Yes, I would agree also about the drugs/alcohol. I think it was a phase that he had to go through - which is either over - or close to being over.

"But one of the common tropes I've noticed in my limited TV viewing is that of there being a Big Bad villain. That's where it looks to me that things are going with Trey and/or Foulkes, and that disappoints me."

1) The show has, with this episode, reached what I would call a critical juncture. For the first time, as often occurs in most dramas, the main character (in this case, Daniel) is in possession of knowledge (that George and Trey - the two witnesses against him in his trial - had sex with the victim) that is vitally…

Well, I could be full of sh!t - that's for sure ;) As I wrote elsewhere, I've watched the episode 3 times now and I fluctuate back and forth on what is precisely happening. But there are a couple things worth noting that are indisputable:

BTW, I do think the senator is the weakest character (in terms of writing) and thus the obvious 'villian' by TV standards. Part of the reason for that is 'real' (i.e. he has the most to lose of anyone if Daniel is acquited/not returned to prison), and part of the reason is 'set-up' (i.e. he doesn't live in Paulie, so…

Personally, at this point in the series, the ONLY people, IMO, that could/should be the murderer (in order to maintain the integrity of the show) would be Daniel or Trey. I don't need any mystery in the killer - I'm much more interested in the process leading to the final resolution (for Daniel and the town).

I really hope it's not the senator - that would be WAY beyond TV-trope cheesy for me! He was the prosecuting attorney in Daniel's trial - but also the murderer? Do you know how often that happens on TV? Very. Do you know how often it happens in real life? Never.

That's meaningless… Sean Bridgers couldn't say anything to give away the show's secrets regardless of what he does or doesn't know (and that interview sounds like it was made last year - before season 2 was even written). I wouldn't put any stock into it.

Well, I've watched the episode 3 times now, and it was definitely written so that it could be interpreted a number of different ways. And you could be correct in terms of what the writers do/don't know. I actually have a copy of the original bible McKinnon wrote for Rectify, but I'm afraid to read it completely (I've…

Bon Iver was their very first (granted a little late to the party, but better late than never) - but I've liked most of their eclectic song choices.

I'm not quite sure what you're implying with these comments. That the crime will never be resolved? That the sheriff will ignore any contrary evidence that comes to his attention?

For me, Rectify earned oodles of musical choice credit that they've yet to cash in by using one of the best songs from one of the greatest albums of the last decade as their first song choice in the pilot.

But Carl was also a high-school student at the time of the murder. So he didn't really get anything wrong (except believe the story perpetuated by the town).

Welcome! We're a small but vocal group - and I'm in NL - so not that far from you.

Given all that has been revealed until now, I think we can make the following assumptions:

As I've re-posted already too many times ;) after re-watching the episode, I don't think things are quite as they seem on the surface; i.e. there may be light at the end of this particular tunnel.

Actually, since re-watching the episode, I'm convinced that the moment that Daniel grabs the dresser knob - then pauses - then lets go of it - is the moment HE figured out this might be a possible frame job.

@andrewy:disqus - After re-watching the episode, I still think Trey is up to no good - but I now think that Daniel is, at the very least, suspicious of Trey's behavior - and has 'taken steps'.

@asympt: As I pointed out in a different comment - i.e. basically re-posting ;) - since re-watching the episode, I begin to question the way in which we are presented with Daniel's acquiescence to going on the almost-forced road trip (and consuming the proffered alcohol and drugs).

Agreed. One reason that I feel Rectify is the best drama currently airing by a LONG margin - and, if it gets just one more season, will likely be in the pantheon of the best 5 dramas ever - is that McKinnon, for the most part, does not feel the urge to belabor a point; i.e. spell out things repeatedly to the audience.