Episode Title: Kandahar
Originally Aired: November 17th 2017
This is the first of two episodes directed by Andy Goddard and because of a great show runner in Steve Lightfoot the differences from episode two to three were very minimal. It was hard to tell if the differences in the way action was portrayed was because of the way it was shot or just the story around it. Most of the episode takes place in Afghanistan, while Frank was still a soldier and not a revenge seeking missile, so it was a very different kind of combat for us to see on screen. Trust is possibly the most important theme of this episode. The trust soldiers need for each other, the trust they should have in their superiors and once someone is betrayed can ever trust again. Lieberman is willing to risk his life to win Frank’s trust by telling him his story and sharing his desire for revenge as well.
More than anything this episode continues to be an homage to soldiers in general and the physical and mental scares that war has left them with. During one of the flash backs while Frank is fighting we hear a clip from a White Buffalo song called Wish It Was True that features the following lyrics.
Country, I was a solider for you
I did what you asked me to
It was wrong and you knew
Country, now I’m just a stranger to you
A number, a name it’s true
Throw me away when you’re through
Home of the brave and the free, the red white and blue
But I wish it was true
Frank knew that what Rawlins was having his unit do was wrong, but he was a man who followed orders even though the actions were questionable or would lead the team into a trap. His inability to refuse orders is what is leading to the guilt that is tearing frank apart and why he dreams that he kills is wife every time he falls asleep. Frank isn’t the only one suffering because of the actions of of others, Lewis is back at group and he is having a rough time. I think as the season progresses Lewis’ downward spiral will continue and that something bad is going to happen. Whether he decides to attack the people he fees wronged him and the other soldiers or joins up with the people that want Frank dead, it is too soon to tell.
I can’t wait to watch the next episode and find out what will happen to Lewis and what Frank and Lieberman have panned for the men who wrecked their lives. I hope Rawlins turns out to be the big bad of the season because he is so easy to dislike and I want to see him get his comeuppance for the evil he has done and the damage he has caused.
Channel: Superhero 