With nations being rapidly occupied, Chandler tries his hand at diplomacy to unite two hostile countries so they can fight a common enemy.
In 2018, it has become very difficult to keep up with every television show out there. It's even more difficult to provide adequate coverage on this site about the episodes that air every week. Not every show can get full coverage because of my busy and hectic viewing schedule. As such, some reviews will now be condensed to give only some summary thoughts. But it also affords a space for me to jot down my thoughts on the various episodes. And so, here are my thoughts on this week's episode of TNT's The Last Ship.
"El Puente" was written by Mark Malone and directed by Bill Roe
The Nathan James has always been presented as the last line of defense against global destruction or tyranny. Every story has featured the ship being the sole representation of the United States Navy being able to make a difference in the rest of the world. The odds certainly seem stacked against it and the crew this season though. They are operating without any satellites or navigation. They just have the tools right in front of them. The infrastructure of the world has been rebuilt once more. And now, it seems like they are once again operating as if they are the only thing that stands in the way of chaos destroying the world. Gustavo attacked when the United States believed they were strong. The story shows just how crippling a cyberattack can really be. The effects are still ongoing as well. But the Nathan James is standing tall ready to protect the resources that Gustavo needs to take in order to continue this expansion onto the global stage. It brings Chandler back to the central ship. It only took three episodes before he was the man back in charge. Sure, there is the illusion that Kara is really the person with command of the Nathan James. Chandler is simply the well-respected admiral who is very intelligent and has handled himself well in these kinds of conflicts before. He is revered throughout the world. When he delivers his final threat, Gustavo knows he has to take it seriously. He has to focus all of his efforts on defeating Tom Chandler. That's a gripping way to tease what's to come next. Chandler still has it as well. He is able to bring Mexico and Cuba together in order to provide assistance in this barricade. Moreover, they get help on the ground with the four U.S. soldiers helping the rebels blow up the bridge that Gustavo's forces need in order to march towards the oil resources. As such, there is a coordinated effort to defeat Gustavo and ensure that his reign doesn't extend beyond South America. Of course, Danny and company don't know that the Nathan James is still operational. They believe the four of them are all that's left of the U.S. Navy. It's up to them to defeat the man who destroyed their infrastructure. They succeed in that regard. But it's also clear that all of this is weighing on Danny as well. He believes his wife is dead. It's only after hearing that message of hope from Chandler that he realizes that he crossed a line when it came to this attack. And finally, doubts are being placed on Chandler once more. Again, that's a familiar position for the show to take because people have always underestimated him. This being the final season though there is the sense that this could be the last fight for Chandler. The President believes this could be the mission that kills him because he is no longer able to serve on the front lines of war. The show makes the audience suspect that as well because he is plagued by more PTSD than normal following the premiere attack. As such, things may be more uncertain now despite the victory the United States declares here.
