A long night’s journey into day
Fans of “Deadwood” will
recognize the name of Ray McKinnon as the actor who played Reverend Smith, the incredibly decent and humble pastor who was tragically broken by the horrors of the Civil War. When I discovered that McKinnon was the creator and
producer of “Rectify”, that was all I needed to know to give the show a try, and as
the episodes unfolded it quickly became clear that there are many similarities
between McKinnon’s Reverend Smith and the lead character of this series.
Aden Young plays Daniel
Holden, who was sent to Death Row at the age of 18 for allegedly raping and
murdering his teenaged girlfriend. Nearly
two decades later, new DNA evidence releases Daniel from prison and he returns
home to his family. However, the years
that Daniel spent in isolation have taken their toll on his gentle spirit, and
the primary question of the show is whether Daniel will be able function on the
outside or if the trauma of his incarceration has permanently ruined his chances for a second life.
The cast of “Rectify”
is ample, but since the show has four seasons, every character is very distinct. Their arcs are subtle, deeply inspiring and several of them also contain delightful surprises. Most
crucially, no character is extraneous.
Every actor is given moments to shine, and while much of the drama does delve
into the trauma of abuse and neglect with an unflinching gaze, there are glorious and intimate scenes of tenderness,
grace and connection. Light still shines
even in the deepest shadows.
Aside from the superlative
writing and acting, “Rectify” also does an extraordinary job of playing against
initial expectations in the most delightful way. Far too many TV shows will have their
characters make maddeningly arbitrary decisions that contradict their previous
behavior. “Rectify” wisely does the
opposite. Instead of a slapdash execution of annoying and
confounding red herrings, the characters actively work to grow beyond their shortcomings and become even more admirable than they were before.
Eventually you fall in
love with almost everyone, and I’ve never wept with so much joy over
seeing so many beautiful people struggle with so much grief, anger and frustration
and yet still treat each other with dignity, respect and love. Witnessing all these wonderful and varied
souls continue to support and encourage each other was inspiring in a way that challenges my every attempt to choose the proper words. Still, there is the nagging worry that perhaps this beloved family won't make it.
Thankfully, the last episode is one of the most emotionally transcendent
viewing experiences I have ever had. I
completely broke down. As the credits
rolled, so too did more tears of blessedness roll down my cheeks at the serenity
that was finally achieved. It was almost
as if I had been released from prison! After having spent so much time with this family and my heart continually breaking for their ongoing suffering and
doubt, the ending was one of the most beatific moments of deliverance from
darkness that I have been privileged to witness.It is a long, dark road to
get there, but it is SO worth it.
