The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey season 1, episode 4 recap – “Coydog”

By Adam Lock
Published: March 25, 2022
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Apple TV+ series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey season 1, episode 4 - Coydog
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Summary

A return to form as Ptolemy gets his house in order and the series’ villains show their true colors. Great acting as always and some interesting family dynamics.

This recap of the Apple TV+ series The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey season 1, episode 4, “Coydog,” contains spoilers.

Read the recap of the previous episode.

A series about dementia that involves buried treasure and cracking an unsolved murder case, The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey is truly like no other. Episode four begins as the last one ended, with Ptolemy popping off floorboards in the search for Coydog’s fortune. With the help of Robyn, they retrieve a box that contains two coins and a key. Robyn looks disappointed, yet Ptolemy is over the moon with this discovery. As the title suggests, this chapter focuses on Ptolemy’s mentor and that precious treasure of his.

The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey season 1, episode 4 recap

Ptolemy explains why fourteen coins has now been reduced to just two. Telling Robyn how he liked to buy Sensia fancy things and helped with her cancer treatment bills. What he’s saved up over the years is safely stored inside his alligator suitcase, which he unveils to a surprised Robyn. She speaks of her mistrust for money and how it ruined her parents’ lives. These two make for such a great combination, it is a highlight of the show. Ptolemy wants to fulfil Coydog’s wish and use the money to benefit the local black community.

They meet with Dr Rubin once more to sign the final pieces of paperwork. Ptolemy continues to comically refer to him as Satan. He informs the doctor about Coydog and the traumatic events from his youth, which still weigh heavy on his mind. At just seven or eight, Ptolemy witnessed Coydog’s lynching. He recites one of Coydog’s many maxims and Dr Rubin says he must get his strength from the mentor. Talking of strength, Samuel L. Jackson is a tour-de-force as the ever evolving Mr Grey, this really is a role of a lifetime for the Marvel veteran.

The ending

Robyn and Ptolemy have a busy day, getting the coins valued and opening multiple accounts in the local bank. The recovering dementia patient is then visited by a city representative, chaperoned by two police officers. They inquire about Niecie’s complaint and the accusation that Robyn is swindling the old man. It is great how Niecie and Hilly are now the villains of the piece and they really do get under the skin, being so easy to hate. Ptolemy and Robyn head straight over to confront the deceitful family members.

Thankfully, “Coydog” manages to steer the series back onto the right track. After a blip, this is another interesting episode that explores family dynamics and allows for some further backstory on our co-lead Robyn, wonderfully played by Dominique Fishback (The Deuce). We’re in the home stretch now with only two more episodes to go. Will Ptolemy catch the murderer and spend his fortune before the drugs wear off?

You can watch this series with a subscription to Apple TV+.

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