Two Takes: Graceland “B-Positive” 

Graceland is back. Mike’s alive and everybody continues to be a mess. The anticipation for this season premiere was so big for those of us at TV Goodness, we had to give “B-Positive” the Two Takes treatment. Our regular Graceland writer, Cortney Persiani along with Tina Charles weigh in on what was an intense episode that needed to accomplish a lot. It had to deal with the cliffhangers from the Season 2 finale and it had to set up what’s to come in Season 3.

Tina: I don’t even know where to begin. Should we talk about the very end of the episode? Was that Johnny with Sid in the car? Because right when I saw that I knew I needed to talk to you about it sooner rather than later. Or maybe we need to start with the fact Mike’s alive. To no one’s shock, of course. At least not to mine.

Cortney: Yeah yeah, Mike’s alive. The most shocking part of that reveal was that somehow he got his hands on some miracle Rogaine because his hair is suddenly 6 months longer in what I’m imagining is a matter of weeks.

Tina: So true. But I’m not going to lie. I like the scruff. I like it a lot. It’s a good look.

Cortney: So now that we’re over that, let’s get to the good stuff — Johnny and Sid!! What?! I love and hate this twist at the same time. Johnny is officially Carlito’s puppet and I can’t really blame him…I mean, yes, he should tell the team, but Carlito is not someone to mess around with. If he says he’ll kill his sister, he’ll do it. And is it just me or does it seem like every season one character has to “turn against the team” and do something super shady for some reason muy important? So, I guess this season, it’s Johnny’s turn and it’s all for love. Speaking of which, can we talk about the super creepy doll make-up on Lucia?!

Tina: I should have guessed Johnny was playing chauffeur to Sid on Carlito’s orders, but I didn’t. Stupid me. That makes so much sense. Yes, clearly it’s Johnny’s turn to “betray” the team. Can’t we get a Graceland that’s betrayal-free for more than two seconds?

Hopefully Johnny can look to his house for help in setting Doll!Lucia free. Briggs did remind everyone about the purpose of the house — Johnny needs to recognize. Back to Poor Lucia…part of me wants to know what she’s going through. But most of me is way too scared to find out. What did you think about Paige’s situation?

Cortney: I loved Briggs’ reminder! He was so spot on and what he said applied to every single person around that fire.

Briggs: Graceland doesn’t exist just because there were a few agents who wanted an ocean view. The house, it’s pretty dope, right? But at the end of the day, it’s just walls. What gives it its value are the people inside. It’s us. Everytime we go under guys, we end up holding hands with the devil. Thankfully, there’s always 5 people holding the other hand. So I guess I’m telling you because I know already, it’s gonna get a lot worse before it gets any better. And I’m hoping you guys will be there to bring me home.

Doesn’t it always get worse before it gets better? That being said, I can’t really imagine how it could possibly get any worse with Paige. I was so frustrated with her last season and this season is just as bad so far. First, she got all hot-headed and stupid and led Sid right to Mike’s bedside so he could kill him (really?! No matter how mad you get at a friend, killing them is NOT the answer!) and now she’s feeling all guilty and is again making impulsive decisions, like going to Sid’s house and then trying to take him down without even having a solid plan, all in an attempt to redeem herself.

And then on top of it, she decides she’s leaving Graceland?! Stop throwing yourself a pity party, suck it up, own your mistakes and start making smarter decisions. Seriously, I just can’t feel bad for her right now…is that a little harsh? I get that what happened last season was awful, but she’s just pushed the envelope and been uber focused on her own mission, without considering the rest of the team, too many times for me to let it slide. What’d you think?

Tina: I do love Paige but it’s difficult to be on her side when she continues to make bonehead move after bonehead move. I was actually TeamPaige during the whole Lena debacle of last season. As for this season, I understand why she feels guilty. She should. She and Mike used to have a connection and now it’s buried under guilt, shame, betrayal and attempted murder. She wants to make up for her mistakes. But much like last season, she’s laser focused to the point of obsession. And when she reaches that mode, she does stupid things. She’s already there — she’s making bad choices in Week 1 of Season 3. I’m afraid to see where she goes from here.

Now let’s talk Charlie. It took me a while to figure out she’s still pregnant. I kept looking for a bump.

Cortney: Yep, she is still pregnant (nod to the apple juice in the whiskey bottle), but it breaks my heart that she said she and Paul can never be together now that she knows about the tape. Paul and Chuck were so sweet together. That being said, I can’t totally blame her. But she also has to understand a little…I mean, it’s not like she’s been a saint either. Speaking of the tape, is that what was missing from Mike’s bag when he got it back from the hospital? I don’t remember where it was last so I wasn’t totally sure….

Tina: Yes, the tape is what was missing. It ended up with Special Agent in Charge Sean Logan (Lawrence Gilliard Jr. of The Wire and The Walking Dead), who used the tape to blackmail Briggs into going undercover to help bring down the dreaded Sarkissian family. Poor guy got tasered for his troubles. That had to hurt. Cortney, you’re not going to be surprised to learn I loved Paul in the premiere, even though he can be a shady mofo.

Cortney: Ooh, that’s right. And nope, I’m not surprised at all! How can we not love Paul?! Super shady but I still believe (as I always have) that he has a good heart and is trying to do what he believes is right. #TeamBriggs all the way. That scene when the cop pulled him over though…whew, that one hurt. He was trying so hard to warn him and do the right thing! And then he got tased for it! Lol. Poor, Paul. Honestly, that guy just can’t catch a break.

So, I can’t hold back any more, can we PLEASE talk about the chore wheel?! I love that Jake’s brought it up at the beginning of the episode. And how it so seamlessly tied in with the whole episode and Briggs’ speech at the end. Keeping things neat and in harmony inside is important because of all the shit they have to deal with outside. Yes, he was talking about the garbage and the laundry and the dishes, but can we say metaphor much?! I love these things that tie through not only from episode to episode, but season to season. Only thing: hopefully Jakes will get to do more than clean the bathroom this season. Just saying.

Graceland airs Thursdays at 10/9c on USA Network.