Cupertino Season 1, Episode 7, “YUNGWOOD,” gives Michael and his father’s strained relationship a poignant soundtrack. This episode, written by Aurin Squire and directed by Rob Hardy, delicately weaves the characters around the show’s case-of-the-week formula. At one point, Christy says that Michael is precious about his music. But aren’t we all?
We become attached to and protective of the art we love and the meaning it has for us. The only way that can happen is through the artist’s human experience. YUNGWOOD explains that perfectly: “Everything I do is from the soul. Unlike AI, which has no intuition, no scars, no history. Without that, you can’t create. You can only copy.” That quote needs to be shouted from rooftops – always.
Relatedly, every episode of Cupertino feels like a reality check. They also feel like a balm for the soul. They’re optimistic, depicting that the fight for humanity is worth it. The only real complaint for “YUNGWOOD” is that there’s not enough of Christy. Cupertino has spoiled us with her prominence the last few weeks.
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The Scammer Targets Olivia
I wrongly assumed that the scammer storyline with Jacob would continue off-screen for a little while after the previous episode. That assumption comes from stories often becoming simplified or truncated on TV now, either for second-screen viewing or shorter episode orders. “YUNGWOOD” proves me wrong by demonstrating why it’s best to continue that narrative now.
The sentiment and purpose behind Olivia telling Jacob, “Please be my brother again. The brother I looked up to,” is reason enough. (And Jacob being in a hotel airport after what Michael tells Olivia about Anna?!) That scene focuses on the real effect these scams have on people and their loved ones. It highlights how invasive and sneaky they are, posing as the bank when they’re really frauds in Poland. Olivia getting caught up in it doesn’t make her dumb – it makes her human. It also opens her up to seeing things from Jacob’s perspective more clearly. She can relate to him in a way she wasn’t really allowed before.
Then, this storyline naturally teases further exploration of Olivia and Vik’s dynamic. Cupertino really parses out their relationship in these beats that just leave me wanting more. They have such great chemistry! Hopefully, the show gets to navigate that in longer scenes where they can actually communicate and get to know each other outside of favors. For now, though, dancing feels right.
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Everyone Can See Bayard for Who He Is
Olivia handling the scammer puts Natlaia in court, and, once again, Busy Philipps runs away with every second. I audibly gasped when Natalia suggested that YUNGWOOD has “to do an Ed Sheeran.” Assumedly, that ties to the decade-long copyright lawsuit that found Sheeran’s “Thinking Out Loud” wasn’t a copy of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On.” It’s just a delight – and a completely in-character move – for Natalia to try out poses. She’s so charming and smart!
Nothing is better than Natalia pointing out the smell of alcohol on Bayard’s voice before laughing in his face. The power of that! That same scene is when Cupertino makes it clear why Michael’s crusade has to happen now – so soon after Olivia’s with Celeste. Anna, his late sister, liked YUNGWOOD’s music. Bayard says that he doesn’t want to make this case personal, but it is from the start with Michael. He can’t remove himself from the fact that he has memories with his sister with YUNGWOOD’s music playing in the background.
Cupertino adds this layer of tension when Bayard compares the scholarship he made in Anna’s memory to Michael taking Olivia under his wing. That recontextualization of this core dynamic leads into Michael opening up to Olivia. Mike Colter does beautiful work in this scene, and Rachel Keller delivers a touching, supportive performance. It’s a piercing reminder that if Michael and Olivia’s dynamic didn’t work, the show wouldn’t either. These two characters are building something special together – Jacob sees it. It’s a home unlike anything they’ve experienced. It’s also the spine of an incredibly innovative and successful TV show that will, hopefully, run for many more seasons.
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