Pam & Tommy 1×04, “The Master Beta,” strikes a more even balance between Pamela’s story and Rand’s crime(s). Nevertheless, the show would work much better if Rand’s story didn’t come across as a worthy contender to Pamela’s journey — at least in the amount of screen time it receives. Nothing comes close to matching Pamela’s story during any of the episodes so far, but especially “The Master Beta.”
Thankfully, Lake Bell‘s direction is clear about this, even if the episode starts with a focus on Rand. Pam & Tommy can cling to the possibility of a redemption arc for Rand (for some reason), but that mere chance pales compared to Pamela’s devastating and supremely more nuanced arc. For that reason, a woman behind the camera for Pamela’s story is crucial — if not required.
For example, Bell perfectly captures the horror when Pamela realizes the tape is out. The shot of Pamela standing in the middle of all the trailers as the music builds and she hears the video before she sees it is chilling. Lily James‘ excellent performance relays Pamela’s attempt to downplay the severity of the situation to maintain her composure. With that, Pam & Tommy‘s tone shifts on a dime.
James and Sebastian Stan are incredibly good at embodying various tones — sometimes simultaneously. It makes for a compelling watch, especially when Pamela and Tommy go to Malibu Library to use the Internet. The show often uses Seth Rogen and Nick Offerman to deliver punchline (after punchline) about the “world wide web,” but this sequence demonstrates why it doesn’t need to lean on that pair so heavily for comedic beats.
This goes back to whatever appeal the show thinks Rand’s story has, because if we’re being honest Pam & Tommy could succeed without focusing on him half the time. The nature of the show being steeped in irony makes it challenging to perceive whether the overall disconnect with the character is intentional. This question rings especially loud in scenes with Rand and Erica. She remains unphased by Rand’s attempts to create a redemption arc by righting his wrongs to her.
Again, the irony is unmistakable in how Rand wants to make things right by a woman he treated poorly, yet he refuses to give Erica what she wants — the freedom of a divorce. That directly parallels Rand’s inability (or refusal) to see the harm he causes Pamela by corrupting a very different freedom of hers. No matter Seth Rogen‘s performance, it’s impossible to root for a man who touts his intellect but continues to ruin women’s lives.
Subsequently, “The Master Beta” dives into the effects Rand’s crime and the scandal it creates have on Pamela — physically, mentally, emotionally.
James embodies all of that throughout the episode. It’s impossible to look away from the TV when she is on it because there are so many layers to her performance. Pamela’s range of emotions is palpable in James’ expressions, mannerisms, and the conviction with which she speaks. One shining yet heartbreaking example of this is when Pamela says, “Tommy, it’s not because of my big career. It’s because I’m a woman!”
This argument between Pamela and Tommy is one of the tensest points of “The Master Beta.” It holds far greater weight than Rand running from Tommy’s hitmen. It’s not only because of the general disinterest in Rand. It’s also because of the devastating fact that Pamela is the only one who is acutely aware of the effects the tape will have on her present and future.
At points like this, it’s easy to know Pam & Tommy is on Pamela’s side — at least within its narrative. It challenges the dominant narrative from the ’90s that underestimated Pamela and her intelligence at every turn. Furthermore, “The Master Beta” shows Tommy’s role in that process. So, while the show delivers points when this couple (more often and more obvious with Pamela) is crazy in love, it also illuminates red flags within the relationship.
“The Master Beta” dives into various aspects of their relationship, like the highs and possible lows that may come with starting a family. One of the most poignant shots of the entire episode is when Pamela and Tommy learn about the miscarriage, but the camera stays on the other side of the door. That moment is theirs because that’s how it should be.
James and Stan deliver heartwrenching performances that break through the door’s glass. It proves empathizing with Pamela and Tommy’s experience is possible without breaching any level of privacy. It’s also uncomfortable to watch because the camera shouldn’t be outside the door in the first place. This beat is one of Pam & Tommy‘s most effective ways of spotlighting the public’s complacency in the destruction of their privacy.
That embedded commentary translates even better when paired with the grotesque image of paparazzi waiting by their car as they leave the hospital. Pam & Tommy never views the paparazzi as the good guy, which makes its fascination with Rand’s wellbeing and possible happily ever after confusing. Nevertheless, the final act of “The Master Beta” is stronger than its first because of its nearly undivided focus on Pamela.
Its final scene is nearly as heartbreaking as the one before it. Pamela and Tommy share a far more intimate moment in Tommy’s car than any of their extravagant sex scenes in the first three episodes. The camera is in the car with them, and that level of intimacy makes it feel like it’s something we shouldn’t see — like the tape. James and Stan bring a raw vulnerability to that scene, making it one of Pam & Tommy‘s most memorable yet.
Pamela and Tommy’s fury is understandable. They’re a grieving couple, and their privacy is taken from them once again. It’s infuriating to watch this invasive process elevate without any relief. So ultimately, it remains conflicting to know the actual Pamela Anderson has no role in the show’s production. But, there’s some sliver of a silver lining in knowing Pam & Tommy could encourage someone — anyone — to treat her with more empathy and respect.
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