My Review of Grotesquerie: "Coordinates"

 

Written by Ryan Murphy And Jon Robin Baitz And Joe Baken 

Directed by Alexis Martin Woodall

Lois (to Sister Megan): "Let's get the hell out of here."

Closing into the half way point of this season, this episode might be the one where Lois seemed to nearly have her shit together. Granted, not really at the start of the episode but it's amazing what a little progress can do.

I mean she attended an AA meeting with Eddie, who talked about his own problems with booze (along with his stripper past) and yes, it did seem like an affair was brewing with the two of them. Even Merritt clocked it when Eddie was assigned to be her bodyguard by her mother.

It's Merritt who also helped give Lois a spring in her step by getting that puzzle box open. What was in it? Oh just coordinates fir both Lois and Sister Megan to follow into the middle of the freaking desert. Not to mention, a nice dose of Hellfire to boot. I'm not joking here.

Yes, the desert was ablaze but it was more to do with a gasoline disaster than a biblical one. Still, it didn't stop a geologist from mentioning Hell or a mystery old man Lois encountered talking about the abuse of the environment and having to go through a fire. It's heavy handed but an effective scene between two characters.

Then there's some good old fashioned Catholic guilt that can be added into proceedings. Sister Megan got her way with Father Charlie and instead of relishing the experience, it made her feel guilty instead. Lois did try to rationalise the whole thing but then this episode ended on a different note.

A mystery naked and burnt woman popped up out of nowhere with both Lois and Sister Megan letting her into the car. Was she really trying to escape from Grotesquerie as she implied? Or was there something in Sister Megan's earlier musings about the coordinates leading to a trap? It's likely both, isn't it?

- Father Charlie is doing online spinning classes as a side hustle. He's also not tending to those sores on his back properly. 

- Nurse Redd has started recording Lois in order to get power of attorney over Marshall. Eddie can make a tuna wiggle, which doesn't sound particularly appetising. 

- Standout music: Both Lois and Sister Megan were singing I Don't Know How To Love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar and there was David Bowie's Let's Dance at the end of the episode. 

- Chronology: I know it's meant to be present day but Lois's house phone is old as is Sister Megan's computer.

I liked Coordinates a bit more than the previous one. The radio singing with Lois and Sister Megan took me aback but it was a lighter moment in a continuously dark show. The lack of promotion for next week does make me wonder what the hell they're planning with the two of them and that woman they've picked up.

Rating: 8 out of 10