‘The Mosquito Coast’ Recap: ‘Eulogy’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘The Mosquito Coast’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One particular truth about family life that few want to admit to, is that family life can be hard and painful and sometimes… it falls apart. And it makes sense as to why we don’t discuss this, because modern society values family deeply and the thought of a foundation of our society not being perfect and wonderful, is simply taboo in nature. But it is hard, and the difficult days can sometimes last for ages on end and issues within the family world exist, for one reason and one reason alone. In that, a family is made of up of individuals, who all have different needs and wants in life and when those come into play, struggles arrive and so does hurt and the potential split that we all fear. Which is a reality that makes it seem as though family life cannot be saved when things get ugly, but that is what makes family life so special and why we should talk about its flaws. 
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Because beyond our own individual beliefs and wants, we do share a deep bond with the people that gave us life and that we grow up with, and that bond is stronger than we give it credit and it does motivate us to forgive, provided of course… certain key things happen. Such as receiving a legitimate apology when ugly fights and ugly acts from those fight have occurred. Plus, we need to see action after that apology. The kind that informs us that they mean business and want to set things right and when we get that, all is forgotten, and a family can move forward stronger than ever. If anything, the truth about family life and how we bring it back together is top of mind today, simply because at long last… the Fox family dealt with just that during the next episode of The Mosquito Coast on Apple TV+.  

A feat that ‘Eulogy’ accomplished, by reassembling this shattered family at the resort that Richard had his eyes upon. Simply because Dina was there, and they had no knowledge of him or his plans. Which in turn, allowed for them to sit down and talk. Wherein apologies finally came forth, real apologies, and where Charlie was able to speak to his own frustrations about his parents and what he needed if the family unit was going to move forward as an actual unit. Which was stunning to say the least, because it never seemed as though this family would ever unite or move past their bad blood and lies. But in this moment, they finally found common ground and got through the first stage of the process. But the kids, and Margot for that matter, still needed to see that dad meant what he said and well, tragedy helped them receive that.

For the family quickly came to realize that Richard was here and was up to no good and that horrible things were going to happen once he decided to do his thing. Which prompted the family to come together and try and do the right thing and save this place from carnage and pain. Which eventually they did, with some scary moments in between. Since Charlie was scooped up by Richard’s forces and nearly hurt. Which prompted Allie… to finally spring to action and do his best to save his family and show them how much he cared. And wouldn’t you know it? He did just that. By keeping Margot and Dina safe and by getting Charlie out of that nightmare in one piece. Helping everyone to understand what they meant to Allie… shortly before this whole mess took a sorrowful turn. For Wild Bill inserted himself into their escape and critically wounded Allie, forcing this redeemed father to sacrifice himself to save his family. 

A shocking moment to say the least, one that was painful to watch because at long last, Allie had everything he ever wanted regarding family life. But not all was lost. For Allie’s hope after this fateful day was that the family reunite at The Mosquito Coast and enjoy their days, with peace and the joy they always sought and well, they achieved that and even set up Casa Roja 2.0. Giving this family all, they ever needed and the unity they craved, courtesy of earnest forgiveness and a sacrifice that will stay with them for the rest of their days. Which was also, a powerful way to end this tale, since in many ways, it felt akin to a series finale over a season finale. Whether or not that is the case time will tell, and it would be lovely to see what comes of this family in the days beyond this loss. But if not, then this was a perfect end to both the season and the story, wherein every character here grew and found some semblance of redemption and that made for one satisfying season of storytelling. One that truly reminded us that blood is indeed thicker than water, and the importance of recognizing that.

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