Teddy rocks! The family continues to faun over Daniel—the man presented as the series’ central character—as he arrives home and begins to recover from that savage beating at the local cemetery. But the Rectify world could just as easily revolve around Teddy, who is going through his own difficult recovery, and whose present problems he believes can be directly linked solely to Daniel’s existence. And who could blame him? First, the tire business is hurting because Teddy and his dad are related to Daniel—who many still believe killed Hannah, regardless of what the court says. Second, his wife Tawney has admitted to having feelings for Daniel and maybe unintentionally leading him on. Now, right when Teddy goes behind his father’s back, tries to borrow money from the bank and attempts to convince Janet to support him, Daniel’s problems interrupt him and take precedent. For me, Teddy has become the most fascinating man in Rectify.
Meanwhile, Amantha continues to be the most disturbed woman in the series. After Daniel refuses to identify Bobby Dean as the unmasked man who beat him, Amantha turns her wrath from the sheriff to Daniel himself. But Daniel, in one of his rare moments of anger, tells Amantha he’s done with it, and that she and the sheriff and the whole town can “keep playing.” “You’re too sure about things, Amantha,” Daniel says. It’s about time someone said it, and it leads Janet to suggesting that Amantha go back to Atlanta.
Lawyer Jon keeps his promise and brings convicted killer Hollis his last meal. Jon confronts him and asks why he lied to everyone about his innocence, to which Hollis replies, “I’m wired different. Who knows why?” It becomes obvious that the entire event has turned Jon’s head inside out.
What comedy there is in Rectify comes from subtle moments, like when the taciturn Janet suddenly says, in a tense moment, “I’m getting a doughnut.” Still, I think it’s time for the Goat Man to return and take us down another wacky rabbit hole.
Without his parents’ help on the loan Teddy tries to put up his house for collateral. But Tawney’s not ready to sign the papers, something that angers Teddy and leads him to accuse her of taking sides. Later, a lightheaded Daniel tries to talk with Teddy but his stepbrother cuts him short. Their inevitable confrontation is delayed. As Teddy, Clayne Crawford convincingly plays the role as if he is the only voice of reason—although it’s a flawed song he’s singing.
As the episode ends the sheriff begrudgingly releases Bobby Dean and asks if he’s worth saving. The look of surprise on Bobby’s face is priceless. There is a beautiful montage of scenes of the major players in this Shakespearean tragedy while Low Anthem’s stunning “Charlie Darwin” plays in the background. Amantha sits alone in a coffee shop. Bobby is picked up by his mother. Teddy in his golf attire just sits, staring into space at the driving range. Tawney prepares Teddy’s favorite meal as she considers signing the loan agreement. And Daniel who has been dying to drive his mother’s car is seen flying down a country road to parts unknown. “Oh my God, the water’s cold and shapeless,” they sing. “Oh my God, it’s all around. Oh my God, life is cold and formless. Oh my God, it’s all around.”