During this time, my mother and I learned a lot about our relationship. Not only was I abusing drugs, but I was also stealing and lying to her. Shortly before Cumberland Heights, she figured out that I withdrew $2,000 from her account. Law enforcement suggested filing charges against me, which she seriously considered. No charges were brought upon me but a 60-day stint in jail, courtesy of my mother, proved her point. These were topics talked about out loud during family week amongst all of the other participants. Learning about everyone else’s struggles with addiction helped shape my thinking for the rest of my stay at Cumberland Heights.
“Cocaine Bear” spends so much time confused about which tone to take on that it lacks any real direction. This film had every chance to provide an over-the-top thrill ride that mimics the aforementioned effects of cocaine for viewers. Instead, it’s an hour and a half of back-and-forth scenes that leave the audience confused on whether to laugh or cry.
Last week’s tumultuous episode is easily the show’s most chaotic chapter yet as we saw Rue’s (Zendaya) self-destructive antics come to a head before she returned home. This week, we retreat to a slightly more stable episode as we shift focus back to the other main characters in “A Thousand Little Trees of Blood.” Though this aftermath is one of the quieter and less eventful episodes of the season, it does not mean the characters get to relax now. As the season finale approaches, this episode is more akin to a calm before the inevitable storm.
This episode is a seminal one in the season, maybe even the series, that takes us on a chaotic ride that strengthens the importance for Rue to get clean. It may be hard to love Rue at this point, but this installment emphasizes the importance of hope and care in bleak circumstances.
“Ruminations: Big and Little Bullys” does not offer more development on positive things like Fez and Lexi’s relationship, but it does shed a light on the tragicness that ultimately defines its characters, particularly Rue and Cal. As Rue is always on a constant bender and on the precipice of self-destruction, her routine and lifestyle seems like it will get more shakier in the coming weeks.
Hulu’s “Dopesick” is everything a show of its genre should be—real, gritty, gut-wrenching; and yet enjoyable, socially illuminating and ultimately encouraging. It gives form to a drug crisis known only vaguely to some, but so full of meaning for others, both educating and comforting in its approach. Keaton’s Dr. Finnix is not likely to be forgotten with his closing monologue in the final episode—pain is a part of life, and in working to overcome it, we might find our better selves.
Editor’s Note: Veronica Wernicke is a freshman at UNCW majoring in Communication Studies and is a staff writer for The Seahawk. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author....
Catharina Collmann, Contributing Writer
• April 6, 2017
Recent polls regarding heroin and opioid abuse have revealed a spike in activity for the Wilmington area, which has incited alarm in local police officials and psychological health professionals.
Deaths...
