'American Rust' Episode 3 Review: The walls close in and secrets tumble out
This article contains spoilers for 'American Rust' Episode 3: 'Forgive Us Our Trespasses'
The Lord's Prayer might not be enough to atone for the sins of the past. 'American Rust's latest chapter may have had an entire reading of Psalm 23 but it also shows copious amounts of what could be looked at as cardinal sins if you happen to be a devout Christian, especially from the medieval times. Masturbation, adultery, murder — themes that would have had shivers running down the spine of folk back in the day. And while this isn't the entire story, it surely gives a hint of the nightmares that happen in the fictional town of Buell.
For now, all eyes are on Billy Poe (Alex Neustaedter) as the mysterious man Bobby Jesus (William Apps), now giving Del Harris (Jeff Daniels) the slip and heading off to West Virginia gives the police department a tip about Billy being the potential murderer. The unassuming youngster continues his affair with Lee English (Julia Mayorga). A good part of the episode focuses on Isaac (David Alvarez) as he grapples with his issues of acceptance and a troubled relationship with his father.
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There is also that storyline where Grace Poe (Maura Tierney) enlists help in her effort to unionize the dressmakers. Although there aren't many developments on that front, she does strike a solid bond with Harris, who relives his torrid memories of a botched case in Pittsburgh. He quit the force before the blame could come to him for being downright incompetent. To be honest, the episodes by now seem to fall in place despite the incredibly slow pacing.
The question is, at what point will all pieces fall in place. The cast continues to do better with each episode. Poverty is a recurring motif in the series. The fact that they wish they could have better lives and pine for something they crave all along is beautifully showcased. Each character at the end of the day needs at least one thing to go right in their lives that are synonymous with misery. Harris wants love, a companion and someone to talk to. Tierney's Grace has something going along the same lines.
Billy has issues that any adult would and is blinded by the fact that Lee is married. The physical intimacy he shares with her just comes as a soothing balm to the crime which we are yet to know if he has committed. And the walls are closing in. With the potential tip that is all set to bring back his expunged criminal record and perhaps even make it worse, Billy finds himself in a space that leads the audience to speculate if he indeed has a side to him that's capable of murder.
It does feel like 'American Rust' is saving one massive twist for the end. And hopefully, it's not a damp, predictable squib.
'American Rust' airs on Sundays at 10 pm ET on Showtime.