Summary
Multiple storylines start to merge in an impressive chapter. J.K. Simmons is spectacular as the broken husband, who teams up with his jovial neighbor to reignite some sci-fi antics in this heartfelt drama.
The premiere ended with Irene ready to step out into the alien world, more than likely meeting her doom, although a strange man found on the viewing platform floor changed all that. The stranger was, of course, Jude, who has since become a staple of the show, yet before he saved Irene from an unpleasant death, the teacher had written her husband Franklin a farewell letter. This letter wasn’t exactly a suicide note but is close enough.
In “Dear Franklin,” the woodworker discovers this troubling message and addresses its significance. Episode six ramps up the drama and delivers a thankful return to form.
J.K. Simmons is well-known for being a diverse and prolific actor, and in this episode the thespian shines, providing a tour de force performance as the loving husband who feels completely out of his depth. He explains to Irene that the letter has hurt him deeply and he’ll have to take some time apart to ruminate on its meaning. Since the welcome appearance of Jude into Irene’s life, she has become healthier both mentally and physically. The depression has waned, and her strength has only grown. Jude believes this newfound energy has upset Franklin, who doesn’t feel needed anymore, and the caretaker stirs the pot, creating fresh tension.
Meanwhile, the road-tripping trio stops off in a shady motel for the night. Stella’s subplot has really upturned this whole drama, unfortunately allowing for cliché and melodrama. The group split, with Stella and Toni taking one room and Nick the other. Stella overhears Nick chatting with a woman in his bedroom and barges in to find the American flexing an alien weapon (no pun intended) to the impressed floozy, using the glowing orb to levitate a bottle of whisky. This ridiculousness just adds to the jarring effect of the Argentine’s narrative. I understand the show wants to build an expansive and detailed world, but this underground cult doesn’t sit right with me.
Byron shows off his new toy to Franklin and decides to try to repair the broken alien portal himself. He hooks up the glowing orb with jumper cables in the hopes of restarting the teleportation device the old-fashioned way. This scene is the most obvious reference to Lost yet, with the two men staring down a tunnel, waiting for an explosion to take place, reminiscent of the hatch scenes from the first two seasons of that cult show. The renewed energy sends a shockwave through the local area, jolting the portal back to life and signaling to the Argentines their enemies’ destination. It’s a thrilling end to the episode, proving that the filmmakers are building towards something enthralling.
Other strands to the story involve the police’s inquiry into the suspicious drifter Jude, Denise quitting her scholarship, and Jude’s continued hunt for his father. The many subplots begin to unite, working towards one common goal. It’s refreshing to see that the creators have an endgame and that this mad tale might just all work out in the end. Night Sky has been a rocky affair, with a great episode following a poor one or vice versa. Hopefully, the series has found its footing now and can deliver a fantastic two-part finale to make up for earlier disappointment.
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