‘Total Control’ Recap: ‘Season 2, Episode 1’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two premiere of ‘Total Control’.
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There was a time, where television shows about the inner workings of the political world were everywhere. Because there was a genuine curiosity from the public regarding how political systems worked and what the day-to-day operations of the government looked like and well, not only did audiences have some of their curiosities satisfied by way of these shows, but they were also treated to some inspiring stories as well. The kind that featured noble and gentle politicians, who were eager to do the right thing on a regular basis and work for the public and the greater good. But what is fascinating about these shows, is that they left the airwaves as quickly as they conquered them, and it makes sense as to why.

For a closer look at something that interested us, also prompted a closer look at the real thing and well… what we saw about real-world politics, was and remains something of a turn-off. Because we came to learn that politics is often a messy and egotistical business. One where the everyday person isn’t important, just polls and re-election campaigns and special interests and the party. But while our disdain for how Washington and the other governments around the world operate, killed a popular sub-genre of storytelling, there is still room for the right kind of political drama. Because with a little care, they could instead shine a light on what we dislike about politics and potentially get some conversations going about change and reform and it just so happens, that shows like that do exist and  a series that embodies those unique elements has returned to the airwaves on Sundance Now.

For Total Control is a series that serves as the anthesis to the traditional political drama. Since its main character, Alex Irving, is an everyday woman. One that wants to make a difference and shook up the political world to do so in season one, and it would seem that season two, is going to take her quest to a whole new level. For when we catch up with her here, she’s trying on a new party for size and is of course, revered and feared after bringing a Prime Minister down and well… it doesn’t take long for Alex to realize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. For her old rivals, are just as interested in the same games as her prior party played and that doesn’t sit right with her, especially when a trip home brings about some eye-opening experiences for her.

Since everyone in her hometown is suffering financially and from a resource standpoint as well. To the point where an old friend takes their own life in a horrifying manner, rather than face the indignity of losing his home and well… having to deal with that, and the arrogance of modern politicians, breaks Alex in a good way. To where she is motivated to run as an independent in order to really create change in the government, and that is a brilliant direction to take this series in. Since it speaks to the power of the people and how desperate we are for change and a champion of it and Alex appears to be just that. And it will be quite interesting to see the tough path that will await her as she navigates a two-party system that is eager to maintain a stranglehold. 

But what matters more, is that this season is going to offer the audience everything it wants. For not only does the audience get a character that isn’t some ambitious political mind eager to gain power, but having her go the outsider route, will offer up powerful commentary on what’s wrong with the system now and what needs to change, and that will make this a poignant and revolutionary season of storytelling. One that might also engender hope in our hearts that perhaps someday, someone like Alex will step up to the plate in our world, and actually tell it like it is and care about the people they represent, and this setup definitely leaves one eager to continue the journey. To the point where we all might be counting down the minutes until next week’s tale… so we can once again plunge ourselves into a refreshing universe where someone actually wants to bring about change to our world and to an ancient and outdated system. Until next time.

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