Rectify “Running With the Bull” 

This series is constantly surprising me in the best possible way. I’m not quite sure what I expected with the return of this quiet, intense show. The anticipation has been (practically) killing me because I knew we’d see Johnny Ray Gill’s Kerwin Whitman again, even though he was put to death last season. I thought perhaps we’d see a time jump because I wasn’t sure about the dramatic possibilities of seeing Daniel in a coma. I should’ve known better, because I loved what we got. Not only did we see Kerwin in a brand new light, but I think I might have some (very) grudging respect for Sheriff Carl Daggett now. He’ll probably disappoint me soon enough, but for now I’m glad he’s doing his job.

Daniel’s in Atlanta because the local hospital isn’t up to snuff on head traumas. We have no idea if he’s got brain damage or not, but his coma was induced to keep the brain swelling down. Foulkes wonders why Bobby Dean and his cronies didn’t just kill Daniel. It would make things so much easier. He, in particular, would be able to focus on his upcoming run for governor. Foulkes warns Daggett to think of the PR ramifications of his actions. Lid’s already warned Daggett that there are a lot of people who don’t want to see Daniel’s attackers arrested, much less prosecuted. But Daggett seems to be hearing the call of justice right now. I’m pleasantly surprised that he’s pursuing all leads on this. I’d be very interested to see if Daggett makes any headway with talking to those kids. Lid’s policing skills are kind of laughable, but he seems ready to back his boss up for now.

Kerwin. Sweet Kerwin. We learn the reason he’s on the row. I don’t know what I was expecting, but it wasn’t that he killed a kid. He figures it’s about time for him to face that little girl. But beyond that, it’s nice to see that Kerwin represents comfort to Daniel. He takes Kerwin to his happy place, even though Daniel knows he’s really in a coma and not sure if he wants to live for die. And we also see what Daniel went through after Kerwin was executed. Wendell, his neighbor on the other side (and a vile human being), diagnoses him as depressed before going on to tell Daniel he was one of the guys who raped him soon after his incarceration. He felt the need to share that truth so that Daniel might feel more comfortable opening up to him about what he’s going through. That was a tough scene to watch. I’m not surprised Daniel ended up going a bit off the deep end after that.

Some questions I’m looking forward to getting answers to this season

• How far is Daggett willing to go to catch the guys responsible for Daniel’s attack? Will any arrests be made? Beyond that, will any of them see their day in court? Almost everyone in that town believes Daniel got what was coming to him. So we’ll see if justice can be done for Daniel in this instance.

• What really happened between Daniel and Teddy? If Teddy’s behavior is any indication, I’m not sure we really want to know. But I am curious to know if Daniel is really capable of violence against someone he loves. I’m also curious to see if Teddy will feel the need or urge to confide in anyone about this.

• Tawney and Daniel. Daniel told Kerwin he met a girl. In those seven days after his release – each day like a lifetime – he fell in love. Does Tawney feel the same? I kind of root for them even though I don’t think Tawney’s faith will really allow her to be with him. Her marriage is an obstacle too, but is Teddy really right for her? I’ve never thought so.

• What’s going on with Trey? What is he doing with George’s stuff?

• When is Amantha going to start living for herself again? It might sound harsh, but she’s put her life on hold for her brother – for good reason – and she needs to get back to it. Life doesn’t wait. Yes, Daniel needs her and I think her presence in his life is helping both of them. And I’m not talking just about the last seven days. Amantha’s been fighting this fight for a long time. She needs to move forward.

• Why is everyone constantly underestimating Janet? She’s not as blind as Amantha has accused her of being. That speech she gives Tawney reinforces just how much she does see of what’s going on between Teddy and Tawney and also between Daniel and Tawney.

Rectify airs Thursdays at 9/8c on SundanceTV.