#Robert Kamdar

[grande-caps]

The Cleaning Lady - Season 2

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[more-comfortable-in-hell]

Sweetening the Deal

David and Robert have had a long-standing business relationship, but this time, Robert won't budge on David's price hike.

So, David decides he has something different to offer him: Tony.

A collab with the great @helena-edits-in-real-time!

Read it on Ao3 here.

[lesbianmaxevans]

Are you here to say goodbye? No, actually, I want to stay at FastLane, working the floor as I have been. That’s not the deal Arman made. Arman does not speak for me.  

[Image Description: Ten stacked gifs from The Cleaning Lady.

Nadia: I’m here to make my own deal. I’m gonna work here and make commission on every bet I increase. Robert: Very well. I’m happy to keep you on the schedule. Nadia: No. I’ll make my own schedule. I need to spend time at La Habana. I won’t let years of hard work building that place go down the drain. One day, La Habana will be mine. Robert: La Habana should be yours. For now, they’re lucky to have you. As am I, in whatever capacity you see fit. Nadia takes a few steps towards him, and they shake hands.]

[kindredhearts13]

An Extremely In Depth Dissection of the Cleaning Lady, Episodes 6-8

Okay, I am sure I am going to inadvertently piss someone off by saying this, but it needs to be said: in a general sense, we’ve began to confuse romance with lust and sex. And while those things are not inherently exclusive and removed from each other, they all can and do also exist without each other. Television in the past few years, particularly shows surrounding younger characters tend to use sex as a cure all. A lot of times, it is contrived plot armor that, ironically, doesn’t actually add anything to the actual plot or story. It’s just used for sensationalism, whether it makes sense or not. Perhaps I’m in the minority of people that want earned interactions between two characters, or that want the ownership of a character’s sexuality to feel authentic to the character. there are many criticisms I’ve had and will continue to have about the show, but I will also be the one loudly applauding the writers and showrunners for letting the characters be authentic and human, and not simply doing what would be sensational or exciting with no genuine reasoning behind it. (i’ll discuss more of this below the cut.)

Let me be the first to say, I hope that the show never makes a major character decision purely for fan service. Because THAT is what kills a show. Let me use of one the most famous examples: Game of Thrones. Yes, that show was sensational in every bit of meaning- but the sensationalism was never the point of the show. The political drama and danger that it created was always the focus and always meant to be at the forefront. To the point that it dictated whether characters that we loved lived or not. It was when the showrunners lost sight of this and ran out of source material that the show shifted and became something unrecognizable. They gave into fan service with bigger battles, more sex, random out of character jokes that didn’t fit the person saying them and it tarnished what was once considered one of the greatest pieces of television we’ve had.

Whether or not we like it, whether or not we agree with every choice regarding two characters and their relationship, the show is not about the romance between Thony and Arman, That is a MAJOR part of it, but the actual show is about a woman trying desperately to save her family and the impact that has on everyone that comes into contact with her. Yes, it is technically an ensemble show- but there is ONE main lead- The Cleaning Lady- Thony. And the reason this show is so good and we care so much is in large part because the writers and showrunners understand what their show is about- as do the actors. Yes, there could be improvements and I’m sure they will come. But I do think we have to be realistic about what we’re going to see and support what we do have and do like so that we don’t end up losing it. Now that I’ve said my piece on that, let’s dive in.

This is going to be different than my typical dissections of the episodes. I feel that these last three episodes have all gone hand and hand in three parts of a whole. So, I’m going to be looking at all three and breaking down moments and thoughts that particularly stood out to me.

First, I want to discuss the pacing. As many of you know, I write fanfiction on the show. In fact, this show brought me out of a years long hiatus of writing any fanfiction at all. At the time, I was inspired to write because of the myriad missing moments I felt we had in the show- specifically between Thony and Arman. Now, while I do still find that I crave certain moments or scenes to give more context- I haven’t felt a pulled to write because I’ve found myself very pleased with how the story and its pacing has unfolded this season. I was, obviously, always a fan of the show- but this season, they’ve really found their stride and seemed to have really honed onto those quieter, more delicate moments that make the characters feel more real and personal. It’s something that I greatly appreciate and wanted to make mention of it before I speak on anything else. If the show is able to maintain this pace, I genuinely believe season 3 could be their strongest and potentially garner them more support from a larger fan base. 

GARRETT

To my pleasant surprise, Agent Garrett Miller has FINALLY arrived. It took a season and a half, but I can finally say that he’s a character I am becoming invested in and wouldn’t be opposed to seeing more of. Episode 8 was definitely his strongest episode, but I think that this last episode set him up for some really interesting development for the rest of the season.

I’ve said it before, but I genuinely think the biggest issue with Garrett’s character was never that he was a flawed FBI agent; rather, it was that he was so inherently rooted in his privilege on a show about people trying to make a way without privilege and protections. While it made total sense for him to not fully understand his privilege and agree with Thony’s point of view, it was a failing of his actual character’s design that he had a constant safety blanket last season, which led him to having no real consequences and coming off as extremely un-relatable. Last season, almost every personal (and professional) issue he encountered was handled within the matter of that episode. His ex wife that he cheated on didn’t want him around his son? He showed up at her house, made her laugh, and things were fine. He was supposed to be on a tight leash after his inappropriate behavior with a CI, but still did things without his superior or partner? He found some good intel, so they were able to overlook it. He gets someone deported and nearly gets Fiona deported, as well? He’s back on that “short leash,” but isn’t removed from any casework. Even him attempted smuggling of Thony across the border, his most selfless act last season, ended up impacting her more than him and he still suffered no true consequences. Not even with his boss and friend, who would’ve had every right to sever any personal relationship with him after that. There was nothing that actually made his character develop because he didn’t have to develop past the very clear safety net laid out for him. Then, this season, we met Maya- and it all changed. 

I was nervous about the introduction of Maya at first; thinking that we were just going to watch him win without actually deserving the win. Again. But to my shock, that didn’t happen. While it was sad Maya’s part in the story was reduced to something so small and we didn’t get to emotionally connect with her as much, outside of the lens of Garrett’s former lover, she did end up serving a greater purpose and meaning to the show. And not just for Garrett, but also for Arman. I wouldn’t say that Maya humanized Garrett, because he already was a believable human- just not a likable one; but it did ground him. Her presence rooted his character back into a sense of reality and served as an ongoing reminder of a constant consequence for his actions. She ended up in the messy situation she was in because of choices that he was a part of; and for once, this consequence isn’t just going away. Garrett is actually being forced to think and act differently, to take accountability, and face some hard truths about himself. I don’t know if it will last, but I certainly hope that it does. 

I enjoy the burgeoning friendship he has with Thony, and I think it would be increasingly interesting to see the push and pull of how he interacts with Arman in later seasons. I also really appreciated the way he was with Chris and Fiona. I don’t know that I would necessarily envision something romantic, but I would be incredibly curious to see a type of confidant relationship happen between Garrett and Fiona. It would be unexpected, but it would also have to be earned which would mean major growth for both of their characters to come to this place of mutual respect and understanding. I’m intrigued by the thought. 

I also appreciate the fact that he didn’t cross the line with Maya again, at least not physically. I worried that they would take the seedlings of growth we had and destroy it by having them be incredibly intimate with one another; but in reality, while you could feel the tension (and at times desire between them) we watched Garrett exhibit something that he isn’t known for: restraint. I genuinely enjoyed spending time with this version of him and I hope that we get to see more of this side of his character- because this is the side that’s going to make him feel more imperative to the show and the other characters. 

CHRIS

I am so glad that they have carved out more of this show and story for Chris, and I hope they continue to do so. I can truly see his character having such growth and a beautiful arc as we continue to watch him heal and struggle with that healing. I hope that they don’t just act like the whole Marco thing never happened, but I also want them to show us what it looks like when Chris feels like he’s regaining control of his life or actively choosing to live it. He’s so young, but so wise and he already exists as a type of anchor for the family. Fi choosing to not keep him as in the dark is something I wasn’t entirely expecting, but that I’m thrilled about- because it opens up a realm of possibilities. For example, with JD’s words last episode, one could wander if the next season of the show would explore these influences in Chris’s life. A JD/Garrett like presence vs an Arman. And while we know that Arman is a gentle giant, most don’t. And I can absolutely see Chris feeling powerful in the way Arman did by getting involved in this world. It would also serve as an interesting conflict for Thony and Fiona. 

Something that really struck me with Chris is just how much he genuinely loves Thony. They don’t have enough scenes together that are just the two of him, but she is clearly like a second mother to him. I would love to see more of their individual relationship more built up as the show progresses. Not only was Thony willing to take the fall for him, but Chris was going to take the fall for her. And from the beginning, he was able to see what Fiona could (or would) not- that Marco was hurting Thony. Again, I feel that with Chris getting older and being so perceptive of everything happening around him, that we are being led to more of his inclusion into Thony’s world. 

JD AND FIONA

I don’t have too much to say here, save for the fact that I enjoyed the awkwardness and juxtaposition of their scenes for Thony and Arman’s. While the latter’s were tender and intimate, the former were cozy and innocent. Incredibly sweet and safe, and felt warm compared to the coldness of what Thony and Arman were facing. It made me happy to see the fun loving Fi from older days make an appearance and to watch her feel so at home in this new space. I don’t get the heat from her and JD that I do with Thony and Arman, but I do get the comfortable warmth that makes me curious to see more. (I still am toying with the whole Fi and Garrett getting closer idea.) Fiona deserves happiness and joy, and it was just nice to see some of that “normalcy” in the midst of so much turmoil. 

Now, here’s my beef with JD. He is NOT wrong. Jas does need to be kept safe and protected, they all do. And yes, Thony’s decisions (particularly concerning Arman) have cost her some of that safety they had last season. However, JD is extremely hypocritical in acting as if Thony, alone, has made some grave error in protecting her family. He’s concerned about Thony, who is actively working with the FBI; but wasn’t he complicit in keeping a secret from the FBI- himself? I just feel like he’s doing a lot of finger pointing for a man that just rolled back into town. And the suggestion that Fiona leave Thony, when it isn’t like she’s been the one truly bringing danger to their doorstep until now, makes me really disappointed in him. He had no concern for Thony, and I get it- again, he’s a Dad first. But if they are all a family, them that includes Thony. And he needs to think of her, too. 

KAMDAR

I just want to say: THANK YOU WRITERS FOR LETTING NAVEEN ANDREWS DO WHAT THE FUCK HE DOES! I’ve said it from day one and I will say it again, let Naveen act and that man is going to act the house down. Robert is so terrifying and insidious and loves playing mind games, and I cannot wait to see him even more in action and wordplay next episode. He is becoming such a delicious villain. 

THE THONY AND ARMAN OF IT ALL

I think right now, we probably have the most interesting opportunity to watch the development of the relationship between these two. Something that I really appreciate about them is that they feel grown. They feel mature and adult, because they are. And they make decisions that are more calculated and thought out, like an adult closer to their 40s and less like one closer to their 20s. It’s something incredibly refreshing to see on television, and something that made shows like Breaking Bad (which I’ve often said has heavily inspired the style of this show) so intriguing. Part of the reason that I’m so excited about this pacing is due to the fact that we no longer have to do as much guessing with these characters and how they feel. It’s not so much that they’re saying exactly how they feel more than before- I mean, Thony and Arman are slow walking that communication bit- but rather, we’re getting to actually see it. We’re actively getting to watch the conflict they feel about their very feelings, and I love getting to see things like that- both as an actress who studies, does, and teaches this for a living but also as a viewer who gets to watch these people reveal themselves to us. Character work is my favorite thing, and I feel so much more connected to these two, in particular, this season than I did the last. 

While I’m sure to some it would’ve made sense for Thony and Arman to fall into bed by now and to say I love you, to me it makes perfect sense why they haven’t. Given the fact that the very nature of the show asks us to question what we view as strictly right or wrong, I highly doubt that the writers are afraid of Thony and Arman being perceived as cheaters. They wouldn’t have the show that they did with the subject matter that they do if they didn’t expect the audience to be more emotionally intelligent than that. We learned the very first episode that Thony feeling like things were out of her control sent her on a spiral of trying to make everything as perfect as possible to make up for it; so, why in there would she then do something that she would view as reckless when she’s trying so desperately to push out the recklessness of her life? 

That’s literally the point of her and Arman. He is something that is associated with this recklessness and lack of control that she has over her life, yet his very existence contradicts this stereotype he should represent because all he’s done is try to help her regain control of her life and feel free. He’s tried to be her anchor and she ended up becoming his.

What’s kind of magical about where they are right now is that Thony has allowed herself to view her relationship with Arman as something solid and not reckless, something that took the entirety of last season for her to do. She kept pulling back and walking away from him because she knew what not doing so would mean- and it would go against what she feels that she should be. Her own moral compass. Their interactions in Mexico opened the door for her to start considering what it might mean if she did accept what she was feeling and did allow herself to find comfort and solace in someone that accepted her exactly as she was; even so, she was still hesitant and pulling away. Her focus was then and still is Luca and her family; and though she’s starting to blend the line between Arman and her family as one unit (when she was having a panic attack in his car, she said to him: “Let’s go home.” then corrected it to, “I need to get home.”), she still is Thony. The perfectionist, the surgeon, the woman who has put everything she’s ever wanted and needed on the shelf for someone else. So, when we do finally see these two being so completely intimate, and sexual, and romantic all at once- it will be because she feels safe in that choice. Thony has no reason to feel safe in that right now. 

Arman is still married, even if his marriage is truly over. And he may love Thony but he isn’t ready to admit that to himself let alone to her. Admitting that would mean admitting that this life he’s trying so hard to win back from Kamdar, this world he’s given up his family for, isn’t actually making him happy. He’d have to confront Nadia’s insinuation that he’d never be fulfilled being the “hero” that Thony sees him as, and ask himself if that’s true. And if Arman is too afraid to tell Nadia that things aren’t right in their marriage, that he isn’t happy- why should be expect him to suddenly be more emboldened with the person that has literally captured his soul? Thony has come from a place of abuse in her previous relationship. A place where she was never enough, and never had the support she needed. while Arman has been there for her and showed her what that support has looked like, he also hasn’t shown her that she is enough. He iced her out when he went to prison and first came out; and now- even though he’s killed for her, he’s still making Nadia a priority. 

The other side of their relationship; however, is this level of understanding that’s passed between them. They don’t do a great job at saying exactly what it is they feel, but they have this way of silently understanding one another and that prompts more open communication between them and allows them to better understand the other’s needs. Outside of just noticing things about one another, like when the other needs comfort; they have this understanding that they aren’t just friends and that there is something deeper there. Or different, as Arman put it. Their worlds can no longer exist without each other, but they also are too afraid to intertwine their worlds the way that we all want them to. 

What I found most interesting about the scene where Arman returned the key card to Thony was that you could literally see the moment Thony shamed herself for allowing herself to feel. You could see her mentally calling herself reckless and stupid, and Arman trying to explain and fix things before she shut him down. Because she couldn’t face it, and she couldn’t fix it. And it broke my heart because we watched her be alone all over again and all I wanted to do was hug her and say “you are enough.” She took a very clear emotional step back in that moment, which was evident in how she delivered the news about Nadia to him in their final scene together. And I am so curious to see how they’re going to bridge that gap. Because in such a short time, she went from allowing herself to believe that she maybe would actually be able to find something real and genuine with a person that would love and support and accept her no matter the cost, to being hit with her reality- which is that Arman isn’t technically hers. And that line between their two families does, in fact, exist. That moment when the camera cuts to her after he yells at Garrett and uses the words “my wife,” was that first crack in that image Thony was building in her mind. And the keycard just shattered that little bubble even further. And it is delicious, regency era inspired drama that I am so excited to see unfold. 

This post is already ridiculously long (seriously, if you’re still reading- hats off to you), but let me close with saying this: When Thony and Arman do finally have their moment of pure passion and love and desire and romance, I am so excited for it because it will actually have been earned. This show is very much told through the lens of the female gaze, and because of that, I want Thony’s embracing of her sexuality to be authentic to a grown ass woman that is steadfast in what she wants. I want it to be empowering for her, I want her to feel safe and not regretful. I want her to associate it with her having control and power over her own body and desires, and not replaced with a few lightly satisfying shots that will be purely fan service. Thony deserves so much more. Her relationship with Arman deserves more. And I cannot wait to watch them reach that more. 

[enigmaticfox]

THE CLEANING LADY 2x07 Truth or Consequences ♪I can't get my head around it♪ ♪I keep feeling smaller and smaller♪

[windshield91]

- Arman plan was really solid.

''The irony or the crushing part is if Thony had just let Kamdar die, Arman [would be] able to get the medication and they wouldn’t be in any of this trouble.''

Showrunners interview

[chartreuseblueandyellow]

Shrugging casually, as if he didn't feel the weight of the man’s gaze piercing into him, Robert replied, "it was a last minute change of personnel. Surely you understand why I needed her to strip to prove that she wasn't wearing a wire."

Apprehension radiated off of the women in the sudden engulfing silence of the room, but Robert was more focused on Arman, the way any hint of ease vanished from his face leaving only hard, sharp angles, how his body tensed, and how his hands curled into fists at his side.

The room suddenly felt a lot smaller than it was.

"You made her "strip?" he slowly growled, the threat of violence unmistakable in his last word.

[beebster69]

Who was worse Hayek or Kamdar my choice would be Kamdar 

[vampire-time-lady]

[fictionalreads]

The Cleaning Lady Season 2 Episode 5

Thony

Chris is helping them clean?

OH ITS THEIR PLACE

Thony, they need the money. They really need to get rid of Kamdar cause I don’t like your future husband working for him.

Thony, people don’t have time. Not Arman and not you guys.

Holding it in isn’t good you guys.

MEETING JAZ’S DAD?!

Fiona you won’t be replaced. Just breathe before you explode like Chris.

Clearly it is that simply to him.

Thony don’t you dare sell that man’s drugs.

Thony you cleaned behind an entire party by yourself last season, you got this.

If this lady don’t pay y’all imma be pissed. I just get the feeling this isn’t going to turn out the way y’all want. Nobody signed any contract.

Jaz, stay out of it. I know you’re worried, but trust me you don’t want to get involved.

Shut the fuck up Kamdar, leave Thony alone.

Thony getting the inside dirt on Kamdar and Cortez that’ll no doubt come in handy later.

Look at the way he gently helps her with the helmet.🥰

Deal is already done isn’t it? They dropped the drugs and got the cash?

Garrett. You don’t have shit. They have money, not drugs. It isn’t illegal.

Oh shit they still have drugs.

Arman

My guy, you really need to figure out the money situation cause I’m tired of kamdar.

Don’t get pissy now Nadia.

Damn okay, take charge then.

Low blow Arman, but true.

Yeah homie, you really need to pay him off cause a bouncer? Really? This man is trying you.

Oh he did this shit on purpose. You really need to pay this man off.

See? He did it to exert power. He’s an ASS AND IM TIRED OF HIM

Y’all, pay attention to who’s around. The asshole is there, listening in.

I DO NOT LIKE KAMDAR

Okay Arman, it looks like you’re taking all your frustration out on the man.

Arman is beating the shit out of you, talking shit is not helping you at all.

Glad you stopped Arman.

THONY WORKS WITH ARMAN NOT FOR YOU

It is not what you’ve become! It’s what you have to do right now.

I feel bad for Nadia.

Miscellaneous

White dude meeting with Kamdar, shut the fuck up.

I like JD.

Fiona let the woman go.

I KNEW IT! THE NEW PLAYER IS KAMDAR

Kind of a slow episode. But I’m hoping that means next week will be explosive.

[lesbianmaxevans]

Nadia & Robert || Lolo and Lola 

[Image Description: Ten stacked gifs from The Cleaning Lady.

Nadia stands at a roulette table, Robert walks up behind her. Robert: Don’t overthink it. Roulette is purely a game of luck. Like when we first met. Nadia turns to face him. Nadia: Robert. Robert, smiling: Nadia. As stunning as ever. Please don’t let me stop you. Nadia: I’m not here to play games, Robert. I’m just here to talk about -- Robert: A loan. I know. But wouldn’t you rather receive a gift? Nadia, surprised: A gift? Robert: Place your bet. If you win... I’ll give you the money you need. Nadia: I need $1.6 million. She tosses the chip and catches it. Nadia: You sure you wanna make that bet? Robert, smiling: Always. The whole point of having a lot of money is that you can play however you want with whomever you want.]

[kindredhearts13]

Dissecting The Cleaning Lady, Episode 2x05 “The Brit”

Okay, I know I am SO BEHIND on these. I’m going to try and pump out episodes 2-4 over the next few weeks but I just HAD to talk about this episode. So many interesting things, so much evolution in writing. And Lou Diamond Philip’s directing was beautiful. It’s a long one, let’s dive in:

ROBERT KAMDAR

Let me begin by stating that I am such a fan of Kamdar, or rather- what he has the potential to become. There is so much potential and character literally oozing out of Naveen Andrews and my only complaint is that Naveen is being under-utilized. I feel like they’ve told me each and every episode who he is and how much power he holds in Vegas, and yet, I still don’t actually know anything about him. I love the fact that they want to have the characters talk about how dangerous he is, but I want the writers to stop telling me and actually show me. Typically, letting the audience arrive at a conclusion (though it may be a guided arrival) is more impactful than constantly telling them of the imminent danger. We are in the second chapter of this story, we understand the inherent danger looming over everything and everyone- and even though we’re introducing new characters, I still need to feel like they fit into the world we’ve established immediately. And while I don’t feel like Kamdar doesn’t fit, I also am not sure exactly how he fits in. 

Let me better explain with some examples of ushering in a major character or major facts about that character:

Lately, I’ve been watching House of the Dragon (potential spoiler warning for anyone very behind or who has not, but plans on watching the show). There is the now infamous scene when Alicent Hightower enters the engagement dinner mid-King’s speech all dressed in green. Now, we don’t know House Hightower very well, at least we didn’t until we got further into this season, so the writers felt it important for us to be as familiar with these houses as we were in the original Game of Thrones. The issue is that they took what would have already stood alone as a truly brilliant show of strength and introduction to the house, at large- and dumbed it down, lessening the impact. We saw her wearing green, her house color and the way her house (also in green) reacted. We knew what it meant, but they still had a character explain what it meant. 

This is similar to Kamdar. That first scene with Thony was so powerful and uncomfortable and left a lasting impression on us all, but after giving us a taste of who he is- they’ve proceeded to explain his power every episode rather than show it. Yes, he has Arman doing things for him, but I want to see Kamdar in action. I want to watch this man, who is clearly a wizard with his words and deeds, scare us. 

I’ve often said that this show is heavily inspired by Breaking Bad and I feel that Kamdar’s character is inspired by Gus Frig from that show, arguably one of the best written, most insidious villains on television. Much like Kamdar, he was the Kingpen of all criminal activities in that show, and though seemingly unassuming at first glance- one conversation with him let you know just how lethal he could be. The difference is that we got to watch that unfold with Gus, on here- we haven’t yet. I’m fine with little hints into who Kamdar is and it makes sense to discuss him as a threat, but I wish we got to see more of that threat for ourselves. 

Last thing on him: I have been a fan of Naveen for most of my life, and something that always excites me about his performances is the subtlety he has in his gestures and looks. He doesn’t ever approach a character in an obvious, over the top way. My favorite characters of his are the ones that have this sense of curiosity to them, quietly drawing you closer with each passing moment. He’s so phenomenal in how he does this, and I want them to give him more screen time and more to work with for the audience to really see that. Especially with the scenes between Kamdar and Nadia. While I definitely feel the connection between them, all of their scenes together are too short to really let you feel that intensity and passion, and let me tell you, Naveen Andrews knows how to give a loving, baring my soul with only my eyes scene in a way that makes you weak in the knees. He just feels too confined right now. 

 FIONA

It is ABOUT DAMN TIME that we learn more about Fiona’s past relationships and Jazz’s father! I’ve been wanting to explore this side of Fiona for so long, and I’m excited that we finally get to. This has truly been her season, and the growth and resilience of her character has been one of my favorite things. Martha’s managed to steal just about every single scene that she’s in, and really make the depth of Fiona’s emotions and inner conflict feel so real. I don’t have much to comment on, where Fi is concerned, in this episode outside of the fact that having Fi working at at a showgirl club that will undoubtedly have some drag queens at some point was a fantastic choice and will hopefully be a excellent source of growth for her. (And Thony.) I’m keeping my eye on Fi these next few episodes because I feel like we’re about to have some major movement on her character with the return of JD. 

GARRETT

First of all, I LIVE for an unexpected drag queen scene in any show, so that was an absolute delight and also shout out to the show for celebrating the drag culture in Vegas and painting it in such a powerful tone. Seeing Garrett have such respect for someone and not try to play games with them was refreshing and truly the scene he needed.

Okay, let’s chat about this man. I do not hate Garrett, he annoys me, but I think that’s a bit of the point. I do, however, believe that the writers are being extremely smart with how they approached his character last season. Garrett was never a bad character, but the reality is that even Oliver Hudson couldn’t make him charming when he existed in a space where he’s a privileged white man coming for a group of minorities just trying to take care of their family. Making Fi and Thony his targets was never going to make him everyone’s favorite FBI agent. As well, the only person to hold him accountable was a white woman who also constantly got him out of trouble. His partner, though a black woman, was severely under-used and barely made an appearance after a few episodes. So, Garrett was always going to look like the incompetent antagonist, even if we’re supposed to view all of them in this grey area. As much as I am a fan of Liza Weil and was intrigued by Russo, I think that is was a smart decision to move away from the Garrett/Russo dynamic this season. I’m not entirely sure why that happened (perhaps Liza had another opportunity come up but already committed to the first season?), but the introduction of Agent Jefferson was incredibly smart. Garrett and the FBI could not exist in this world and tone of the show without having a more grounded presence and reality; and Jefferson compliments Garrett so well while also holding his feet to the fire for everything. 

I am excited to see how Garrett’s story proceeds this season, especially now that he, Thony, and Arman are working together. Perhaps the funniest thing he said was during the final scene of this episode when he told Arman to “shut his face.” It’s scenes like this that we need more of, because they show us so much of what makes Garrett a likable character and even necessary character. We had a few glimpses last season, but I really want his character to mean more to us all. 

NADIA

I truly need to make an entirely separate post on Nadia. I love her, and I’m excited to see more of her in action this season, but I also need them to give her more screen-time and more interaction with Robert that isn’t used solely to make Arman jealous. So far, we know more about how smart she is and that she was in a backwoods bar- but I would love a montage of Nadia truly working the floor and a chance to see her in her element the way we do when Thony cleans or performs medical procedures. I want to see Nadia in all of her power, and I want to see Kamdar’s reaction to it all. 

When it comes to Arman, truthfully- I want Nadia to be the one who leaves him. Don’t get me wrong, this is a toxic relationship on both sides and they’re both holding onto something that is dead at this point, but she is so hurt and feels so alone in this relationship and I want to see her truly take a stand against that. Let’s have Nadia and Kamdar go into true business together and be rivals to Thony and Arman. Let’s see Nadia in her mob boss era. 

Also, on the Morales’ marriage- it truly is over. I don’t think that there’s really any coming back from the state it was in before the show even began. From day one, we’ve seen that they love each other, but also aren’t happy together. And now that we know that Kamdar was the one to bring Nadia into this world, this life- it kind of makes the story between her and Arman even more devastating- she truly is the string representing his connection to a version of himself that he detests. And even though Nadia doesn’t want him to suffer and “lower himself,” as she puts it; she also doesn’t truly care about doing things that are legit and benefit people outside of them. She’s not a bad person, and she’s selfish because she had to be to survive. But Nadia needs to make sure that she’s taken care of, and I feel before Arman even met Thony, he was starting to feel a bit lost- and that their trouble started there. To me, it seems like they were too people that burned hot and fast when all that mattered was getting ahead; but once Arman’s moral compass started to conflict, once his emotions got in the way (remember, before he even really got that involved with Thony’s life, he was hesitant to ask Hayak for something because he didn’t want to fracture their relationship) their relationship started to shift because they no longer had one common goal for their future and their family. I feel for Nadia because she is with someone that doesn’t appreciate her the way that he should; but I also feel for Arman because he’s in a relationship with someone that loves and appreciates the version of himself that he used to be- but can’t love or accept the person he’s been evolving into. 

Someone else on here said it best: at this point, it is easier for them to point fingers and blame each other, Thony, and Kamdar than it is to just say the truth. 

THONY AND ARMAN

Okay, this is probably the longest chunk- so, if you are still reading: steady on. 

At the club

I love seeing Thony so unphased by both Nadia and Arman. I can only imagine how extremely uncomfortable and confusing it must be to have Arman act one way with just her (usually) and then become almost an entirely different person with Nadia. Twice now, she’s felt disrespected by them both and though they may have not appreciated how she spoke to them, she knew that if she didn’t make her feelings plain and shut that shit down, they would just ignore her. Which they did anyway, BUT they did it feeling a little butt hurt because my girl gave a quick read and walked away without so much of a look back.

The Fight

Okay, so I genuinely had to pause the episode, walk away, and then come back a few minutes later after Thony and Arman’s argument. I was so angry and disappointed with how he spoke to her that I couldn’t even handle it in the moment, but now- we get to dissect!

First I want more Bosco, but I’m loving the little nuggets of him that we get. The evolution of not only Thony but his respect for her and for, clearly, how much she means to Arman is fascinating. The first time they met, he was short and curt with her and she was scared of him. Now, she’s fine greeting him before Arman, their hsaking hands, and he refers to her as “sister,” much like how he calls Arman “hermano.” It’s a small detail, but it paints a larger picture of how much things have changed and how people that Thony was once afraid of are starting to respect and like her. 

Now, the actual fight was necessary but also heartbreaking. On the one hand, Arman was right- he has done so much for Thony without a second thought. On the other hand, why do something for someone out of love and loyalty if you’re just going to throw it back into their face? Because that isn’t a show of love, that’s a show of “I did this for you, and now you owe me.” But love and friendship is doing something for someone because you want to help them, not because you expect something in return. Again, at the same time, if you are a loyal partner or friend and you’ve maintained that position of being someone that shows up- you should absolutely expect the other person to show up for you. Because these things are not one-sided. I was toying with this dichotomy back and forth until I realized something: both Arman and Thony were correct and valid in their feelings, but the issue came from Arman’s delivery and the way in which he chose to go about it and that informed the rest of the episode. 

Arman is used to sharing low blow for low blow with Nadia. At this point, it’s become his normal. He equates this tit for tat to being in a relationship, when in reality, it isn’t healthy to fight with your partner that way. To him, from Nadia to Hayak, love comes with some form of abuse- even if it is mutual- because that’s just a part of getting ahead. It’s something you have to put up with. For Thony, she’s used to these kind of arguments and has definitely exchanged her share of low blows (let me remind you of the way she dragged Arman two inches from his face until he had to walk away last season). Her relationship with Marco mirrored this aspect of Arman and Nadia. (We saw just how much from Marco’s father.) The difference is that Thony doesn’t believe that this is love- she knows that it isn’t- and she doesn’t want to go back to that anymore. 

There was this beautiful, split second moment when Thony caught herself from saying something she would regret, and instead delivered a measured response in the midst of her anger- because she cared too much about Arman to hurt him. Arman, however, still needs to learn how to do that.

Everyone’s default way to try and knock Thony down a peg is to call her judgmental. And she is. But not in a way that looks down on others- she’s judgmental in a way that she judges your behavior against the person she knows you to be- which is better than what you’re displaying. It’s not an “I’m better than you,” so much as it is an “you’re better than this.” And for Arman to throw the motel manager thing back in her face was so wrong, but it is exactly how he and Nadia communicate and talk to each other. Let’s be clear: Arman knows that Thony fells horribly about what happened, that he literally killed for her, and she more than appreciates it- but that shouldn’t mean compromising her morals or who she is. The irony of it all is: if Arman had just opened up and been honest with Thony about what was really going on and what it was doing to him, she would’ve agreed to everything from the beginning. But he’s spent every episode icing her out- even though last episode he was more vulnerable and open, he still didn’t fully let her know what was going on. So, she had no idea of just how truly dangerous Kamdar could be nor how much it all was hurting Arman. 

Their reunion

Something that I noticed in this episode is that Arman finally saw Thony again. Like, actually saw her, for the first time since last season. This is, again, why pacing is so important and why they needed more episodes this season- because if you don’t have a steady pace, too many things lose the chance to unfold as naturally.  I wish they would focus on those smaller moments more because we need to see more of how tormented Arman has been by all of this, and though I felt for him, I didn’t feel the level of anguish I should have because I’m still trying to figure out how long its been and how we got here. 

When Thony came into that room, grabbed his hand and told him that she was going to help him- he truly looked at her for the first time in a long time. And by that I mean, it woke something up inside of him. She could’ve abandoned him for how he spoke to her, the things he said, she could’ve called him the monster he believes himself to be- she could’ve done anything- but instead, she took his hand and let him know that she was with him and wasn’t going anywhere. And that is the biggest difference in Arman’s relationship with Nadia. Thony is capable of forgiveness and moving forward; and even when she has the opportunity to land a final blow (and every right to), she nurtures you instead. That is also why I stand by my repeated statement that, until Arman gets his shit together, he doesn’t deserve her.

I, personally, am glad that there haven’t been any major declarations of love between the two because it wouldn’t make sense and all it would do is taint their relationship into a toxic mess. I don’t want to watch someone tell another that they love them, they want to be with them, and then proceed to fling mud at them- that’s literally what Nadia and Arman’s relationship is. The way that I mentioned I want the writers to do less talking and more showing about Kamdar? That’s what they’re doing with Arman and Thony, and it is going to make the moment when they do finally vocalize their exact feelings to on another that much more powerful. Because they let us watch it happen and evolve. 

If you stuck around to read this whole thing, thank you. It was a LONG one. I’ll leave you with this: to me, Arman helping Thony with her helmet and then wrapping Thony’s hands around his waist was so beautiful because he not only gave his consent for her to be that intimate with him in that moment, but it was also him saying “I am choosing to protect you, I want to keep you safe. This is my choice, it always has been. I’m sorry for making you feel like a burden.” It was a return to him actually being present with her. And we saw the fruit of that when they were stopped by Garrett- Arman wasn’t concerned about himself, just Thony. He didn’t try to talk or argue his way out of getting arrested, he only tried to keep her out of trouble. And I am hopeful that we have finally gotten to the place the writers really wanted to focus on this season and that now, the pacing will be much stronger and the show will feel more airtight. 

[windshield91]

Let's go pretend to be on the same side.

- Agent Garrett Miller.

[perfectarmony]

This week's episode of ''my two cents on Armony'' in 2.05

(again, feel free to ignore my thoughts, this is just my uncalled-for opinion that is part of my review 😉)

Losing faith and self-esteem, Arman is slowly drowning. Things are only getting worse since he got out of prison - La Habana keeps losing members that aren't willing to be seen near someone who could still be watched by the feds. If Nadia and Arman don't find, either a solution to gain their trust back or the funds necessary to buy the club, Isabel will have to sell it to someone else. Meanwhile, Robert keeps pushing him harder and harder, humiliating him any chance he gets by reminding him of the power he once had and how he's now only a pawn in his game. 

Expanding their new business by selling drugs is the only way Arman sees to make money faster - for him, it's just a temporary measure that'll allow him to get back on his feet and away from Kamdar, but things aren't that easy for Thony. She may be crossing some lines, but she's still a doctor, and recklessly putting addictive drugs in the wild is not something she’s willing to agree on. Arman tried to make her see where he stands but she stood her ground, and left after delivering their cut from the meds she sold and made it clear they had an agreement in which she had her word to say. 

Arman was already on edge, but the thought of losing the club - the only thing he has left and that represents his win over Hayak - only made him even more desperate and led him to go back on the initial deal he and Nadia made with Thony. I'm not going to lie, I was a bit worried when I read the episode description, but watching them fight was definitely interesting. Obviously, Thony was furious and visibly hurt - he was forcing her hand, choosing this time to ignore (or at least put aside) who she is and what she stands for, to put his interests first. 

T: You may not care about what happens to people, but I do. 

A: Oh, like that motel manager? 

T: He was threatening my family. 

A: Robert Kamdar is threatening mine. Everything you've needed, I've done for you. I don't ask questions, I don't judge you. I've done whatever it takes to keep you safe. I even killed for you. You even appreciate that?

Harsh words were exchanged, but they were both right. Once again bringing us back to season 1 and to their first fight, they justified their actions by having to protect their families - which are good reasons. Here, all Thony saw was that they wanted more money, no matter the consequences it could have had, but she didn’t understand why, nor see how bad it actually had become for him...because he didn't let her in. For her, the profit they were making was enough - they were doing things illegally but for good reasons. And all she needed was a good reason to break her rules for him - and Arman failed to have the valid arguments to convince her in that scene. 

Arman is already having a hard time coming to terms with the worst part of him coming out each time Kamdar gives him a new assignment, but Thony's words were his last straw. He is terrified of becoming a monster - and her unintentionally reminding him that he is doing no good is probably what triggered his defensive answer. More than that, Arman faces it all alone because while Nadia insisted they do this together, she now seems to enjoy "working" for her ex. And he definitely feels awfully alone, which only makes the end of the episode more powerful, but we’ll get to that later. Thony may have felt betrayed because he was going against everything she stands for - but Arman felt betrayed because, after standing by her side each time she needed him, she is now the one letting him down. 

Now, things wouldn't have been that bad if he would have been honest with her and if Thony would have realized that there was more to it than meets the eye - but with we have been given, they were both right. Overhearing Arman and Nadia's fight over Thony, Robert jumped at the chance to involve her after Arman - who was overwhelmed by his emotions and blinded by rage - left a bloody mess in his office. They may have reached a breaking point, but who are we kidding - these two will always show up for each other if one of them is in need - and here, Arman's voice definitely made her feel that he needed her. 

He seemed to be sick to his stomach to have to call Thony in, further dragging her down with him and into Kamdar's claws. And even more so knowing that she was still mad at him, and her refusing to join him could have had dramatic consequences for both of them. Now that Robert knows that she’s Arman’s weakness, it’ll be interesting to see what game he decides to play - will he use Thony to get Arman to do what he wants? Will he keep pushing them closer with the hope that it’ll bring Nadia back into his arms? Or will he try to break their relationship to really leave Arman with nothing left?

When Thony enters Kamdar’s office - when he feels her coming in - he almost hides, ashamed of who he's become, refusing to look at her but still staying alert to make sure she's safe. There, he stands half in the light and half in the shadows created by the blinds. And this is also where he's stuck at metaphorically - Thony is his light, but the world he's forced to live in right now keeps pushing him further into darkness. She hadn't realized until now how hard it had become for him - but once she saw him, she was ready to do whatever it takes to get him out of the darkness he’s slipping into. Seeing him suffer made it clear and necessary for her to put his well-being before one of the values she holds most dear. 

Where she once had doubts in early season 1, and was scared she might have misjudged him - here, with no uncertainty, she came to him and took his hand. As she looked at him, it almost felt as if she was staring right into his soul and trying to make him see what she sees; a good man forced to do bad things to survive. She gave him the strength he needed at that moment, a little glimmer of hope - the same glimmer of hope he gave Thony in the sixth episode of the first season when she was losing faith. (yes, I'm back with my parallels)

And with few words, in both scenes, they made it clear they were in this together. Thony is the one holding him steady, reminding him of who he really is - and she’s more than ever an anchor he can hold on to. As I said earlier, she needed a good reason to break her rules - and by showing that real, vulnerable side of him, by letting her in, she didn’t need anything else to change her mind. She has now realized that he needs her as much as she needs him.

[idealisticrealism]

TCL 2x09 recap

Phew, this week was busy as hell so ngl this show picked a good time to have a set-up episode haha. Still, I thought the ep was actually really great, and I’m excited for what’s coming next!

Ok I’m really happy to see more of Thony’s buddhism! Lbr she needs his help rn. Was it really necessary for Fi to bring Luca to meet at the temple though? The threat of Kamdar is fairly under control for the moment, so really she could have just brought him to the house. (Sidenote, but in terms of timeline, it sounds like he’s been at JD’s for 2 nights, meaning this ep is only a day or so after last ep?). But anyway. Ngl I like seeing Thony in her jacket bc it just makes me think of her connection to Arman, but tbh I was like ‘why is everyone in long sleeves?? It’s summer in Nevada????’ but oh right no, the filming is in summer/fall, but the show must be at least nearing winter by now (not that winter in Nevada is all that cold anyway haha). But yeah in the pilot, Thony says they’ve been in the US for 8 months, and in 1x07 they celebrated all the holidays they missed having with Marco, which included Christmas. So Thony took Luca to the US in December at the latest, and then the two of them were there for 8 months already before the events of the show started taking place, and it’s now been about 3 more months since then. So I guess we could almost be in November/December again?  Too bad this isn’t the kind of show to do a christmas episode lol, I would have loved that

Ok speaking of jackets/wardrobes etc, Arman needs to stop wearing the same goddamn thing every single day (as utterly sexy as it is), bc it’s making it harder for me to know exactly when everything is happening haha. I’m gonna assume that this scene actually occurs the night before Fi and Thony meet in the temple (aka still the same day as when Thony told him about RK and Nadia’s marriage). Bc I’m guessing that Thony told him, then he left and spent a while being upset (and conflicted, because yes the lying and the manipulation sucks but hey on the other hand, suddenly he’s a free man lol) before looking up the public record, and then he goes to La Habana, where Nadia is excitedly setting up what looks to be a dinner date for them (sigh, I feel sad for both her and us lol). Tbh I think that is the timeline that makes the most sense, bc lbr, if this was happening the following day after he finds out (so the same day as Thony in the temple), then Nadia would have been upset or suspicious about where he had disappeared to for a whole night, because clearly this is their first time seeing each other since Thony’s reveal. But anyway I guess it really doesn’t matter much haha. Also I like how he’s like “so it’s true” and then later tells her that he looked it up on the public record. Like duh of course it’s true lol, you literally saw the proof? Also ngl I was very satisfied when he turned away from her kiss, and then when she hugged him, begging forgiveness, and he didn’t hug back. I know it’s mean but I just love every single thing that further proves that this relationship really has no future… (well, the romantic part of it, at least.)

Also YAAASSSSSS I knew she and Robert were still married!! I mean I’m sure I’m not the only one who called it, but still, gotta love being proved right. And like I said, gotta love Arman no longer being a married man haha. Also incidentally, if RK and Nadia ‘divorced’ after a year, then that was 7 years ago, confirming that her and Arman have been together less than that. (even if they met while she was with Robert, I doubt that she would have dared get with Arman until the divorce was supposedly finalised, given that she was afraid of RK). But anyways then aaaaahhhh the way Arman walks away from her– idk about you guys, but I just really can’t see them going back to being together after this, bc firstly there’s been a betrayal of trust on both sides, and secondly, cmon, the dude knows he’s in love with Thony, and knows that it’s her that he really wants to be with, not Nadia. Tbh though this did all work out a bit differently than I expected; I absolutely assumed that Nadia would demand to know how he found out, and would then learn of how he’d used her. But now instead of both of them being pissed at each other, we have her feeling guilty and desperate for forgiveness, while also accepting that she may have caused the end of their relationship. Which is kind of true but also not really haha. I think the dooming of this ‘marriage’ was a mutual effort tbh lol

Ugh the combination of Hyper-competent Doctor Thony and Worried Mom Thony gets me every time. But man seriously can the universe just give her and Luca a break?? Like she said in 1x06, why does it always have to be so hard?? (Bc it makes for good TV drama, of course, haha). Loved the throwback to Dr Saroyan, who has probably been enjoying the last few weeks of respite from these very stressful clients haha. I kinda wish we’d get to see him again bc I miss him, but at the same time we don’t really need him as much bc Arman has a new personal doctor now :P 

Speaking of Arman, ughhhh at the fact that she’s clearly told him about Luca being sick again. Despite the uncomfortable way their last meeting ended, they’ve obviously been in contact, arranging the next med pickup and talking about Luca and still just being there for each other even when they’re kind of being pushed into being on different sides in regards to their situation with RK/Nadia etc. Tbh I just love this scene: the way he and Fi greet each other (from her expression, it looks like she has come to accept him and his place in Thony’s life and I’m so happy about it); the way he immediately asks after Luca; the simple sincerity and the eye contact with the “I wish I could help”/”You are” ughhh. (Bc the thing is, he’s not helping Luca directly; Thony and Dr Saroyan have that covered. But he’s supporting Thony, and that’s what she truly needs).  

Nooooooo Boscoooo my boy :’C I know the writers have been basically telling us this was coming since like 2x03 but I’m still sad!! I do love that in this scene, Thony’s first response was to start checking for survivors/people needing medical help, then she saw the truck and her focus shifted to the meds and what their absence meant for Luca (and also her and Arman). Which is very much her character– help anyone in need if she can, but her family’s needs take priority. Arman’s response was just as perfect– his first reaction was Protect Thony, by warning her to stay back and also scanning all around them for further threats, and only once things appeared safe did he even think to look for Bosco. But ugh I really didn’t want to have to see Arman lose another friend, especially another whose death he’s going to torture himself over ughh. I’m sad Bosco didn’t even get to say any last words either but at least he wasn’t alone when he died. Ugh my boy deserved better :( 

And then suddenly there’s magically appearing bikers (let’s ignore that their engines should have been audible way before they got that close, shall we? lol) and Armony running from bullets and stealing a bike and a high speed chase on a dirt road and honestly I didn’t need this kind of stress in my life haha. Also damnnn son I guess Arman is an amazing rider because do you know how hard it is to keep a bike steady at speed, on dirt, and with a passenger?? I do! It’s bloody hard! And kicking an object while riding without then causing yourself to crash is even harder lol. And don’t even get me started on that chain they broke through– like dude if that chain was attached at all to more than one side of the gate, riding into it would have clotheslined them both and sent them hurtling right onto the road in the path of that RV lol. Good thing it was apparently not attached and was just draped across the gap or something though… and like man I know it’s Vegas and all but that was a hell of a gamble lol

I am immensely satisfied that I accurately predicted exactly what Arman would do and say the moment they got off the bike haha, though lbr he IS kind of predictable when it comes to Thony and being worried for her safety. And okay I’m very glad they’re both uninjured (and look, shooting a target is hard at the best of times, so I understand them not being hit by bullets shot from a moving vehicle while they were also moving at speed), but I mean couldn’t Thony have gotten just a little bit shot? Like nothing serious, just a nasty graze across the shoulderblade or something? Just enough for Arman to freak out over and for her to have to take off her shirt for him to check it lol. But sigh, I guess I’ll just have to save that for fanfiction lol. Anyway though, you really gotta feel for Armony rn because they are really not having a good week lol

Ah, everyone’s least favourite sociopathic peacock is back. But how satisfying to see him get slapped right in the face haha (though lbr he probably likes that kind of thing?). Ngl though I almost enjoy how utterly pathetic he is when it comes to Nadia? Like with everyone else he’s self-assured, powerful, always at the advantage; but with her he’s a total simpering mess and I want her to crush him under her heel like a bug lol

Nope, not okay with hearing Thony just barely holding back tears over the phone with Dr Saroyan, and then trying so hard to keep things together as she explains the situation to Fi. She’s right about Luca never surviving the flight though ugh; I literally just did a course on the physiological stress of flight in critically ill patients and no way would he make it in his condition. Maybe on an official repatriation flight with a medical team accompanying him, but not as a deported immigrant on a commercial flight ugh. But anyway, I digress lol

And now Thony’s bad day is getting even worse as she has to go deal with RK’s shit lol. But oooh the burner phone is back! Given that later in the ep RK texts her on her other phone, I’m guessing that it’s Arman who texted her just then to let her know RK was back and that they have been summoned to see him– considering they show up to RK’s office together, it’s likely that Arman came to pick her up and take her there. And ugh that’s yet another moment between them I wish we could have seen, bc like did they talk about what they would say? Or the possibility that RK might hurt them as punishment?? I need to know lol. But ugh that moment when RK does snap and signal Joseph to kill Arman? (which tbh I don’t think he would have dared to do if Nadia hadn’t basically just told him she wanted nothing to do with him; bc previously it was only the fear of turning Nadia against him that kept him from killing Arman). Ngl I am obsessed with the way Arman clenches his jaw and stands straight, accepting his death like he has known ever since the prison that it was only a matter of time, that there would be no escaping it, not after everything that’s happened. But Thony will never accept that, will never stop fighting to protect him, and so she immediately moves closer to him, pleading on his behalf and getting herself even more deeply ensnared in RK’s web as she saves him ughhhhhhh

Ugh more DoctorMom Thony… I can’t deal with the way she looks at Luca before she walks out of the room. She knows that this may be a one way trip to the Philippines for her, but I guess she’s holding on to the thought that even if it is, she’ll be able to send the meds back and he’ll get better– and then eventually he may be well enough to fly back too and they can be reunited. (Well, if she doesn’t get murdered by RK, that is. Ugh). But at least in the meantime he will be safe with Fi– although dude “give him more morphine whenever he needs it” is an INCREDIBLY dangerous statement to say to someone who doesn’t have medical training haha. But I’m sure she wrote down some clearer instructions lol. Also aww at the fact that Fi has apparently been sending money back to her parents all this time, despite having such a challenging relationship with them and also having little money to spare?? I love her Your Honour

Seeing Arman and Thony pull up to the plane in the caddy reminded me that his motorbike is still back at Bosco’s camp ughhhhhh. Maybe he’ll be able to ride the other bike back and go get it? Though lbr the risk is probably not worth it. Ugh RIP you beautiful motorcycle I will miss you and all the Armony-embracing you created. Ngl the power couple in the caddy look is still hot though haha. As is the fact that Arman is dressed rather similarly to the last time these two took a private jet flight together, and then later slowdanced by firelight… got some subconscious hopes rising to the surface there buddy? Me too tbh lol. And then ugh RK shows up and completely ruins all our hopes, as usual. I love that both Arman and Thony tried to argue against Arman being left behind (“I need Arman to come with m–” yes you do need him ughhh). But then ugh when Arman realises that he has no way to fight this, that he has already been pushed out and deemed worthless, and as a result has no power to protect her anymore? And he just stares after her and she looks back at him for just a second and they’re both thinking, is this the last time we’ll ever see each other?

Boooo the ledger didn’t actually help?? So Arman went through that ‘reconciliation’ with Nadia for nothing? Great. Also ngl I am still stuck on my ‘Russo is indebted to Kamdar and under his influence’ theory. C’mon show, tell me what side she’s on, I need to knowwwwww

Of course RK chose the seat right across from Thony and is watching her sleep. Goddamn creep. Though tbh we all know that she is completely under his power rn and so there are far worse things he could be doing to her (things I’m sure Arman’s imagination is currently torturing him with), so I guess I should be glad that sexual violence does not seem to be one of RK’s proclivities. But ugh this flight is still so uncomfortable, especially the way she is forced to reveal her friend’s identity to him, knowing that it will put her at risk but having no choice. But holy shit the line “The chief of cardiology? That’s a lot to give up… the godlike power of saving lives, just to become a maid for criminals” is possibly one of the most powerful statements we’ve had in the show. And then her response: “My life became about saving one person’s life. My son.” Like wow, that really captures the entire essence of the show, doesn’t it? The lengths that a mother will go to for her child, the sacrifices she will make to save one person above all others. Though  tbhI would argue that the truth has shifted a little bit now– in S1, yes, her life was all about saving Luca. But since the end of S1 it has become about saving her family– Luca, Fi and the kids, and Arman. Thony says in 1x04 that she became a doctor to be like her father, who her mother always said was brave and risked his life for others. She clearly dedicated so much of her life to that goal, to being the best doctor she could be, to help all the many the people who needed her knowledge and abilities. But after Luca got sick, and after she reunited with Fi and saw the way she was struggling through life as a TNT, and after she met Arman and developed such a deep and unexpected connection with him, I think that all that determination and caring and protectiveness that had been spread across scores of cardiac patients instead focused itself intensely on just five people. Of course, she always helps whoever she can, but those five people are who her life is really about. And I think that RK actually respects that, respects that she is willing to do whatever it takes for the people she loves, even when it comes at a huge risk to herself. Tbh I think he’s found her quite intriguing for a while, ever since he’d learned that she was more than what she’d claimed at their first meeting, and since seeing the power she held (in different ways) over both Nadia and Arman. Let’s just hope that he stays intrigued enough to not have her murdered lol

Ooooh I have been hoping for AGES that Joseph is Filipino!! Honestly I always felt it was too much of a coincidence that RK’s right hand man– who we’ve seen RK abusing more than once– should just happen to be South East Asian. Like that casting has to be deliberate. And now he and Thony are kind of vibing?? Like yaaaaassss c’mon Joseph, turn on RK and take Thony’s side instead!

Aw Thony being welcomed by her friends is so sweet (and I love the very classic bilingual conversation), but oh mannnn it’s so uncomfortable to watch her trying to be normal and social all the while knowing that she’s there with a motive and that RK is outside and that so much is riding on her friends taking a huge risk for her ugh. When she escaped to the bathroom I just wanted to give her a hug ugh. Just like I wanted to give Arman a hug when he was suddenly faced with Isabel selling the club, kicking him when he’s already down, and god as much as I’m suffering rn I do love the way the show juxtaposed those two scenes, like it’s saying that even separated by thousands of miles, their pain is still shared. Ugh our babies really are going through it lol  

Nope nothing to say about this awful scene with Thony and her friends and her trying to beg for their help while suffering such a mortifying level of shame and guilt and ughhhh nope can’t deal with this at all. Although I feel like the drug he mentioned about hepatic damage might somehow become relevant later on? It seems Luca is copping every possible side effect or complication so who knows lol. But ugh when her friend gives her the name but then realises that Thony brought RK with her and basically exiles her for it ughhhh it hurts me. Especially because Thony has said before that many of hers and Marco’s friends stopped talking to them because he would borrow money and not pay it back– this woman may have been one of the only friends Thony had left from her life in Manila. And now she’s lost that too. 

Lol I like this bisexual lighting in La Habana– I’m gonna headcanon that Nadia chose that lol. It’s also really cool to hear that she was the one who made the place into a cigar lounge; between that and her influence on RK’s business, I’m definitely getting the sense that this woman should absolutely be running the show. But ugh when he says he’s not going to say goodbye to either her or the club, I honestly kind of liked it?? Because I want her and Arman to be able to stay in each other’s lives, just not in a romantic partnership, and tbh I think we are actually getting closer to achieving that with each episode? Because they’ve had their heated, angry breakup, they’ve had their unwilling (on his part at least) make-up, and then they’ve had the reveal that their marriage was never ‘real’ and all the painful emotional fallout that came as a result of that. And now they’ve made peace, have apologised to each other for the way things happened and how they hurt each other, but it’s definitely got a ‘forgive but don’t forget’ vibe to it, in that while they can absolve each other for what they’ve done, they’re not just going to pretend it never happened and go back to what they were. Bc in my mind, they’ve now reached a place where returning to the relationship they had– the marriage– is impossible, yet it is still possible for them to have a new relationship, one where they are partners of a different kind, two people who know and respect and trust each other and can work well together toward a common goal. And tbh we’ve all always noted even from early in S1 that they seemed to behave more like business partners than husband and wife, and now maybe they can have that, and can see that it fits them better than being married ever did. 

YEAAAHHHH BOOYYYYY “I’m gonna kill Kamdar. And you’re gonna help me.” Aaaaaaahhhhh you guys I have been WAITING for this and I am so excited. And you know what the absolute best part is???? The timing of this decision from Arman. He is suddenly filled with determination to kill RK, but that determination didn’t appear after RK forced him to commit murder, or after he found out RK caused his whole marriage to be a lie, or after RK literally almost had him shot dead in his office. Yes all of those things contributed to it, but it was truly cemented the moment RK flew away in the jet with Thony completely at his mercy, and Arman realised he no longer had the power to protect her.  Like yes I know that RK has made it clear that he no longer has use for him (and that therefore he may potentially have Arman killed at any moment) but honestly, I don’t think that “it’s either him or me” is Arman’s real reason. It’s an effective reason to give Nadia, because if forced to choose, she would absolutely choose Arman; but I really don’t think Arman truly cares about the possibility of his death. Like in 2x07 he literally told RK that he wasn’t going to follow his orders to kill Maya, and to just kill him instead; and it was only when Thony’s life was threatened that he gave in. Even earlier in this ep when Joseph nearly shot him, he didn’t do a thing to try to stop it happening. Honestly I think that he believes that he deserves it; I think he’s now convinced that he only brings death and destruction and pain to those around him– Matteo, Carlos, Hayak, Maya, Bosco (and that’s not even counting the people he killed for Hayak)– and that by dying he would be paying penance for them, but also protecting Thony and Nadia from suffering the same fate. And so that’s why he is suddenly so desperate to kill Kamdar: because of Thony and Nadia. Because that moment at the hangar made it clear to him that unless he takes out RK permanently, neither woman will ever be able to get free of RK’s grip, and will always be in danger from him. Which means now he knows that he needs to act fast, to kill RK before RK can kill him, because if he dies before RK then there’s no one left to protect his family– the two women he loves. 

Also, can I just say that I called it about the fact that if RK dies, Nadia– as his still-legal wife– is likely his main beneficiary, and so she would inherit his entire kingdom? Like ngl I could see some potential issues there, like the fact that if he died, the FBI would probably be pretty interested to investigate exactly what happened, and would most definitely tie up all his assets rather than releasing them to the estranged wife that had very suspiciously just made a very recent return into his life, and whose second ‘husband’ is a known enemy of RK’s lol. But who cares about logic and legalities, right? And tbh it was a very smart move of Arman to appeal to Nadia’s greed and ambition by reminding her that she could become queen of it all, and could finally have what she has worked so hard to earn. There’s a look of almost disgust on his face as he says it, which may be because he’s acknowledging that Nadia is RK’s wife, not his, but tbh I read it as also being disgust at a) manipulating her again, and b) the fact that money and status and power mean so much to her. If the situation were switched and it was Thony in her position, Thony wouldn’t care at all about what she might inherit from RK; she’d only care about keeping Arman safe. But to be clear, this is not a judgement of Nadia! Her greed and covetousness are actually really interesting character traits and they make her more nuanced and real, and tbh I can totally understand why someone who came from nothing (and who worked hard for everything she had and yet still lost it all, while watching others get richer and richer without ever working for it, purely because they were born into privilege) would be drawn to the idea of doing one ‘bad thing’ to get to have everything she feels she deserves.

Ugh at Thony keeping her promise to Fi and going to Fi’s parents’ house to leave the money she gave her. I’m glad she didn’t have to go meet with them– she could have stopped them when she saw them leaving, but she chose not to (in fact it seemed like she was waiting for them to leave), and she clearly knew where the spare key was kept (she may have had her own copy when she lived in Manila, but lbr she wouldn’t have taken her copy of the key to the US with her). Also the envelope Fi gave her was white, and she puts that on the counter first, but then she also takes out a thick, fresh stack of cash, and a yellow envelope– and tbh I think the cash and yellow envelope are from her. @enigmaticfox said, and I agree, that this moment feels very much like a goodbye; a goodbye to her former parents-in-law– the only parents she has had for years– and to her connection to the Philippines. Her work life there ended 5 years ago with Luca’s diagnosis, and her friends were lost one by one over the years due to Marco using them, with the last finally lost on this trip due to Thony using them; and then with the loss of Marco and the fallout from his death, the family ties she had to this place are gone now too. She says it herself when she gets back on the plane– “The Philippines are not my home anymore.” And it’s true. Her home, her life, everyone she loves– they’re all in Vegas. 

Oh Russo what the actual fuck were you thinking? Kissing Garrett at any time is an incredibly terrible decision for many reasons, but kissing him at work only days after he lost someone he loved?? Someone whose picture he was literally just staring mournfully at as you walked in the door?? Like woman I have so many questions about your sanity haha. (Also about your loyalties. Seriously tell me, does Kamdar have you under his thumb???)

Damn Thony’s outfits for this trip have been so good. She looks so effortlessly elegant and sophisticated, and while I love that as a character she’s clearly not at all vain and will normally just wear the same simple clothes repeatedly, it is nice to see a little variety being included– tbh I feel that her tiny wardrobe was a symbol that her time in Vegas was only temporary and that she didn’t  ‘belong’ there, so the more clothes that get added to the mix, the more it feels like she is putting down roots and really claiming Vegas as her home. Of course she doesn’t have a lot of closet space rn so she can’t go too wild with the wardrobe lol, but I hope it does get at least a little bigger by the end of the season. Anyway phew at RK basically pulling the rich-people equivalent of a jedi mind trick (aka bribery) on the customs guy lol; money really does open all doors huh

Okay so either RK is even more of a ridiculous simp for Nadia than I previously thought, and is completely fooled by her (let’s face it, rather terrible) acting lol, or he knows she’s deliberately trying to manipulate him into buying La Habana but doesn’t care and is happy to give her what she wants anyway, because it will get him what he wants– Nadia’s affection and gratitude. Tbh I hope it’s the first option because that’s just so much funnier. But either way, now that he’s the owner of La Habana, she can just “what’s yours is mine” her way into being the next owner upon his untimely demise haha. Work smarter not harder ladies!

Why do I feel a sense of foreboding hearing Luca say “mommy I don’t want you to go”? Bc like she literally just came back? Maybe he means he doesn’t want her to go away again? And ok even though I know nothing will happen to her (she’s the main character after all, and this show is no Game of Thrones lol), it makes me afraid of foreshadowing lol. But ugh when she tells Fi that the meds will fix Luca and Fi says “well, then whatever you went through over there, it was worth it”– yet another line that has really captured the heart of this show. Whatever Thony goes through, no matter how bad, it’s worth it to her as long as Luca (and her family) are okay. She will bear any pain, any burden, as long as it keeps them safe and healthy and happy. Which is why she will keep working with RK, bc even though she knows that he’s so unpredictable and mercurial that just being in his vicinity is a danger in itself; she’s willing to take that risk as long as he can supply the meds that keep Luca healthy. Which means that the situation between her and Arman is about to get a little complicated lol, because right now she needs RK, and Arman needs him gone. Bc just like her, Arman will do anything to protect the people he loves– and for him, that means protecting her from RK by eliminating him before he can hurt her. It’s the best kind of conflict imo, because it’s one person saying to the other “I love you enough to do what needs to be done to save you, even if it makes you hate me”. Of course, Arman doesn’t want to endanger Luca by taking away his access to the meds, but in his mind, RK is a far more immediate threat to Thony’s safety than the short supply of meds is to Luca’s wellbeing, and so he probably figures that once RK is eliminated he can then use RK's funds and connections (via Nadia) to get Luca all the meds he will ever need.

But the real question now is whether he will tell Thony what he’s planning to do to Kamdar??? I honestly can’t decide, because on one hand, keeping her in the dark would protect her (plausible deniability, etc etc) and that definitely seems like something he would do– plus, in terms of storytelling, it would create some delicious angst because Thony would see Arman suddenly shutting her out and instead spending most of his time with Nadia, and she would assume it means that Arman has now definitively made his choice regarding who he wants to be with, and so she would then endure their every following interaction with the quiet suffering of a secretly broken heart ugh. (God I would LOVE to see that, because the eventual reveal of the truth– that he loves her, has loved her the whole time and has only been trying to keep her safe– would be glorious). However, if on the other hand he tells her what he’s planning, and she tells him not to do it because she needs RK (also bc she doesn’t want him to get caught for RK’s murder, of course) then there’s a different kind of delicious angst where they both know how they feel about one another but they’re stuck on opposing sides regardless, due to external factors outside of their control. Which tbh would also be glorious. So basically, whatever happens next will be a freakin delight lol. And ok I know there’s a lot of fans who are unhappy about Armony being potentially pitted against each other while Arman teams up with Nadia, but I honestly cannot wait, because the truth is that any conflict between these two now will just make it all the sweeter when they eventually– and inevitably– finally give in to their feelings and accept that everything they’ve done, they’ve done for each other, and that there’s nothing they want more than to be together.

Oh no. The gun. Lbr, RK absolutely just had it planted in order to get Arman out of the way now that he thinks he’s got a chance with Nadia again– gotta remove the competition, y’know? lol. Though I definitely do take issue with the fact that he dared to plant for the FBI to find, considering that in 2x07 he himself touched it with his bare hands before Arman did, and that seems like a risk he would never take, but whatever. Plot hole maybe. But anyhow aaaaahhh now Garrett (and ofc Russo/the FBI) know about Arman, and I can’t WAIT to see what he does about it. Tbh my ideal headcanon would be that he immediately goes to arrest Arman, and Arman argues that if he’s already going to be going down for murder, why don’t they make it count– and so convinces Garrett to give him a couple of days to kill Kamdar (thus making him truly pay for what he did to Maya) before he takes him in. It would be fascinating to see Garrett agree to that, clearly venturing more into the moral grey zone, and also to see these two nemeses teaming up in that way. Especially if part of their agreement is that Thony is kept completely out of it so she won’t go down with Arman, because neither of them wants anything to happen to her. Ngl, I’ve already drafted the fic haha, and I’m sure I’ll get around to posting it one day– but in the meantime, I’m so goddamn excited to see what the show gives us over these next few episodes ugh. Honestly I am living the fangirl dream here kids and I hope you guys are too lol

[the1northlanderprincess]

Episode 5 timeline and possibilities

Well, next week is the episode that some of us have been wringing our hands over. However, after seeing the promo, I am here to say it won’t be all bad. I will go over what we know, when it happens, and how everything will play out for armony. 

Okay, so it seems that a lot will be going on, between stills and the promo (SO many costume changes; ). We have Thony and Arman going on a motorcycle ride, Nadia and arman working at Kamdar’s place (and Kamdar possibly listening in on their convo), a dark, emotional scene by a window, and, of course, Thony and Arman arguing. I want to focus on the timeline first. 

Thony is seen in a still talking to Nadia and Arman at the club. Perhaps that's early on, like first act or beginning of the second.

Thony finding out about the drugs will most likely happen in the middle of the episode. It only makes sense, as is usually the case in several shows when conflicts come to a head. Somewhere in there, Robert will show up at that warehouse while Nadia, Thony, and Arman are there, because Thony is wearing the same shirt.

The scene where Arman and Thony are in a low-lit room most likely comes next, even though I wish it were at the end. It still could be, but I will explain how it probably won't in a minute.

Then comes the motorcycle scene, which I'm really excited for. It will precede them going to drive out the drug truck. Now what I'm not sure about is whether they're together or driving separately. But anyway, Garrett stops them. It’ll either be the penultimate act or right away in the final one. We do know that he is in Arman's face from stills, so I don’t think it’ll end up being a cliffhanger.

As far as how this plays out, I will kind of repeat myself, but go into more detail. Like I said above, Thony is probably going to talk to Arman and Nadia about med business. Either this is before they decide to go against Thony’s wishes, or they discuss it after she leaves. But, in any case, she will be told to come to the warehouse, which leads to....

Thony discovers the truth about the meds, and she is NOT going to be happy, and Arman will give it to her straight, which I will talk about in my analysis. But it will be a short-lived dispute. I believe he will bare his soul about being under Kamdar’s thumb more than before, and Thony will, begrudgingly, go along with it because, in a way, she’s been there. When the time comes, then, to roll the drugs out, Thony and Arman will leave the club together to head to the truck. 

Like I said earlier, it’s unclear to me if arman and Thony will be in the truck together, or if she’s following behind. It would make more sense if she did for safety’s sake and covering her behind in case they run into some bumps....like Garrett. Arman will try to keep Thony out of it, but she won’t let him. Garrett will finally be able to put Arman away, yet unable to keep Thony out of prison. So he offers her a deal: become an informant again to get to Cortes'. Thony refuses and said it's her AND Arman or no deal, and that will lead to episode 6.

It's halfway through the season (completely unfair), so there has to be some major headway between Thony and Arman in this episode.