The premiere of Disney+'s "Culprits" kicks off with a pulsating narrative that sets the stage for an exhilarating series journey, meticulously unraveling the multifaceted tapestry of Joe Petrus' (formerly David Marking's) intertwined past and present. Entitled "Change of Use," this episode masterfully intertwines suspense, heart-pounding action, and profound character development, offering viewers a tantalizing preview of the intricate storyline that will unfold across the season.
The episode opens with a chilling tableau in Lombardy, Italy, where a man donning distinctive eyes and a flashy tracksuit dispatches another in a luxurious villa. Though seemingly disconnected from the episode's main thread, this scene serves as a haunting harbinger of forthcoming events and introduces a enigmatic figure destined to play a pivotal role throughout the series.
We are then transported to Washington State, where Joe Petrus endeavors to forge a fresh existence. He emerges as a doting stepfather to his partner Jules' children and diligently undertakes the renovation of an aged hardware store, transforming it into a cozy bistro. The episode's title, "Change of Use," is subtly rooted in Joe's arduous pursuit of a liquor license for his nascent venture, a task complicated by the latent racial prejudices embedded within the local bureaucracy. Throughout the episode, hints of Joe's criminal past shadow his present through his paranoid demeanor. His anxious reaction to a notice announcing the clearing of a forest for a highway extension and the torn cover of his Langston Hughes poetry book whisper of a profound secret he harbors.
The episode delves into a flashback to London, three years prior, where Joe, then known as David Marking, served as a chauffeur for the notorious crime lord Don Bardwell. An exhilarating sequence unfolds, revealing Joe's violent past as he valiantly slays three mobsters to rescue Bardwell during a treacherous ambush. This nostalgic excerpt not only underscores Joe's formidable prowess but also lays the groundwork for his impending deeds.
In contemporary times, Joe's life undergoes a dramatic transformation when he ventures into a forest to retrieve a cache of cash concealed within a hollowed-out tree. As he makes his way back home, fate intervenes in a hit-and-run accident, causing the trunk of his vehicle to spring open and expose the money-laden bag. In a swift motion, Joe conceals the money and dials the police, but to his dismay, he is immediately treated as a suspect due to his ethnicity.
At the police station, Joe undergoes a breathalyzer test and is grilled about the hit-and-run. His effort to recall the fleeing driver's license plate number brings to light the involvement of a powerful individual. The police's insistence on escorting Joe back home and their suspicious treatment of him underscore the racial undercurrents of the situation. Joe's daring attempt to reclaim the money from a dumpster unfolds like a high-stakes video game mission, his relentless determination to retrieve the cash, despite the peril to his own safety, highlighting the immense significance of the money to his new life.
The episode concludes with Joe burying the cash beneath the floor of his hardware store and returning to Jules, where a Mark Rothko painting in their bedroom hints at Joe's deeper connection to art than he reveals, suggesting a possible hidden facet of his personality.
In a final, haunting flashback, Dianne Harewood briefs her team on the paramount importance of secrecy and adhering to the plan. Team members are assigned codenames, and it is revealed that the hit-and-run driver is Marcello Bari, the man executed in the episode's opening scene. This revelation bridges the gap between Joe's past and the present events, setting the stage for an exhilarating season of "Culprits."
In summary, "Change of Use" serves as a fascinating prelude to the series, skillfully intertwining past and present narratives to create a palpable sense of mystery and anticipation. The episode's judicious blend of action, suspense, and character development leaves viewers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Joe Petrus's tumultuous journey.
