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“Poor Man’s Paradise” is not only a great title for an episode, it just so happens to be the penultimate episode of the season. And much like last week, we are again brought some heavy scenes and some dark turns in our characters stories. I really don’t know how it will all end, and I don’t know where this will leave us with season 4. I don’t know if there is enough time to actually give everyone a good send off, and I’m also kind of dreading next week. I can only imagine the fucked up shit we’re bound to get, and knowing the cruel fates of some of my favorite Wire characters, David Simon may have some depressing stuff left for us yet.

This week seemed almost like the second half to last week, in a two part series intended to make me cry. Nobody who wasn’t in the shit got out, and the few who are squeaky clean (Sonny, Antoine) could very well just be miserable with the drop of a hat. And with the whirlwind of bad luck that’s destroying Davis’ relationship and career, Janette’s hot streak at the restaurant, LaDonna’s bar, and even Terry’s face, there is very little hope for just about anyone in New Orleans. The episode takes its sweet time getting back to its feel good roots, and the last few scenes are some really devastating moments of tenderness and triumph mixed with anguish and loneliness. There is some phenomenal editing here, cutting back and forth between the good and the bad, and the show seems to want to pull our emotions back and forth on purpose. One minute we’re getting some progress on Toni’s case, and a small appearance with some beer at Terry’s sad trailer, and the next Annie is taking off for another gig in Texas, leaving Davis to contemplate just about the worst thoughts a human can think.

And what’s most effective about all of these tugs and pulls at heart strings is the acting. Obviously, every week the actors give outstanding performances (ones never actually recognized by anyone who hands out awards for these things). But if you mute the episode, and scroll through the hour, you’ll be hard pressed to forget some of the reactions you come across. Hell, the entire montage of interviews by Toni is just as effective without sound as it is with it. LaDonna’s transfixed gaze on the fire that engulfs her bar, Davis’ stare as Annie’s taxi drives away, Janette’s look at her empty pantry and fridge, Antoine’s joy at watching Jennifer play, LP’s satisfaction of writing his story; their expressions are all priceless, and really define the season. There is nothing more effective than people at the end of their ropes, ready to raise hell when they don’t get what they are promised.

Just look at Desiree and her quest to vanquish NOAH in the pursuit of justice. If you cross people, they’ll hate you for it. Or look at every person who works at the NOPD station. There is so much being conveyed without a single word being uttered, and their eyes gunning Terry down as he walks out is as downright chilling a message as you can send (other than arson). David Morse can’t seem to catch a break, can he? Although he takes it in stride, I’m sure he’s probably the saddest character on any David Simon show by far.

It may not be as immediate or large, but there is plenty of lingering dread and looming rain clouds for the finale next week. Maybe David Simon knew he was getting axed soon, and decided to write in this direction from now on. Will Delmond make the most out of the Jazz Center, or will it just be an Admiral Ackbar situation? Will we ever see Sofia again, and how much does she hate Florida? Will Sonny’s life become more watchable now that he’s married, or will he spiral again and ruin everything? Will Janette’s restaurant fail, or will Anthony Anderson save the day? Can Nelson stop the forces at NOAH, and can he sleep with any more women? Will Davis turn into a drunk, and will we see him drink with Aunt Mimi? My money’s on all of these things happening, but at any case, we end the episode and maybe the season with the image of LaDonna and the Chief together. That by itself raised the score by .5, and the final line is just as significant as any death on this show. I think the thing everyone on Treme, and us all in real life, need is just some quiet company. And more season of Treme, naturally.

-Jared