'Lucky Hank' Episode 3 Review: Bob Odenkirk's Hank stuck between childhood trauma and bad memories
Spoilers for 'Lucky Hank' Episode 3 'Escape'
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Bod Odenkirk was the best choice when AMC+ wanted to find their lead for 'Lucky Hank'. The character is complex with many layers. In the latest episode of 'Lucky Hank', it was proven how Hank feels about things and how he chooses to have a difficult conversation through sarcasm. Episode 3 titled 'Escape' dives deeper into the relationship between Hank and his father Henry.
The episode shows the idea of Henry coming back to the old town, while Hank is advising everyone to move out of it. The episodes aren't in continuation, although it is happening in the same town with the same set of people. Each episode brings the audience closer to Hank and his life. This episode was solely focused on Hank and Henry and a tale of difficult choices.
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Is Henry coming back?
Episode 3 starts with Hank trying to get his car out of the garage, but the car seems to be stuck as there is a porta cabin just outside of his garage that makes it impossible to get his car out. Hank keeps trying to turn the car around but the car keeps bumping into the wall and the cabin. The moment stuck out as a metaphor for Hank's life and how he is stuck everywhere, unable to get mental liberation. If the writers wanted us to notice that, we sure did.
Later, Hank realizes that the box contains his father Henry’s office things, which he has asked to be delivered to Hank’s place. Henry wants to keep his things but wants them to be in a safe place. Hank and Lily do not understand why would he do it, but suddenly, Henry takes over the call from Marnie (Henry’s secretary), panics, and cuts the call.
Hank is shaken and appalled by Henry's audacity to nudge his way back into their lives. Hank rants to his wife Lily (Mireille Enos) about it and expresses his disappointment about the situation and the fact that his dad is thinking of coming back after leaving them to fend for themselves.
Later, Hank attempts to write his next novel, but Meg Quigley, who is Billie’s daughter, asks him to write her a letter of recommendation. He has been putting it off as he wants Meg to step out of that town and achieve higher things in life. She sincerely makes her case and he budges.
The cabin of curiosities
Hank opens the cabin sent by his father and discovers many letters exchanged between him and his mother. Hank realizes that the dates on the letter match the time when Henry left him and his mom behind. The fact hits him that his mom had always been in touch with his father. When Hank confronts his mother Laurel (Anne Gee Byrd) about it, she snaps at him and tells him that his father didn't abandon his mother but him.
After this, Hank leaves her mother's house. While walking over to his own house, Hank calls his father, which is sent to voicemail, and tells him to never come back.
Episode 3 is a difficult episode that treads lightly on Hank's childhood issues and his grudge against his father. The episode brings us face-to-face with the idea of how there are many layers to Hank's personality and how he is a complex human being. We will surely see him coming undone in the following episodes. We will also know the reason behind him asking everyone to follow greatness by leaving the town.
