspiration can do for us. Because just like that… we feel as though we can take on the world and accomplish anything, and that’s largely thanks to the fact that inspiration really does offer objective clarity. To the point where we realize we need a change and need to act accordingly and really… the positive fallout of inspiration is top of mind today, simply because the Fox family was enjoying its wonder in the next episode of The Mosquito Coast on Apple TV+, and that made ‘Dead Totems’ quite the fascinating tale. Simply because… the family really did take incredible action after finding their inspiration last week.
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For Allie’s rebuild of Sandpiper for Guillermo’s nefarious purposes… not only gave him direction as to where he might be able to take his family, but it inspired him to buy time through leverage. Because he saw some interesting patterns in the data, the kind that pushed him out into the jungle to really understand how the landlord conducted his business and why it was so important to protect this land. As it turned out, Guillermo’s land is rife with ancient artifacts that he sells through black market channels, and he also… uses its private nature, to cut drugs with caffeine to benefit his bottom line. Information that Allie planned to use against Guillermo, all because Allie was inspired here to do more and take control, and oddly enough… this flash of inspiration, also made him a father for the first time in the course of the series. Because Charlie tagged along and that gave them a chance to talk and a chance for Allie… to console his son and help him in a time of need, and that was wonderful to see happen, at last. 

But of course, there was mention of the family being inspired here and Margot was no exception to that statement. Because she realized that Richard still cared deeply for her, and she could use that to her advantage and potentially give her family the freedom and absolution it desperately needed. Which motivated her to push and push hard to get Richard to explain what the plan was and to include her. Since that would give her enough to turn him over to the Feds. And when he refused, she merely pressed harder and even dug through his personal effects. For she would not be denied here, she would have her pound of flesh and well… her persistence eventually paid off. Because despite his reservations about including her in what appeared to be a supremely explosive plan… Margot was able to get him to include her, all because she too… finally found inspiration in getting her family out of this mess.

However, while that did make for some fascinating storylines for certain, they were overshadowed greatly by Dina’s actions in this tale. Because her ugly talk with her dad and her lack of freedom in general, prompted her to spend time with Adolfo to just… live. To see what the world happened to be like and look like and that brought forth some heartfelt and wonderful moments for Dina. Since she was treated right by Adolfo and was able to just… have a little fun for the first time in her life. But there was of course, more to her actions. Because it wasn’t enough to just get a taste of living, she needed to be free, and she revealed to her suitor in the most powerful way possible… that this was also a day designed to get her far away enough from her family… to run. Because her mother’s lies and her father’s ego, were more than she could bear, and they inspired her… to leave everything behind in the hopes of finally being free.

Which was… quite the incredible storyline for certain, one that truly saw Dina go the extra mile to get what she wanted in the name of the episode’s theme. But what’s equally as important and powerful here, is that she has taken an action that will rattle her parents. Because conflict aside, we can agree that Allie and Margot do care for their children, in poor fashion yes, but there is a love there and having it rebuffed in this manner will hurt and could potentially put a wrench in their plans. Which means it is going to be another painful wait for next week’s episode of this dynamic and engaging series. Since we are all eager to know what will come of Dina’s bold plans and the plans of others as we barrel toward the season two finale of one fascinating year of storytelling. Until next time.   

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