‘Stumptown’ Episode 8: Grey has suffered the most in Dex’s triangle of love and angst, but he's yet to learn his lesson
With its flashback style of storytelling and introduction of a new character nearly in every episode, ABC’s crime drama series 'Stumptown' has managed to retain our attention from the start. The show has played out the emotional elements just right for a comic book adaptation and we have come to relate further with our favorite characters as ‘Stumptown’ progresses.
Aside from Dex Parios' (Cobie Smulders) PTSD and commitment issues, Jason Richman’s creation has offered us Grey McConnell (Jake Johnson) goodwill, which makes him too nice to be hurt by anyone. However, what we have witnessed in ‘Stumptown’ is exactly the opposite.
Grey was initially portrayed as the owner of Bad Alibi, who hooked up with Dex briefly six years ago but ended up being her moral supporter and best friend upon realizing they were better off as friends. Not only is he Dex’s brother’s employer, but also his caretaker, who has been by Ansel’s (Cole Sibus) side even when Dex went AWOL on several occasions.
Although Grey’s history is as dark as Dex’s, the ex-con decided to start afresh by setting up his own bar, leaving the past behind. However, no matter how hard he strives to lead his life in peace, his bestie Dex’s actions seem to be bogging him, and we can’t help but wonder when he’ll learn his lesson.
Dex involves herself deeply in Grey’s life, which is uncalled for. They established boundaries in their relationship long ago, which Grey has adhered to, to date, but from the looks of it, Dex doesn’t seem to bother to acknowledge what was laid out between them. She blamed him for putting Ansel’s life at risk and forced him to come clean about his past when the majority of the time she isn’t aware of her brother’s whereabouts.
Dex wouldn’t romance Grey, and neither would she let him have a relationship with someone else (Liz). Just when things between him and Liz were falling in place, she lures the latter into bed, which is just an addition to her list of one-night stands.
How could Dex ignore the plans she and Grey made for them and do as she wishes, despite knowing the consequences of her actions? And why is Grey being such a goody-two-shoes for someone who has brought nothing destruction to his life?
The next episode of ‘Stumptown’ will air on ABC on December 11.