Writer: Abby Gewanter
Director: Jesse BochcoCast: Austin Nichols (John Monad), Rebecca DeMornay (Cissy Yost), Luke Perry (Linc Stark), Keala Kennelly (Kai), Brian Van Holt (Butchie Yost), Greyson Fletcher (Shaun Yost), Ed O'Neill (Bill Jacks), Paul Ben-Victor (Palaka), Luis Guzman (Ramon), Emily Rose (Cass), Dayton Callie (Freddie), Chandra West (Tina Blake) & Matt Mather (Dwayne)
The Imperial Beach residents become unnerved by a cryptic message from John...We're heading for the final stretch of David Milch's 10-part journey into some decidedly weird and often unfathomable territory. His Visit, Day Seven is another simple episode that benefits from just focusing on a few characters and doesn't go overboard with the mumbo-jumbo.
John (Austin Nichols) has begun to get his voice across, with more people ready to listen to the curious outsider. His claim that "Shaun will soon be gone" seems to disturb the community, somehow speaking to a communal reverence for the young surfing prodigy. John's statement is met with anger, confusion and criticism, particularly from Cass (Emily Rose) and Bill.
Cass's filmmaking exploits take a weird twist, as Cass realizes she has no memory of her "work" being done with John -- only a strange stick figure symbol on black cloth is any evidence of it. It's the same symbol Meyer drew into the wet concrete recently, and most likely the shape John and Shaun drew into the ground with their feet very early in the season. Oooh, are things are coming together slowly...?
Bill (the superb Ed O'Neill) decides enough is enough and (with viewers willing him along at home) sits John down for a no-nonsense talk in the motel. It's a talk that proves to be one of the show's highlights and a big step forward regarding John's identity.
As ever with this show, there's a lot to enjoy and a lot to annoy. I have more of a grasp on John From Cincinatti's world than I did 5 episodes ago, but many characters still irritate, I detest a few (Cissy -- aagh!), while others just seem to exist for no real purpose. I mean, just why are the Hawaiians at that motel, anyway? I've never been clear on that...
The great thing about this episode is that characters begin to act like normal human beings, making it easier for us to follow their various stories. I particularly liked how Bill and Freddie (Dayton Callie) are both now convinced John is not human, which should hopefully lead to some dramatic moments in the remaining episodes...
And when will Mitch (Bruce Greenwood) make his reappearance?
Posthumous Review
Written: 9 August 2007
HBO
