Stumptown: Season 1, Episode 3 "Rip City Dicks"

 Stumptown: Season 1, Episode 3 "Rip City Dicks" 

October 09, 2019 

“Rip City Dicks” is a reliably engaging episode of Stumptown. It does come across as a filler episode, but I mean that in a positive way. Characters are introduced and existing characters are developed in a way that will mean something further down the line. I found Dex’s storyline fascinating. She actually lost her case because of her vulnerability. She cares too much about the people of the cases that she gets involved with. That is what the experienced yet double-crossing PI Artie Banks told her towards the end of the episode. I liked this character (who comes across as a bit smug) who is played by Donal Logue. It is almost like this character was plucked from a noir setting.

 

Using her skills of persuasion, Dex convinces a veteran PI named Artie Banks to take her on as his apprentice. Banks seems to sympathize with and has some modicum of respect for Dex. Their first case together involves a messy divorce between real estate tycoon Randall Tapper and his wife, Candace. Meanwhile, Hoffman investigates Grey over his alleged ties with his former and now deceased partner, Jack. Dex and Hoffman uses each other for dinner and sex to attempt to retrieve information about each other’s respective cases. Dex’s investigation has a major breakthrough when Tapper’s girlfriend comes forward with a video proving his abuse. This is where Dex learns that Banks is playing both sides and she vows to go after him.

 

This was an entertaining episode with some fine character moments. I am definitely interested to learn more about Grey’s past. Even though Banks eventually shows he is corrupt, he does shed truth on life as a PI and how one becomes a PI…such as being an alcoholic. I am also curious to see how Hoffman and Dex react to one another in forthcoming episodes especially with Grey lurking. Even though this is a bit of a filler episode, it is worth watching.

 

My Grade: B+


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