Average Joe: Season 1/ Episode 1 “Pilot” – Recap and Review (with Spoilers)
Unveiling the complexities of ordinary people in not-so-ordinary circumstances, where loyalty is tested and boundaries are blurred.
Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Episode Recap
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After the death of Joe’s father, a small and quaint funeral proceeding was set up by none other than the nuclear family including the wife and daughter. Pretty typical situation until you meet this guys’ circle. A hardworking plumber and “Average Joe” must find out the hard way that his father was not all that innocent when Joe is struck down by a huge Slavic dude who speaks in the utmost violent tone with foreign words. Joe’s closest confidant, Leon, is able to come to the rescue, and after defeating the bad guys, they figure this would be an excellent opportunity to cash in on ten million dollars with an acquainted cop. The money Joe’s father, Teddy, allegedly stole from a Russian crime family alongside a Lamborghini is at the center of the whole ordeal. This pilot episode sets us up with multiple backstories adding much-needed depth.
Action Packed
In the opening scene of the pilot, Joe is taken aback when he spots his young daughter, Jen, unexpectedly accompanied by a charming young man shortly after his father’s passing. However, the boy’s true intentions become clear as he aligns himself with Georgi to manipulate and extort Joe, revealing the gravity of the situation. Joe’s fingers are brutally injured as the Russian goons attempt to force him to reveal the safe code. After a gunshot and a subsequent scuffle, both attackers meet their demise, and Joe successfully enters the combination into the safe with his close friend nearby.
Prior to this harrowing incident, Joe humorously tells Dimitri that he’d rather take his life rather than allow him near his beloved baby girl. As the story unfolds, the audience learns that Joe possessed knowledge of the code all along and was willing to risk everything due to his vehement disdain for the assailants, defiantly uttering the words, “fuck them.”
A Sad Day
During the funeral, Joe’s cop friend named Benjamin (‘Touch’) Tuchawuski is depicted as a typical dirty cop snooping through medicine cabinets in search of opioid pills, revealing his struggles with substance abuse. This behavior alone is astounding and speaks volumes about his character, as it involves invading the personal space of someone he supposedly considers a friend. Additionally, at the funeral, Joe is faced with bosses who put on fake smiles and cheerful expressions, expressing condolences for his father’s passing but still expecting him to clock in for work the next morning.
This dynamic creates an intriguing perspective on Joe, suggesting that he may have a tendency to be easily taken advantage of by those closest to him in his immediate surroundings.
Review
Highlight
Sassy Sistas’ – Angela and Cathy
Angela, at Joe’s urging, ventures into town to show support for his friend’s hardware store, despite its high prices. However, she encounters the disdainful presence of Leon’s wife, Cathy, who works at the store. This encounter further reveals Cathy’s lack of consideration and empathy, especially when remembering how she greasily switches out her condolence card at Teddy’s funeral with a more extravagant set of flowers. The audience can interpret this as an attempt to assert her superiority and feel better about herself and her contributions, particularly when compared to her modest bouquet.
On the other hand, Cathy emerges as a captivating character as she learns about the difficult situation her husband has gotten himself into. Her deep fascination with true crime becomes apparent, especially when a Russian gangster tries to threaten her husband’s life. Cathy’s exaggerated attitude and ever-changing moods make her a standout character, leaning towards unpredictability and adding intrigue to the story.
On The Fence
A Character: Multifaceted, Confused, or Complex?
As we delve into Joe’s complex persona in the pilot episode, one can’t help but ponder if the writers themselves have difficulty with defining Joe’s essence as an “Average Joe.” His submissive behavior towards his boss, coupled with his struggles with alcohol after the loss of a loved one and his strained relationship with his wife, presents a perplexing blend of traits. His resilience in enduring excruciating pain and pressure, even as Georgi inflicts harm and Dimitri betrays his trust, raises questions about the depths of his character. Is Joe a truly multifaceted individual shaped by circumstances, or do the writers themselves grapple with fully understanding who Joe truly is?
First Impression
“Average Joe” appears to delve into the lives of ordinary individuals, particularly focusing on the character Joe and his interactions with those around him. The show presents a mix of drama and intrigue through various storylines involving Joe’s encounters with a range of characters, such as his cop friend with substance abuse issues, the uncaring bosses, and his friend’s lurking wife with eccentricities and a true crime fascination.
The show explores themes of personal relationships, loyalty, and the challenges faced by everyday people. It portrays Joe as a relatable protagonist who may struggle with asserting himself and setting boundaries with those close to him. Overall, “Average Joe” seems to offer a character-driven narrative that combines elements of realism and unpredictability to captivate the audience.
General Information
This section Includes information about the Director, Writer, and Cast.
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Previous Episode: N/A |
Next Episode: Episode 2 |
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Release Date |
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Director(s) |
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Writer(s) |
Rob Cullen |
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Noted Characters and Cast |
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Joe Washington |
Deon Cole |
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Angela Washington |
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Leon Montgomery |
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Jennifer (Jen) Washington |
Ashley Olivia Fisher |
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Touch |
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Dimitri |
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Cathy Montgomery |
Cynthia Caye McWilliams |
FAQs
Why is Joe being pursued by the Russian mob?
What does both Leon and Touch want in exchange for their help?
How does Jen find out that Dimitri is dead?
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