Damages – Recap & Review – It’s Not My Birthday

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Damages
It’s Not My Birthday

Original Air Date: Feb 22, 2010

Tom R. – Sr. Staff Writer
tom@thetwocents.com

The Tobin family keeps growing, and so do the questions.

Hardcore fans of Damages recognize the moments that require a level of trust. Since the first episodes, there have been “quick flash” moments that are left unexplained for at least three episodes. The opening and closing scenes in this episode are examples, as Patty has a visitation from Uncle Pete (sadly missed), who presents her with a birthday gift of a horse.

Ellen is also in the room, reminding Patty of the required responsibility. At the end of the vision, Patty realized she is partially covered in blood. It’s a little more “Twin Peaks” than the usual flashes, but it is an interesting move.

At a small graveside service, Winstone and the Tobins lay Louis to rest, as daughter Carol makes apologies for him and puts the blame on the investors. In the wake of the service, we learn how Louis was a surrogate father to Winstone. Joe has the mysterious envelope, which is labeled “Deliver to Patty Hewes”. Ignoring this, Joe takes it to Winstone, with the idea that it will lead to the hidden money. The name Stuart Zedeck is mentioned, and Joe asks Winstone to set up a meeting with him. Unfortunately, Zedeck is afraid of exposure with Danielle in the public eye, so he relays this message through an associate. We’ll just call him (Creepy Unnamed Associate, Season Three.)

Page 31 from the Patty Hewes Playbook of Deception: The contents of the Tobin home are put up for auction. Tom allows the family to review the belongings, saying they can review for items of personal significance. Carol cries over everything, Joe is generally indignant, but only Marilyn is looking to put up a fight for something on display. Tom keeps it on the block, but Patty calls Marilyn and returns it, meeting her privately at Louis’ grave. With gratitude in the air, she confirms Louis’ suicide, and tells Patty that Danielle had Louis’ baby. Getting her out of the country was not about money. It was about Danielle’s presence being divisive for the family.

The most subtle moment of the episode is one of the best. Tom and Patty meet with Gates and Ellen as Patty suggests a joint deposition of Danielle Marchetti. As Gates mentions the Medical Examiner’s report listing natural causes, Patty casually asks Ellen if she believes the report. Lesser shows would have amped up the melodrama, or at least thrown in some dramatic pauses. Damages avoids that, keeping the rhythm flowing until Ellen is caught off guard. When both camps move to break their joint questioning deal, Patty is locked out, but encourages Danielle to plead the fifth and stay silent.

New and returning characters add to the suspicion. Reporter Josh Reston relocates from West Virginia, where we left him last season. He is a new romantic interest for Ellen, but he is open about wanting a source in the DA’s office. Patty and Tom interview potential new associate Alex Benjamin, a cocky female attorney who leaves Patty on the fence. Carol Tobin is practically her father’s publicist, but meets with Danielle briefly, leaving the question of whether the meeting was as innocent as it seemed. Finally, Danielle’s daughter arrives, meeting Marilyn with a new air of mystery.

Flashing forward only provides more questions, as we see Tom crawling from his apartment, only to be dragged back inside. We see him bleeding as he makes a final phone call. Finally, we see him being thrown into the dumpster. More items to be resolved somewhere in the next few episodes.

Your thoughts? Drop in your comments or send me a note at: tom@thetwocents.com.