Molly and Arthur cope with their break-up in vastly different ways in Loot Season 3, Episode 9, “Slide.” The episode, written by Leigh Pruden & Hank Winton and directed by Anna Dokoza, finally brings some of the outstanding issues in their relationship to the forefront. “Slide” is what Molly and Arthur need after the previous episode. This episode has the space for self-reflection that hasn’t existed in the same capacity since that fateful day of birding.
Some elements along the way work better than others. Likewise, some scenes highlight what Loot Season 3 needed to explore before now. On the other hand, “Slide” fully embraces being the season’s penultimate episode by bringing back D’Arcy Carden. Her return as Luciana, or Ashlee Kate, propels the Wells Foundation into a crisis and Loot to its Season 3 finale.
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Arthur Goes on a Journey
Strangely, “Slide” reveals that Howard has nearly entirely healed from his break-up with Destiny after an unclear amount of time. Presumably, this off-screen progress is so that Loot can focus on the fallout from Arthur and Molly’s break-up. While understandable, Howard is notoriously there for everyone else. It would have been nice to see the characters, as Sofia did, show up for him. Unfortunately, that’s not the case, even though it’d improve the friendships.
On the other hand, it’s entirely reasonable for Arthur to think that he’s the only one in the wrong. This season often downplays his concerns about the relationship. In the previous episode, Nicholas tells Molly that he thinks that Arthur resists a lot of things that make Molly who she is. In reality, Arthur more frequently expresses concerns that Molly uses her money to solve interpersonal problems. Plus, the couple never really deals with the power dynamics in their relationship, despite mentioning them quite early in the season.
Therefore, it’s productive that “Slide” pairs Nicholas, Howard, and Arthur up, so Nicholas can see another side of Arthur. The episode really earns Nicholas saying that he thinks Molly made a mistake by breaking up with Arthur. Similarly, it’s worth appreciating that Arthur’s journey in “Slide” is one of self-acceptance, with the help of a placebo, rather than changing to fit an idea of himself. Even so, his dialogue, though honest in discussing his insecurities, reflects that he doesn’t think that’s enough for Molly. If they can talk about those deeper topics and what they want from the relationship, maybe there’s space for Arthur and Molly to move forward in the finale.
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However, that may take more time than one episode because “Slide” picks up with Molly dating Maro and giving Arthur space. Preferably, the scene between Molly and Sofia would be longer, or there would be more like them in the episode. Their conversation, though short, touches on so much that the season misses. For example, the scene contains proof of the Wells Foundation’s work, which has been spelled out more than shown. More importantly, Sofia pushes Molly on how Arthur and Molly have always been different. If that interaction were longer, maybe Sofia and Molly would discuss the real source of conflict.
That said, Maro’s interrupting their conversation underscores that he is a distraction from the conflict that still exists. Again, their purpose is apparent, but Molly’s interactions with Maro’s friends aren’t all that interesting. The Gen Z slang is a lot, which seems to be the point, but some of the jokes don’t land. Molly’s advice to Zoey feels almost too convenient, but it is helpful for Molly to realize that Arthur is the shiny option. The sentiment gets lost a bit because it is never a problem for Molly that Arthur birds or uses two-in-one shampoo and conditioner. Those qualities and interests are attractive and endearing to her.
It’s as if Loot tries to manufacture reasons for Molly and Arthur’s relationship struggles when their issues with the power imbalance and problem-solving with money have been there all along. Coincidentally, Molly can’t use her money to solve the problem of the FBI investigating the Wells Foundation. Carden returns to drop the mic in the most outrageous way imaginable, creating a cliffhanger with lasting implications for Loot’s Season 3 finale.
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What did you think of Loot Season 3, Episode 9, “Slide?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Loot Season 3 stream on Wednesdays on Apple TV.
