TV Review: Animal Kingdom Shows Some Families Should Not Stick Together
I love the Cody bros because I hate them. They are handsome, smart, loyal (when they want to be), and the definition of what it is to waste yourself. As the third season of Animal Kingdom has progressed, the tensions within the Cody family have arisen pass toxicity, which is sincerely dangerous considering this is not the “Build A Bear” kind of clan.
Light Spoilers Ahead
For the first time in Animal Kingdom history, I am feeling like ANOTHER Cody member will die. Considering it is based off the Aussie film, it would be unsurprising that it, eventually, it goes this route again; even after losing Baz (Scott Speedman). Yet, it is how the family has handled his death that makes their dynamic, particularly, disturbing. It is as if they cried for 15 minutes, and then went off to plan another robbery. I keep on waiting for more breakdowns or breakthroughs, but, instead, with the return of Smurf (Ellen Barkin) and Billy (Denis Leary) into the Cody household, it is no wonder these guys have emotional struggles.
From Craig and Pope’s (Ben Robson) crippling self-doubt and self-destruction to Deran’s (Jake Weary) practically doomed path to self-help, this season has proven there will not be a happy ending for the Cody boys. Even J (Finn Cole) is quietly and maniacally going darkside; truly believing he can outmaneuver Smurf for control. THIS WOMAN LIVES FOR POWER, and it is a dangerous game to push her out of the driver’s seat. Yet, as I watch the family go further into turning on themselves and each other, I realized this was NEVER a show about familial loyalty. On the contrary, this is a show about how a family can keep you bound to them even when you need to be freed.
It was mid-way through the “desert robbery” when my epiphany hit; everyone is screwed. Even though the robbery went well; family issues came out more than ever during this job. As an eternal optimist, this was not an easy conclusion, but with what all these men have done to each other and their parents have done to them, I realized that cruelty and chaos can be passed down. There are so many odds against them to have reform, or simply go away and live a crime-free life. Why? Because the more you feed darkness, the more you actually get it.
Season 3 has to be the grimmest season yet; with the show alluding that Smurf, the ringleader, might be the reason this family ends up completely destroyed to the point of death. After all, she trained her kids to be criminals so why should she not be the sword that cuts them. Yet, admittedly, I hope she is NOT working with the cops: a particularly stinging betrayal. Still, in a family where everyone is for themselves, you have to be amazed at how long they have lasted and come together; even if it is to wound each other. Watch Animal Kingdom On TNT Tuesdays At 9.
