USA's Dare Me - Episode 1.08 "Containment"
In the wake of a tragedy, Addy and Colette struggle with a shared secret that threatens them both.
In 2019, the television industry aired 532 scripted shows across numerous outlets. The way people consume content now is different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, it's less necessary to provide ample coverage of each episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site provides 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 USA's Dare Me.
"Containment" was written by Cathryn Humphris and directed by Justin Tipping
Colette is a 28-year-old cheerleading coach who relies on emotional support from a high school student under her tutelage. Addy can't process the crime scene at Will's apartment. Colette probably shouldn't be expected to either. These individuals should have healthy outlets upon seeing the horrors that have taken place in that specific setting. This hour manages to clean things up by suggesting that it was a suicide. Will felt abandoned by Colette. He lost the fun distraction that has kept him going. He may forever remain a mystery. Someone whom Colette held at arm's length despite how close they ultimately got. They had this affair. It was fun and provided her with the reassurance that she wasn't lonely in this world. That isolation can be absolutely crippling though. It's a huge adjustment to move somewhere new. A place that has a ton of expectations for her. She coached this team to the state championship for the first time in the school's history. That's probably as far as she needs to go in order for Bert to solidify his stadium plans. How the squad places in the competition may sweeten the deal. But it may not be a make or break moment for the business interests of this community. However, Colette can't allow herself to celebrate. Instead, she has the freedom to detach from her emotions entirely. She may be absent from the school for most of the day. But she is there at practice continuing to rule the same way she always has. She even takes out her rage on Addy. She knows exactly what happened to her shoes. It showcases how Colette and Addy have secret knowledge of something scandalous that has happened in the world. Colette and Addy don't call the police. Addy doesn't wake her mother up and tell her everything that has just happened. Instead, Colette digs her claws in deeper by truly propping up this relationship as the only significant and meaningful thing in her entire life. She wants Addy to know that she may be the only friend she has ever had. That can be a sad statement. It is one used to drive empathy as well. It can also be seen as a controlling technique. Addy needs to know more details in order to properly process everything that has just happened. Otherwise, she is at Beth's mercy because her intimidation routine is scary when on the receiving end of it. She views her best friend as having a sadistic mind and one that always places a lot of guilt on this bond. In Beth's mind, Addy is always the responsible party for any perceived bad action. Beth is never to blame because she feels the call of the wild. That excitement can be enthralling and worth pursuing. It means that Addy has life experiences that allow her to connect with Colette. But again, Addy is breaking down because she is incapable of processing all of this. She reaches out for a sense of comfort and control. She may only get stern looks and harsh words in public. When she privately confronts Colette, that's when the depth of friendship comes out. It's forever played as this private thing that has to remain a secret. Beth knows just how close Addy and the coach have gotten. She has seen it firsthand. Addy is still trying to maintain the illusion for the world at large. That showcases an underlying understanding of immorality. They know how this can come across. But Colette also needs someone to be there as she experiences all of these emotions. They burst out in unexpected ways. Addy may shut down in moments. Her body collapses. She stares off into space. She can't concentrate on the task at hand. Meanwhile, Colette's reactions are much more expressive. She demands that attention in a way that requires Addy to shut out everyone else in her world. That will cause more problems at home. Her mother cares about her safety. She can look at this situation with clear eyes. But she doesn't know what's going on. That deceptive nature can be so destructive while also building up a sense of stability and independence. Colette and Addy rely on each other to get through this. It's abusive and emotionally manipulative. Colette is fundamentally more aware than the teenager in bed with her. She is fine with that though because it allows her to not feel alone. That's what she wants. She doesn't really care what this is doing to Addy because she knows she can offer her greatness as a coach. As such, the dependency grows even as news spreads that Will has died from suicide.
