Red Band Society: Season 1/ Episode 5 – Overview/ Review (with Spoilers)

Overview

Hope is in short supply this episode and, because of that, people are getting desperate.

Review (with Spoilers)

Despite the MLB having their own network, it seems Fox is going to make it so this is the last episode of Red Band Society until November. Which sucks since between Charlie and the Emma love triangle, we are left on a cliffhanger. Though a little break won’t hurt, especially since it gives us time to fathom what may happen based off this episode’s events.

For more on “So Tell Me What You Want What You Really Really Want” look below.

Topic 1: Dash’s Talents & Background – Dash & Kara

Summary

Kara seeing Dash get a pager, and moving up on the waiting list, has her now caring about Dash’s existence. For with her low on the list, any method to move up for her is pertinent information. Thing is, Dash isn’t willing to give the information easily. So Kara offers to have sex with him and oddly that was turned down for access to this residential building. One which, ultimately, he didn’t want to get into to find someone, but to make a graffiti moral to be remembered by. As if someone wouldn’t eventually discover the mural and paint over it.

Commentary

I honestly thought when Dash was looking into this apartment building, due to stereotypes, he was looking to find his father. Which I know is messed up to say, especially since I’m Black, but with us not hearing a thing about Dash’s parents period, it does lead you to wonder if maybe he was missing one? Truth is though, like most people at the hospital, it seems Dash comes from a well to do family since his dad is a political science teacher. No information on what his mom does though. However, what makes this whole plot matter is we get to see a softer side to Dash, and while he still seems like the odd character out, him wanting to be remembered, and him bonding with Kara, hopefully means a stronger investment may come.

Topic 2: The Emma Love Triangle – Emma, Jordi, and Leo

Summary

After the whole “Let’s Be Friends” speech, it seems neither Emma nor Leo can commit to it. For with Emma jealous over Leo’s relationship with Kara, and Leo jealous over Emma’s relationship with Jordi, both admit with a kiss they are still into each other. Thing is, while Jordi has made claims in the past he just wants to keep things simple, he has entered the race for Emma’s heart and seemingly he and Leo will go at it in the future.

Commentary

Something I find curious about this show is how the kids insult each other. For while they don’t outright go for the groin, they do insult each other as you would expect normal teens to do. For example, when Leo is getting on Emma’s nerves when it comes to teaching Jordie to drive, she mentions how Leo can’t really drive like most people anymore since his right leg is gone. A serious low blow all things considered.

Though when it comes to the love triangle, honestly I’m not interested. If just because it demotes Emma to being a prize and with her still not seeming to progress when it comes to fighting her own troubles, I find her story focusing on these two boys annoying. For while I don’t expect the show to get deep into medical terminology and focus solely on these kids recovering, at the same time I was hoping it wouldn’t devolve into your usual #Team vs. #Team nonsense.

Topic 3: Wiggle Your Big Toe – Charlie & Nurse Jackson

Summary

With Charlie’s situation seemingly not improving, the case managers for his parents’ insurance are ready to move him to a long term care facility. An issue for Nurse Jackson since she promised to be there when he wakes up, back when he was still awake, and it leads her to desperate measures. The type which could get her fired. Though, all things considered, with her not following a court ordered restraining order against Nick seeing Charlie, she could have gotten fired for more than just putting Charlie’s name on someone’s blood sample. Which, well who knows what may come of that since we are given 0 information on what the properties of the blood are. However, with 48 hours before Mandy (Susan Park), Charlie’s mom, and dad Nick (Thomas Ian Nicholas), figure out what may happen with Charlie, perhaps using any means necessary to get him to stay is called for.

Commentary

I don’t watch the program this is based on, Polseres vermelles, so I can’t say whether Charlie may wake up after all this or not, but I think it is obvious he isn’t going anywhere. Especially because of his connection to everyone and since he is the narrator of the show. But between us delving into his life, and Dash’s, I must admit I’m increasingly perturbed that we are still getting nothing on Nurse Jackson. Well, besides learning her first name is Dena which could very well just be something I missed.

Things To Note

1. With the way ratings are dipping on this show, especially compared to ABC’s new shows featuring an African American lead, I don’t know if Red Band Society may make it to season 2.
2. Apparently, when Leo went under for his last surgery, his mother was getting a case of cold feet about it. Perhaps not on the level of Jordi’s mom, but perhaps part of his empathy for Jordi was because he had a mom which was thinking about not being there for the moment it mattered most.