Summary
When They See Us episode 3 is a quiet, grim chapter in the Netflix series, only to serve a point of the impact the wrongful convictions had on these men’s lives.
This recap of When They See Us Episode 3 contains significant spoilers. Ava DuVernay’s Netflix Limited Series is based on the notorious events surrounding The Central Park Five in the jogger case. You can read our season 1 review of the Netflix Series by clicking these words.
When They See Us episode 3 deals with the aftermath of the unjust convictions. Ava DuVernay’s Netflix series moves towards the reality of when they leave prison, and the ramifications it has had on their lives. Part 3 uses prison visits, phone calls and then what their life is when they finally go back into the world that chewed them up in the first place.
Episode 3 is not dramatic or hard-hitting, but there is a grimness that surrounds, purposefully engulfing the audience in the characters’ state of mind, as they broach their now depressing world. Turning to religion, having a relationship, meeting new family members; part 3 makes it look like it is not real. And while everyone has a chance of adjustment, there is that gloom hanging over them that Korey is in Riker’s Island, battling it out in isolation.
Raymond Santana (Freddy Miyares) is the character that seems to have the most focus in When They See Us episode 3. He returns home to an almost different family and his understanding father trying to balance between his wife, the children and the lack of space. Everything has changed, but Raymond was not prepared at the restrictions placed on his life now he is a felon, marked on the sex offenders list. Job applications are a nightmare, and even when a job is available, it’s tainted with a minimum wage that makes him struggle to live.
Raymond exemplifies the system; serving time but once done, the outside world only forces you to serve more time. Once he falls in love, he wants more money so he can live with a partner, encouraging him to take the fall and deal drugs on the streets. When They See Us episode 3 sees relief in terms of the others attempting to embrace religion and making slow steps to reconnect with their parents, but Raymond fell short. And you cannot blame him.
When They See Us episode 3 was not the most impactful chapter in the limited series, but it is by far the most telling of what the corrupt justice system did to these men.
Our coverage of When They See Us season 1 does not end here. You can read the recap of episode 4 by clicking these words.
