On Greg’s first day in his new job, Rooster Season 1, Episode 3, “White Whale,” finds Ludlow College’s staff trying to break bad habits. This episode, written by David Stassen and directed by Zach Braff, finds a multifaceted catalyst in the not-so complex Dean Riggs. “White Whale” is tightly structured so that nearly every scene is followed by one that answers the question or faces the consequences of the one before it. That choice creates an easy pace.
In response, Rooster covers quite a lot of ground in 30 minutes. Still, it never sells any character short, not even Riggs. “White Whale” even finds itself in conversation with the show, which feels stuck in the past in less than appealing ways at times. As the characters address biases and problematic behavior, they and, in turn, the show stand in moments of reflection. The characters – mostly – show an effort to positively progress, so it will be interesting to see if Rooster matures from here, too. It, too, is full of potential after only three episodes.
MORE: Everything We Know About HBO’s Rooster
Sunny Gets an Advisor
First and foremost, Dean Riggs is majorly outdated and unlikable. Alan Ruck’s commitment to playing him as such makes Riggs’ comments, like “a beautiful young scientist,” cringeworthy and concerning. It’s a real relief that he doesn’t become Sunny’s advisor. However, it’s revealing that Archie proclaims himself to be friendly with Riggs and thinks he would make a good advisor.
Sunny’s ambition is admirable; she’s whip-smart and understandably concerned about facing discrimination in her desired field. Still, Archie sees no issue with risking her future if it means avoiding more social damage for him. A shift only comes when Riggs is physically unable, not because Archie chooses to do the right thing. Therefore, it’s satisfying to watch Mo, Sunny’s friend and roommate potrayed by the amazing Robby Hoffman, call Archie out. The bit of Hoffman leaning around Phil Dunster’s hand shouldn’t be as funny as it is, and yet.
Essentially, Archie is obviously smart, but he’s so shallow and lacks any self-awareness. If the latter does manifest, it’s painfully fleeting. Look no further than Dunster’s delivery of “Why do bad things keep happening to me?” Archie really doesn’t know! Alternatively, Riggs is completely aware of his behavior and still makes no effort to be or do better. He also lacks the depth that Rooster grants Archie in that moment when he’s looking at old photos of him and Katie. The cut to Dunster’s emotional performance from Katie asking the very vulnerable question of “Why isn’t he struggling like I am?” is very well done.
MORE: Rooster Season 1, Episode 1 Review: A Cozy, Character-Driven Comedy
Dylan Gets a Promotion
That scene with Dylan and Katie is refreshing because the characters are honest. Dylan admits to not knowing the requirements of her job all that well, and Katie admits that they aren’t that familiar with each other. Rooster could pretend that these two have a built-in relationship that predates the show. Instead, this gives them somewhere to go. After all, given Riggs’ condition, it’s more than likely that Dylan will be in this position for a while. It’s so easy to anticipate what this arc will do for her and Ludlow College.
On the heels of “You need to hand your job with a little more grace and sensitivity,” there’s so much for the show to explore. The ripple effects in “White Whale” alone are appealing. It’s a job that Dylan doesn’t want. It opens up because a man she doesn’t like has a medical emergency. It also pours salt in the wound of her friendship with Walt, who turns her words back to her.
Not to mention, it weighs on her dynamic with Greg, who now has the position that was promised to her friend. With such ease, Rooster makes this promotion a compelling yet immensely tangled web. It’s smart to have all of that culminate in that moment when Greg calls Dylan mean. Steve Carrel’s line read and Danielle Deadwyler’s reaction make that exchange back a double-gut punch.
MORE: Rooster Season 1, Episode 2 Review: ‘Trousers’
Greg Gets into Another Rut
Greg can’t really win in “White Whale.” If he sticks to her over-crowded plan, it backfires. If he takes a shortcut, he falls on his face–literally. His attempt to be easygoing even lands him in Riggs’ hospital room with his wife, Susan, played by Nancy Carell. However, that scene almost (key word) instills a bit of sadness for Riggs because he’s so alone. Then again, Rooster makes it clear why no one wants to be around him, and doesn’t make a sound case otherwise.
Nevertheless, Greg winds up in front of the disciplinary board twice in this episode. The first instance feels like a misunderstanding more than anything. The second, though, is entirely avoidable and just too much. It’s problematic, and not in the same use of the word that arises when Walt eyes Riggs’ forgotten cigarettes. Before Rooster takes those rather strange steps, Greg breaks some ground with his students. It’s rather endearing to see his vulnerability inspire that in his students’ discussion about creativity. Tommy’s eyes light up when Greg opens up about the Rooster books, stirring anticipation for how this scene will motivate Tommy (and Greg) this season.
The same is true for Katie after she creates new boundaries with her father and sets the intention to make new friends who are her own. Katie makes it clear how long it took her to step out of her mother’s shadow. It makes total sense that she then doesn’t want to exist in that of her ex-husband or father. “White Whale” certainly leaves one curious to see how Greg goes about discovering his own independence while learning from Ludlow College.
MORE: We Think We Know When Ted Lasso Season 4 Is Coming
—
