Suspicion grows when Smurf learns of a new threat to the family. Craig tracks down Frankie in the wake of her betrayal. Deran makes a dangerous decision to try and protect his relationship with Adrian.
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of TNT's Animal Kingdom.
"Into the Black" was written by Bill Balas and directed by Loren Yaconelli
Adrian cooperating with the feds had nothing to do with the Cody family at first. And yet, that was really just the entry point for a much more engaging story. That was always where all of this was heading. There are figures within the law enforcement community who are determined to get members of the Cody family back behind bars. As such, they are willing to take any opportunity that presents itself. Adrian is choosing to keep it very private as well. Deran basically has the understanding that Adrian is taking to the feds. He even kills his former friend and business associate in order to keep it secret and private. They share genuine love for each other. They would never do anything to deliberately hurt each other. And yet, all of this is only growing more precarious. Smurf tasks J with finding out who is potentially talking to the police. She needs him to eliminate this threat. She understands that he has a desire to take over this family and the business. She sees this as the brutal reality of what needs to be done in order to stay prosperous for as long as she has. Instead, he chooses to monitor her closely. He learns that she has cancer and is getting treatment just because he questions the orders being given to him. Deran has no concerns about anyone talking to the police because Smurf isn't the one handling the investigation herself. He sees this as yet another ploy she is using in order to control her family. She has done this so many times. It has lost its value even though the threats are still out there targeting this family. The boys don't take it all that seriously. They continue going about their normal days. They see this as punishment for doing a job for Frankie. Smurf wants the boys to feel guilty for going outside the family in order to get a major score. Of course, Frankie was just trying to prove to Smurf that she was a legitimate woman in this business who could be a great partner. Now, Craig is essentially ruining that because of his conditioning from Smurf. This family is so closed off and demanding. It's hard for any of them to feel genuine love. That's what makes it so revolutionary when Deran actually has that bond with Adrian. That's also what makes the whole situation even more complicated and dangerous. The family treats Adrian as someone they can trust completely. Deran will likely choose to protect him. He knows just how dangerous the people of this world can be. He is willing to kill to keep everything from spiraling out of control. And yet, that is still likely to occur. The same will likely happen with J too. He is armed with information. He chooses to keep it very private. That has long made it difficult to understand his motivations in any given moment. He doesn't trust Angela. He may be actively trying to team up with Smurf to get her out of Pope's life. Angela isn't saying anything to J that he doesn't already know. But it also wouldn't be satisfying if she was trying to expose this family. Instead, she is proving that she is just like them. Sure, that could be destructive to her sobriety. But J would probably be fine with that. He wants people to believe that they need to figure everything out for him. And yes, that is still an aspect of his life as a criminal. But he is far more capable and smart than anyone may be willing to give him credit for. It should just be interesting to see if he has the same kind of longevity that Smurf has - especially since she is being really self-destructive at the moment. She can only tolerate things for so long. She makes things personal. That's clear in the flashbacks here. That still fuels her to this day even though she's much smarter about it. But that too can cause her problems. She is more vulnerable now than ever before and refuses to let anyone fully in to help her.
