Rooster Season 1, Episode 5, “Complicated Ties,” embraces how challenging it is to do the hard thing that happens to be the right thing. This episode, written by Genevieve Aniello and directed by Oz Rodriguez, parses through some intricate interpersonal conflict. A lot of which is stirred up by the arrival of Elizabeth Stoddard, with whom Rooster’s ensemble gains Connie Britton. After only hearing about her tangentially and feeling her presence in the student center, it’s exciting for “Complicated Ties” to finally introduce Elizabeth. Her arrival alone elevates the already-building tension at Ludlow College.
The same is true for Sunny’s return amid things taking a turn between Archie and Katie. All of those stories fold into each other really well. On the other hand, some characters and storylines need to take a bit more shape over the next three episodes. (How are there are onyl three episodes left in the season?) The hockey subplot feels pretty thin so far. Regardless, “Complicated Ties” makes some compelling choices that drive development across the ensemble.
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Katie and Being a Better Person
Rooster doesn’t only acknowledge that things aren’t black and white between Archie and Katie. It actually thrives in the complicated gray of it all. The feelings themselves are complicated. Sometimes, shorter season orders don’t always give something like that the space it needs to breathe. The scene with Archie and Katie in his office is a good representation of why the opposite works. There’s unresolved romantic tension in the space between them that differs from that between Elizabeth and Greg later.
It’s also structurally hilarious. The establishing shot of the clock is distracting – until the scene pays it off with the lights going out. It’s also a multifunctional bit with great symbolism. Katie can only act on the truth of her feelings for Archie in the dark. Because, in daylight, he’s seeing a grad student who is expecting their child. That scene where Archie tries to make the distinction between the students he sleeps with is purposefully painful. Walt and Dylan let him sit in the hypocrisy and privilege. Walt just keeps that ball rolling in the sauna scene. That set is becoming Rooster’s go-to spot for some of the best scenes.
The unrelenting “For Katie” bit is also great for what it means for both Katie and Archie. Like his issues with Sunny’s Instagram post, it makes it impossible for Archie to avoid his actions. But nothing is better than the highly anticipated scene between Katie and Sunny. They have more accountability in it than Archie likely ever will. It’s such a well-written scene where they both see each other as real people rather than abstract ideas. The scene accepts all of the little nuances, including Sunny admitting she’s scared and Katie reacting to that.
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Greg and Getting Better at Moving On
That scene works well alongside Rooster deconstructing this literal and figurative picture of Elizabeth. “Complicated Ties” presents one side of her from Greg. It’s clear that his outward perception of her is a means to keep the peace, but the truth fits through the cracks. The episode seamlessly pulls back on Greg’s comments about his friends in the series premiere. It’s sad to learn that one of his few friends is also the person with whom Elizabeth cheated on Greg. Steve Carell’s performance taps into how painful it is for Greg to be reminded of how he doesn’t feel like enough for Elizabeth – as a husband or a friend.
Refreshingly, “Complicated Ties” also realizes that Elizabeth had to shrink parts of her life in her marriage to Greg. All the while, she admits to chasing happiness, no matter the selfish consequences. Rooster signals how it will always end for them – reshashing. Carell’s line read of “I don’t know if we know how to stop” is devastating and honest. Alternatively, it’s fascinating that Elizabeth, who knows Greg, can see something else beginning between him and Dylan. Maybe it’s a friendship; maybe it’s something more.
Either way, Rooster is taking its time to get there because Greg is still plastering on a smile while he works through the divorce. “Complicated Ties” proves that it only delays the truth until it hits him in the face, like a hockey puck. The episode best actualizes that simile with the reveal of Greg’s picture’s meaning. Britton, Carell, and Charly Clive play the scene’s weight well. It embraces how the things that make us happiest can also make us the saddest, which reminds me of a Ted Lasso speech I love. Oh, it’s fun to be a fan of Bill Lawrence shows.
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