Hap and Leonard’s ‘Ticking Mojo’ teases a different kind of love story.
ThisHap and Leonardreview contains spoilers.
Sure, the shows got the usual tough guys and rough talk and high stakes and low lifes.
It also has plenty of plot twists and mysteries to spare, as any good noir story should.
But this, too, is a good thing.
Trudy Fawst was the one who got away.
Yes, she came back into Haps life before finally leaving him for good.
And now a possible romance is in the offing with attorney Florida Grange.
But the relationship Im most interested in is the one between the titular characters.
But they are meant to be together.
This episode in particular explores what makes their lifelong friendship tick.
And its not just a shared love of Nilla wafers.
But more on that in a bit.
For now, its important to acknowledge the facts of this episode, such as they are.
Last season was about fighting the system.
It is he who recovered BBs body from the pond behind his home.
Its definitely an interesting turn, these revelations.
Which means Leonard is back to square one.
You assume that I dont already have them?
I dont, he says.
Whats the matter, not the father jot down?
Guess I just never met a woman that thought I was.
This is heartbreaking stuff, especially the way James Purefoy delivers these short, simple statements.
Perhaps Hap is not a man given to deep thought, but he knows whats missing from his life.
Purefoy clearly understands this, and imbues Hap with tremendous pathos and sympathy.
Is this a friendly warning, or some ominous foreshadowing?
I admit that last season I rooted for Trudy, despite her many flaws.
Part of this was because of Haps feelings for her.
He saw the good in her, and she allowed him to see the goodness in himself.
Hap is just as flawed as Trudy ever was, perhaps more so.
Which is why Hap and Leonard is this shows most vital relationship.
They need each other, plain and simple.
This is summed up perfectly when Hap insists that Leonard has to skip town and lay low.
What the hell am I going to do?
Hap Collins says to his best friend.
And if Haps fear of being alone doesnt break your heart, nothing will.
A closing thought:
Raoul confesses to Leonard that he is seeing someone else.
The revelation is painful for Raoul he wipes away tears as Leonard continues to stare at the television.
Leonard has a knack for pushing people away even as Hap pines for affection from a seemingly indifferent world.
