At some juncture in our lives, the inevitable toll must be paid. But what transpires when the moment of reckoning arrives? How do we confront our debts? Well, Jim (played by Josh Holloway) has been procrastinating the inevitable for a fortnight, but his reprieve came to an end in the fourth episode of Duster's inaugural season. Let us delve into the unfolding drama.
As the episode unfolds, Jim finds himself lost in contemplation over his woes. In the premiere, he had struck a deal to work for the menacing Mad Raoul, with the intention of absconding. Instead, he brokered another agreement with Nina (Rachel Hilson) and remained in town, breaking his pledge to Mad Raoul, a move that did not bode well for him. As the episode begins this week, we discover that Mad Raoul is plotting his revenge, dispatching his most feared enforcer, Enrique the Blade (Rigo Sanchez), to track down Jim.
Naturally, Jim seeks refuge in Nina, but she informs him that she requires more concrete evidence in the Saxton investigation. Burdened with her own troubles, Nina cannot jeopardize herself for Jim without tangible results to show for her endeavors. She advises Jim to procure some incriminating evidence. Thus, Jim is left searching for an opportunity to infiltrate the inner circle.
He finds such an opportunity with Royce (Benjamin Charles Watson), Saxton's son. Jim and Royce share a close bond, especially after Jim's pivotal role in saving Royce's life by tracking down a crucial heart. Royce is about to embark on another mission, transporting a car to the Scottsdale facility. Jim offers to accompany him as the driver, ostensibly to spend quality time with Royce but subtly probing for information.
Royce is more than willing to share his knowledge. He even extends an invitation to Jim to tour the facility. There, Jim gains valuable insights into the operation and devises a plan to provide Nina with some inside information. It transpires that Royce is there to collect a car once owned by Howard Hughes. As they make their way back, the car overheats, prompting Jim and Royce to pull over.
In this riveting scene, the stakes are raised, and the tension mounts, setting the stage for a climactic confrontation in the episodes to come.
While at the shop, Enrique bumps into Jim, leading to an impromptu wrestling match in the bathroom. However, they eventually call a truce and share a drink, where they bond over their shared frustration with the lack of career advancement in their respective jobs and brainstorm ways to change their fortunes. Jim strikes upon a desperate deal: offering Enrique his car in exchange for his life. Unfortunately, their plan is derailed when a pair of young thieves swoop in and steal the vehicle, prompting a thrilling chase. After recovering the car, Enrique takes it to Mad Raoul, securing Jim's reprieve—but only temporarily, as a new dilemma arises on the horizon.
Meanwhile, Jim grapples with his own predicaments, while Nina and Izzy (played by Camille Guaty) carve their unique paths forward. For Nina, it's all about making headway in her case. The recent demise of Agent Breen (portrayed by Michael Bryan French) has intensified the pressure to deliver results. This urgency propels Nina and Awan (Asivak Koostachin) to decipher the last clue left by Breen—a series of numbers that turn out to be hidden coordinates, pointing to a specific location on the reservation. Awan, initially hesitant due to personal family matters, ultimately agrees to embark on the journey. Upon reaching the marked spot, they discover a video tape, covered in grime but unmistakably a treasure trove of clues left by Breen for his successor. Nina is determined to make the most of this discovery.
On the other hand, Izzy finds herself discontent with her working conditions as one of the few female truckers, facing subpar facilities that leave her and other female drivers vulnerable while on the road. Seeking justice, she confronts the union boss (played by Kevin Chamberlin), only to be dismissed with a wave of indifference.
Izzy remains steadfast in her determination. She convenes with fellow female drivers, crafting strategies to催动 substantial shifts. This upcoming battle promises to be a riveting saga that we'll eagerly monitor. Progress, albeit gradual, is being made. Nina and Awan delve deeper into the investigation, while Jim navigates his personal troubles and seeks insights into the organization. Each of these narratives holds a unique fascination.
I was delighted to observe that this week's episode did not resort to the cliche of beginning at the climax and working backwards. Instead, it offered a more spirited caper. Furthermore, the episode's opening sequence, featuring classic Warner Bros. cartoons, sparked my curiosity. Overall, it was an engaging and entertaining watch.
The humorous exchange between Jim and Enrique, as they metaphorically discussed the corporate ladder, was precisely the type of wit I hope to see more of in future installments. Let's hope this serves as an omen of the thrilling tales yet to unfold as the series continues to carve its unique path.
New episodes of Duster air every Thursday night on Max. Be sure to return weekly as we recap the thrilling action of each episode right here.
