Maniac: Episode 8 "The Lake of the Clouds"

 Maniac: Episode 8 "The Lake of the Clouds" 

September 21, 2018

“The Lake of the Clouds” continues the storyline of the last episode, almost as if it were written as a two-parter. Once again, both storylines impress at times. The fantasy section remains the strongest as we learn more backstory and Julia Garner’s performance continues to be awesome, but the mafia story improved. Jonah Hill’s acting is not the greatest here (although I love his “Annie, I’m a hawk” line.) That story has some solid twists and turns regarding betrayal. I did not see this act of betrayal happening. Also, the episode ends on a sense of terror. GRTA, which is the pathology of Greta, does something you will never forget. I did not feel as if the episode is as well-paced, so it did feel a little slow at times.

In this episode, the mob story turns into The Departed. Owen’s dad believes that one of his brothers is the rat, but the true rat is someone you would least expect. He orders the cops to be murdered and Owen runs into witness protection. Many years later, he and Olivia are unhappy together and he jumps out the window, realizes he is under the influence of the C pill, and turns into a hawk. As for Annie, we learn what happens after she ran away. She also misses Ellie. The evil Queen Gertrude offers her an opportunity for her never to leave Ellie again…and she accepts. Also, Greta and GRTA have their own conversation to try and work things out. Yeah, this is not going to end well for someone.

Overall, a bizarre but solid conclusion to this two-parter. Emma Stone, Sally Field, and Julia Garner continue to do well with their characters. This is definitely a series to keep an open mind for, but I still continue to enjoy this weirdness.

My Grade: B+


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