‘The Mosquito Coast’ Recap: ‘Positive, Front-Facing Optics’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 205 of ‘The Mosquito Coast’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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One common belief that a lot of us share in, is that it is easy to just start over in life, and it makes sense as to why so many of us hold to this. Simply because the world is indeed a big place, and with a little effort and little cash… we can in fact, go wherever we wish and be who we wish to be. But what we don’t talk about or think about all that often when it comes to this mantra, is that such a move doesn’t mean that we will fully escape whatever it is that we are trying to leave behind… or the problems we thought would fade in our rearview mirror. For that which haunts us, never leaves us unless we truly take the time to resolve it to its completion. Which is why so many struggle when the past comes calling in their new home and that’s a fine lesson that Margot Fox learned during this week’s episode of The Mosquito Coast on Apple TV+.
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For ‘Positive, Front-Facing Optics’ saw the past come rolling into Casa Roja in a powerful manner. Because Isela has plans for this place and in order to properly execute them, she needed some outside help. The kind that Margot was quite familiar with. For one fine day, Richard showed up at Casa Roja, a move that left Margot… beside herself and rightfully so. For she truly believed she had outrun her past and escaped every last vestige of it by coming this far south. But this was proof positive that the past cannot be outrun, especially when so much of it remains unresolved and it was powerful to see Margot face it head on at last and oddly enough, deal with the reckoning that came forth from it. Because not only was Margot face to face with the man that helped to put her and her family on the run in the first place, but at long last… truths came to light for the rest of the family.

Because Dina made sure to listen in on Margot and Richard’s conversation, one that included an admission of what happened on that fateful night so long ago, which in turn… brought forth devastation in Dina’s soul. For now, she knew the lies her mother and father had told her, and how she and Charlie were put on a path they never wanted, nor were they ever given a choice to take a different one. For mom and dad just decided what was best, based upon a choice and dishonesty and that brought forth some powerful moments. The kind that explored how low Margot had sunk after dealing with the reality that she helped to take a life and of course… she had to deal with that reckoning from her daughter. Since Dina made it clear how hurt and frustrated and angry, she rightfully was, and who knows where the family dynamic goes from here now that it is in fact… shattered.

However, while it was incredible to see the past come back and haunt Margot, this story also took the time to build up future plot threads and give us some insight as to what’s really happening regarding Casa Roja. Which was explored via Allie in this tale. For Isela came to learn about Charlie’s little dust up with the poachers and that brought Allie and Isela before the landlord, who turned out to be Guillermo. Who made it clear that Charlie messed with men that worked for him and that such acts were dangerous to the future of Casa Roja, which was already under fire from nefarious forces. Which in turn meant that if Allie wanted to stay there, with his family… penance would need to be paid in full. Which of course, Allie agreed to. That sent him on a unique mission with Wild Bill to assault the senses of people eager to buy up Casa Roja to keep that from happening. A mission that of course went south because both men weren’t quick enough.

Which is a plot thread that indeed made it clear that Isela is carefully playing a long game to ensure Casa Roja’s security. One that could involve violence if Richard is now in her care, since we know that he has no problem crossing the line to get a point across. But while we wait to learn about her ultimate plans, we can celebrate what turned out to be a brilliant character study. One that truly put Margot in a tough spot and forced her to finally face the past and her transgressions and that’s huge. Because it’s something she hasn’t done, and it puts her at a crossroads. Where she can decide to finally own up and do better in the name of her family or collapse and let this whole mess wash over her, and it will be fascinating to see what she decides in the weeks to come, as this fascinating and powerful season of storytelling, continues along. Until next time.

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