Last week's episode of "Fantasmas" crescendoed with Martine Gutierrez's Vanesja earnestly persuading Julio Torres' Julio to grace a credit card commercial, setting the stage for Season 1, Episode 4's seamless continuation. Vanesja's argument that "representation matters" and the urgency for big banks to embrace a voice advocating for change, fell flat against Julio's reluctance. Her words echoed hollowly, for Julio's heart lay elsewhere—in the realm of masterclasses on hand-acting. Nevertheless, Vanesja countered with the impracticality of securing a Proof of Existence exemption through such a path, likely striking a chord of truth.
Next up, she ventured into the fantastical realm of superheroes, a suggestion that met with Julio's tepid response, yet he conceded to give it a chance. Embarking on a fitness journey tailored for his superhero aspirations, Julio stumbled upon a hurdle in the form of a jump rope class. His attempts to master the rope proved futile, sparking a spirited debate with instructor Derrrick (Michael Graceffa), a name adorned with triple Rs, over the rope's necessity in fitness.
Julio's stance was steadfast: he sought to leap without the encumbrance of a rope. Derrrick, on the other hand, stood firm in his belief, his arguments rooted in centuries-old tradition, culminating in a comical threat of cosmic consequences if Julio persisted in his skepticism. The scene crescendoed into laughter as Derrrick, defeated, slumped to the floor, while Julio and his classmates defiantly danced ropeless, their joy contagious.
Yet, the pinnacle of hilarity in this episode lay ahead, triggered by a simple glance from Derrrick towards his phone. This moment promised a comedic turn so exquisite, it surpassed even the ropeless revelry, teasing a new chapter filled with unexpected twists and laughter galore.
The episode title of "Fantasmas" Season 1, Episode 4, intriguingly titled "Looking4Twinks2S**k," is rooted in a mischievous Grindr post crafted by a character named Richard, portrayed by David Neal Levin. However, the twist lies in the fact that Richard himself isn't the one seeking youthful companions for nefarious purposes. Instead, he's ensnared by a cursed photograph of a Pomeranian, played with relish by James Scully, who demands that Richard seduce alluring twinks to its lair, where the canine-turned-apparition seeks to drain them of their vitality. This bizarre ritual, if repeated often enough, holds the key to reversing the curse and restoring the Pomeranian to its former, flesh-and-blood state.
Remarkably, Richard seems eerily compliant, devoid of any palpable fear or hesitation towards the enchanted image or its demands. It's a comedic spectacle, with James Scully hamming it up as the voice of the possessed pooch, while Richard obediently dances to its whims. When Julio receives a foreboding message, crafted by the Pomeranian's sinister scheming, he swiftly dismisses the account, shrugging off the eerie encounter and carrying on with his life, unaware of the absurd web of enchantment and deception weaving around him.
The most captivating vignette within the fourth episode of Season 1 of "Fantasmas" revolves around a former writer-turned-actor who finds herself embodying the enigmatic Madame Victory (portrayed with verve by Kate Berlant) at a whimsical theme park. It's evident that this is but a stage name, a veil concealing her true identity, further exemplified by her moonlighting as a waitress. However, Carl, an ardent Madame Victory superfan played by Spike Einbinder, fails to recognize her behind the mask of her uniform when she serves him at the restaurant. His adoration is so profound that it blinds him to the reality beyond his obsession.
Kate Berlant's character is inextricably drawn to Carl, who professes to be deeply inspired by Madame Victory's depiction of bisexuality—a subtle nod, a lapel pin that in some markets is discreetly excised from her cinematic exploits. When probed about the essence of Madame Victory's narratives that ignite his passion, Carl offers a circular logic, suggesting that the stories simply inspire him to watch more, which in turn fuels his inspiration.
"Fantasmas" subtly critiques the ephemeral nature of superhero fandom, where devotion can sometimes verge on the vacuous. Yet, Kate Berlant's character does not disdain Carl for his seemingly superficial admiration; instead, she finds herself captivated by his unbridled enthusiasm. This very enthusiasm acts as a catalyst, reigniting her own creative spark, inspiring her to pen words once more.
Perhaps, there's beauty in being wholly invested, even if the journey never leads beyond the boundaries of one's fascination. It's a testament to the transformative power of passion, unconstrained by the confines of reason or practicality.
It transpires that Zappos harbors no intention of casting Julio in the role of Super Chico; rather, they merely seek to enlist him as a co-scribe for their series. However, recognizing that this position falls short of securing the coveted Proof of Existence exemption Julio yearns for, he grudgingly acquiesces to the credit card commercial gig after all.
Delving deeper into the enigmatic Proof of Existence, Season 1, Episode 4 introduces us to Edwin (Bernardo Velasco), a Grubhub courier whose bicycle gets confiscated by the authorities. Stranded, he discovers he's unable to navigate public transportation without the elusive PoE, a concept he's utterly oblivious to. At a bus stop, fate intervenes, placing him in the path of Gina (Greta Titelman), who effortlessly elucidates the process: a mere matter of downloading an app and inputting personal details like social security numbers and credit scores. Yet, Edwin finds himself at a loss, lacking these essentials.
Gina, ever resourceful, prompts Edwin to consider his skills that might pave the way for an exception. Edwin reveals that in Mexico, he crafted "The Dress," a statement that prompts Gina to gently correct his English, assuming he meant 'a dress.' But Edwin surprises her by unveiling the true magnitude of his creation – The Dress, the very garment that sparked global debates on its elusive dual hue. Gina, captivated, insists he divulge the true color, to which Edwin initially resists, advocating for the dress's autonomy. Eventually, he caves, confessing that it's indeed both colors, simultaneously.
This revelation strikes Gina like lightning, her worldview forever altered by the realization that perhaps, in the great debate over The Dress's color, everyone was correct. Yet, whether this profound insight will translate into an exception for Edwin remains a question mark hovering in the air.
In a fleeting yet poignant moment within the fourth episode of Season 1 of "Fantasmas," Julio finds himself engrossed in a video footage, where a throng of protesters can be heard chanting, "Unlikable souls, their words are void of credence!" Their voices resonate outside the very courtroom where Dodo's (portrayed by Bowen Yang) trial unfolds, their words a stark reminder of a pervasive theme weaving through the series' fabric.
This chant underscores a profound truth: in this realm, one's very existence is validated through the intricate tapestry of social acceptance. There are unspoken rules, prerequisites for being seen and heard. Exceptions, if any, are granted solely to those who wield the power of influence, their every move scrutinized yet celebrated.
The idea that being liked is intricately tied to one's essence—it's a concept that lingers, haunting and thought-provoking. As the season progresses, I anticipate delving deeper into this intricate dance between individuality and societal validation, but for now, let this fleeting glimpse serve as a tantalizing teaser, leaving you yearning for more.
