They’re back…! Of course, I’m talking about the cannibals–the ones that had once had Friday on the dinner menu. This week, though, we learn he’s not the only one in his family they have a taste for. Also, on another related plot line, we finally get to see what exactly Crusoe’s father-in-law did to betray his trust. In fact, the flashbacks in this episode were paramount, I think, to further developing Crusoe’s character.
Like always, Crusoe and Friday were up against some uncertain odds. There’s nothing like a boatload of cannibals to sour your morning. I knew, though, as soon as they came across the “ceremonial grounds” that it had recently been used. It was only logical to conclude from there that Crusoe and Friday would end up having to rescue somebody being held captive by the cannibals. However, there was a twist. Actually, two of them.
First, Crusoe’s first rescue attempt yielded only the one captive. That captive having been the dispicable Captain Santana from the first two episodes: The one that had sailed off into the sunset after having not been able to retrieve the “golden cannon”–leaving Crusoe and Friday behind on the island. The twist, though, was not that the Captain was one of the cannibal’s captives, but that he also has had a change of heart. That change being he’s no longer selfish, it seems. In fact, as we saw, he was willing to risk his own life in order to rescue the cannibal’s other captive. But the man’s ultimate loyalties had me guessing to the end.
Tongayi Chirisa as Friday
The second twist was exactly who the second captive was: Friday’s father. That was a big surprise. And I think Friday acted appropriately, too. It made perfect sense that he had to see with his own eyes that it was, indeed, his father. Only then could he fully trust the Captain. Of course, it took Santana’s suicide mission to rescue his fellow captive for him to win Crusoe’s trust. In fact, I couldn’t find fault in “Long Pigs” story line, I’m happy to say.
Of course, there were a few candid moments shared between Crusoe and Friday. The opening had them returning from a hunt, as we saw, with Crusoe complaining all the way because of how heavy the pig was. Then, there was the fishing scene: Friday sure showed him up with his skills; spearing fish without having to aim, now that’s something. Another moment was where they were discussing their recent findings about the cannibals’ return and Crusoe trying to liken them to street gangs of all things. I guess I can see the connection…
However, it was the ending of this episode that was a definite treat. We actually got some action, and a lot of it. After having a big lull, we had some serious fighting going on. Those cannibals were merciless! Heck, so was Friday. He got his revenge at the end. Too bad the Captain had to die…or did he? That was another surprise. The boat disappearing like that…Well, at least, Friday knows his daddy’s still alive–and vice versa. Though, the one scene that got me (I mean, actually startled me) was when Crusoe and Friday come upon the cannibals’ supposedly empty canoe and bam! cannibals come popping up out of the sand. I nearly lost my cookies there.
Anyway. “Long Pig”–perhaps, while not the most original title–was another welcomed change of pace for a show that felt like it was going nowhere fast. With all of Crusoe’s flaws so far, it was nice to see things further change for the better. Last week’s episode was good, and “Long Pig” was only better.
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