Ozark: Season 1/ Episode 3 “My Dripping Sleep” – Recap/ Review (with Spoilers)

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Ozark continues to improve as Ruth’s family plays a bigger role, a potential love interest seems possible for Marty, and the FBI arrives in Ozark.

Getting The Most out of Ozark: Marty, Wendy, Trevor, Roy

Trevor (McKinley Belcher III) makes his presence known and reveals Bruce worked out a deal with the FBI. Something he tries to convince Marty and Wendy to take, but they stick pretty close to their story of innocence. This is fine with Roy (Jason Butler Harner), for he only wants to land a career-defining arrest. Considering how loose-lipped Marty’s family is, it shouldn’t be hard.

But while Marty has the FBI following him, Del’s people and the Langmore kids are messing with Wendy. Something she fights back on, in terms of the Langmores. But what she focuses on is finding a job. She hones in on working with Sam (Kevin L. Johnson) and getting the houses he sells to look presentable to buyers. Something Sam’s mom usually does, but Wendy blows her talents out of the water.

Speaking of blows, while Rachel Garrison’s place is doing better and while helping Marty wash some money, it isn’t enough. Leaving him racking his brain for another business to use. Of which, the only thing he discovers is possibly using a church.

Commentary

Writing this topic, I realize how little of an investment I have in Marty and Wendy’s problems. Especially when detached from Ruth. Though, I should note that I find Marty and Rachel’s interactions curious. If only because I can fully imagine those two getting together. For while Marty is married, I don’t think there is any chance of reconciliation there. So, despite him obsessing over the next business to use to the point of insomnia, I think Rachel may have the chance to wiggle into his heart.

Speaking of love affairs, Trevor and Roy being exes seemed to come out of nowhere. However, it could also be that we just don’t get many men like them who are gay. So, while Trevor, in the last episode, seemed offended by Roy wanting to do this Ozark thing alone, who’d guess because they weren’t your typical partners? That is, beyond partners on the force but formerly life partners. 

Potential romances aside, as much as I’m borderline indifferent about Wendy, I just want to see Linney thrive. It is kind of weird seeing her play second fiddle, especially since I grew accustomed to her as the lead. So I’m hoping with time she breaks away from being an accessory to Marty’s story. Even if it is just petty back-and-forth with the Langmores and helping Sam, she has her own thing.

When The Student Becomes A Master, She Kills The Teacher: Ruth

With uncles like Boyd (Christopher James Baker) and Russ (Marc Menchaca), someone has to be the smart one in the family. To some surprise, that technically is Wyatt. But he has better plans than being trapped in Ozark all his life—plans Ruth seems to have faith in. However, with her being trapped there, she is going to make the best of it.

Starting by demanding more out of Marty for keeping his secrets, for while he mouths off about his money openly, it still isn’t known to every last soul of Ozark’s underbelly. Meaning, there is still a score to get. However, what makes Ruth smart is that she is thinking long-term. Two uncles who buy girl Bobcats after she tells them not to touch the money will always drain her funds. She needs a real long-term gig.

So, the plan is to learn how to money launder from Marty. Surely, he needs help, right? Hell, it isn’t like she couldn’t be a cultural translator and help with the locals. But, once the student becomes the master, she plans to kill Marty and take his money. Though, for this plan to work, she has to do more than guilt him into giving her a job washing dishes.

Commentary

I’m starting to believe Netflix’s general plan for their shows is to Trojan Horse new talent. What I mean by that is, like seen in Glow, Orange is the New Black, and I’d even argue they did this with Girlboss through using RuPaul, developing talent who can be reoccurring on their network. Ultimately, this creates what could be called synergy.

For “Ozark,” I see Julie Garner, who was also in The Get Down, as the person being molded to helm, and perhaps star, in a future Netflix production. Since, I’d argue, she is the only reason to watch this show at this point. I’m sure there are a lot of Jason Bateman and Laura Linney fans, but their names are just the lore to me. Garner is the one who will truly be remembered when all is said and done.

I won’t say to the point where this will be considered a breakout role, but one of note. A show part of the foundation needed to turn her from a familiar face, likely famous for her curls, to a real headliner. Which I’m just hoping won’t be through a Madonna biopic. Though, that seems like it could be Garner’s destiny.

Question(s) Left Unanswered

1. Do you think maybe Wendy’s master’s degree is in interior design?