The swell has settled down, and the North Shore community comes together for Rocky's paddle out. Hina thinks about switching districts and Em tries to console her after the recent tragedy. Laka, Will and Kainalu try to save a beachgoer that accidentally spears his own foot while fishing. Romance heats up between Sean and Em. Sonny takes a personal day to go on a motocross ride to clear his head, but ends up losing control.
The North Shore district is led by a self-destructive captain. One would think that mentality from the top would lead to dysfunction amongst the ranks. Instead, the rest of the lifeguards remain competent and professional on the job. In fact, Sean is always impressed by their quick thinking when he is called in to assist with a rescue. Sure, Hina walks off the job after Sonny does the exact same thing. However, they reach that same conclusion without knowing what the other has done. Their reactions are both informed by Rocky's sudden and tragic death. They face the same hurdles when it comes to working this job again. They refuse to reach out and accept help. And yet, they aren't informed by each other in this shared misery. Em continues to step up as a leader. She knows precisely what Hina needs in this moment. That's informed by her experience as a woman in this department. She doesn't have the same luck in getting through to Sonny. She simply repeats the same thing over and over again hoping for a different response. That has only allowed the situation to escalate.
Sonny takes a personal day. He doesn't tell anyone he is doing so. No one at work can get in contact with him. Em worries. No one else thinks it's a big deal. Will and Laka simply remain at the right place at the right time to be of service. Their carefree and laid-back nature continues to suit them well. Of course, it creates conflict when Will is asked to interact with Julie's family. He doesn't connect with them. He feels like a disappointment because he can't afford the lifestyle they are accustomed to. He and Julie come from different worlds. And yet, they are expected to be seen as a good couple. That's undercut by the amount of time he spends looking at Em. They can never escape one another. Em isn't given the luxury of exploring something new with Sean. They are always interrupted by a look from Will. It's incredibly forced though. It doesn't come across as natural. It's the only plot detail of relevance for Will. Everyone notes it must be difficult for them to continue working together. Because others comment on that frequently, the audience is meant to imply that their words denying it can't be trusted. That's frustrating especially since Will isn't an interesting character.
Sonny's destructive traits are dangerous but they are at least a consistent story that offers character dimension. Everyone knows why he is acting this way. His family believes he doesn't need to mention the pain in order for it to be understood. He's still burying the truth. He engages in risky behavior in every aspect of his life now. He mourns Rocky. He carries the personal burden during the paddle out ceremony. Rocky's widow wants answers. She needs to know what happened. She doesn't have a body to bury. Rocky's ashes deserved to be spread during this ceremony. Instead, everyone remarks that it's beautiful that he died doing what he loved most. That isn't comforting. It's just something people say in the hopes of offering something profound and moving. It covers up their true and complicated emotions. Sonny doesn't lean on anyone for support. He has friends willing to engage in his various hobbies. Even they see that he isn't in the right mental headspace. Sonny eventually crashes his motocross bike. That comes after he tries speeding away from his problems as quickly as possible. They always catch up to him. He shouldn't avoid this tension forever. Too many people are letting him get away with it. That has proven costly already.
Em recognizes Hina needs support. Sonny deflects. He berated the rookie lifeguard. Hina now questions if this is where she wants to be. She seeks comfort at home. They don't know the details of what happened. Em does. Losing people is part of the job. Every rescue is dangerous. It makes the reward of those they save even better. The loses are still just as devastating. Sonny had no right to talk to Hina the way he did. She needs to hear that. She also needs time and space to mourn this loss. The community rallies around a surfing legend. Hina feels responsible for what happened. Only her fellow lifeguards who have been in that situation know how tricky it can be. Kainalu is oblivious despite living with Hina. He wasn't there. He is going through his own problems. He exerts his independence. That has consequences for Hina. She is willing to step up. She just needed a moment for herself. She had to take care of what she needed before being able to give back to others. She remains grounded in this work. She rescues people who make foolish and stupid mistakes all the time. All the lifeguards have to deal with that reality. They have to be smart. That requires leadership to keep them all healthy. That's missing from Sonny. That will have to be reckoned with soon.
