Dispatches From Elsewhere returns this week, igniting the screen with a blaze of intrigue that leaves us questioning: is this the final act of the game, or merely a new twist in the ongoing tale? While it takes a moment to unravel the intricacies of the plot, the final words of this episode offer a glimmer of confirmation, setting the stage for a jaw-dropping cliffhanger that promises to leave us reeling for next week's episode.
In Episode 7, our quartet finds themselves deliberating over the apartment discovery, with Fredwynn urging them to steer clear of the police. But as a mysterious figure known as The Milk Man emerges from the elevator, a chase sequence ensues. How far are they willing to go in their pursuit of the truth? The episode reveals just how far they'll go as Peter follows The Milk Man into a hidden basement, his flashlight illuminating the way down dark passageways until he stumbles upon the ghost of Clara. She urges him to remember the truth, which is crucial for what's to come. As she fades away, the other three players make their way down to join him.
As they delve deeper, they uncover costumes, dossiers on each player, and a pin-up board filled with vital information about the game. Peter spots the empty milk carton, signaling their progress as they encounter a cult of people chanting and walking purposefully in two distinct colors of robes – yellow and blue. As the two sides face off and demand Clara's return, chaos ensues, with fighting and arguing filling the air. The lights go out, and a screen appears before them. A talking dolphin emerges to discuss their journey after choosing a singular color. Then, Octavio appears, greeting our familiar foursome and speaking about the game once again.
Suddenly, Commander 14 appears on stage alongside Octavio and they discuss their alternate views on conflict. As this idea is explored, Commander 14 removes his disguise to reveal... Octavio? The game itself is designed to shatter our preconceptions of conflict and encourage collaboration as these two versions of Octavio stand united.
The mob, with their literal interpretation of the word "smash," inevitably shatters their two symbols, ironically making it one of the most poignant moments in the entire show. As the old Men In Black quote aptly puts it, "People are dumb, panicky, and dangerous animals, and you know it." Clara is introduced to the group amidst a cheesy karaoke song, but Peter senses something amiss and ascends the stage, unable to bear what's unfolding. Desperate for his group to join him, Simone, Janice, and Fredwynn instead resign to defeat, urging Peter to accept that the game is over.
In the aftermath of this confrontation, the group finds themselves isolated from the others at a celebratory party, discussing the game in separate groups. Fredwynn decides to search for The Architect to uncover the inner workings of what's happening and embarks on an investigation. Janice feels shunned for being too old, while Simone drowns her sorrows in alcohol, realizing she truly has feelings for Peter.
Simone takes Peter onto the dancefloor, but he rejects her, believing she's pitying him. As fate continues to deal devastating revelations to our characters, Fredwynn speaks to Clara, her words resonating deeply within him. "If people can't handle this, it's their problem."
We soon discover that Fredwynn has bullied his way into being right throughout his life, and as we witness different moments from the game and his childhood, we're brought back to the present as he changes his tune and decides to be more selfless than before.
Peter decides to make a grand gesture and takes the stage in front of everyone, singing a song that Simone truly appreciates. She kisses him when the song ends. Following this, the group tries to find Janice, who happens to be waiting for a taxi outside. As Janice digs for the truth, it turns out that the real Clara is dead.
The entire game appears to be hinged on cooperation, and nowhere is this more evident than with our four characters. Given that Octavio has been watching these guys since the very beginning, could it be that they're all still in the game? Is this the biggest test of them all? It seems probable that this is indeed the case, and as the quest for Clara continues, the reveal at the end that she's really dead could be a red herring too.
Nonetheless, this mystery continues to unfold in a captivating manner, and given the sprinkling of answers we've had along the way, Dispatches From Elsewhere continues to offer an intriguing little mystery box over the weeks, one that hopefully will open up before the season's end and reveal the real truth.
