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'New Amsterdam': The sins of the father
Now here's the episode of New Amsterdam I've been waiting for: John's sins of the past seem to be inextricably linked to the crime of the present, making me want to know more about both plotlines. Even the True Love plotline fit in relatively seamlessly. Finally!
Spoilers link us over time.
The victim of the week is a dead ringer for John's son from way backing 1913. Unfortunately, "dead" is the operative word there -- he was murdered in Chinatown. As the dead guy, Alex Spoor, was born into a prominent crime family, the Feds are guessing that this is some kind of gang war. John is, of course, consumed with guilt -- something he did in the past made a branch of his family go bad!
So finally, the mysteries intertwine organically -- how did Alex die? And why did the family turn to crime?
First, the past: back in 1913, John was a temperamental painter in Greenwich Village. Bohemian John drank, sulked, obsessed about his art -- and oh yeah, had an affair with his model. While the art he produced with that model (Alice, a modern dancer of the Isadora Duncan mode) is fantastic, Bohemian John's wife Samantha is feeling a bit put out. First of all, she used to be his model. Second, she's getting older and he's not. Hmmm.
Rosey, Bohemian John's teenage son, catches artist and model in flagrante and doesn't take it well. In the end, Samantha and Rosey leave Bohemian John just as he's on the brink of his greatest triumph -- the inclusion of his Alice painting in the Armory Show, which introduced Modern Art to the U.S. Bohemian John apparently withdraws his piece and spends his time painting his lost family.
Present-day John is convinced that the breakup of his family forced Rosey into a life of crime. He's his own butterfly effect! Omar is having none of it, and besides, why doesn't he angst about it all after they solve the crime, hmm?
That's harder than it sounds -- the Feds have been staking out the Spoor crime family for three years. One agent in particular, James Lawson, is there to "help," but he really doesn't seem to be sharing much information. Mick, current head of the Spoor crime family, tells John that he's got a week to clear the case before he takes matters into his own hands and blows the hell out of the Chinese gang that theoretically did this to Alex.
John does some searching on his own -- he goes to Alex's wake at the Spoor brewery and spies his painting of Alice. Mick says the legend behind the painting was that some dissolute great grandfather painted that before he abandoned his family. Ouch.
Lawson gets a highly convenient tip that about a storage locker Alex kept -- it's full of counterfeit merchandise. So it's obvious, Lawson says -- Alex was intruding on the Chinese turf by selling fake goods, they killed him. Let's go home! But John thinks Lawson isn't telling him something. He tests that theory by telling Mick that they've found a witness. The next day, Lawson demands details. Obviously, the Feds have got the Spoor brewery bugged, and they know who really killed Alex.
John calls in a favor -- of Eddie, Eva's father. He gets a former minion of his who's now with the Feds to turn over the tapes. Those tapes reveal that Mick himself killed Alex -- just like he killed Piers, another brother. The Feds have been using and protecting Mick to bring down other organized crime figures. When Piers found out, he threatened to expose Mick, so Mick killed him. When Alex found out Mick killed Piers, he, too, had to go.
So that clears up how Alex died -- but how did the family go bad in the first place? John talks to Theo Spoor, the patriarch of the family, and Rosey's son. After Rosey and Samantha left, Rosey took a job as a teacher. Wait, so he was good? John asks. So how... Well, there was this whole Depression thing, and I had to make money somehow, says Theo. I'm the one who started the family on this life of crime. It's all my fault -- Rosey had nothing to do with it.
Highlights, thoughts and odds and ends:
- Rosey's full name? Roosevelt. So of course, he named his son Theodore. What's even better -- President Theodore Roosevelt was notoriously disdainful of the Armory show that Bohemian John was trying to get into, reportedly sneering "That's not art!" I like to think it was an editorial comment from son to father.
- Speaking of fathers and children: I was loving the interaction between Eddie and Eva. He's this overbearing, protective father, and he has no idea what he's doing to Eva. Finally, she snaps: "I work my ass off trying to get a tiny bit of respect, and then you tell my partner to take care of me? Everything I've worked for goes down the drain!" "That's a point," Eddie says reluctantly.
- Later, Eddie sees what Eva can do when she threatens Eddie's former minion with criminal malfeasance charges. "So she's the bad cop?" the minion asks. " She'll kick your ass out of your mouth," Eddie replies, with no small amount of pride.
- Omar still wins as progeny, of course. Favorite quote: "If I took responsibility for everything you did, I'd never get out of bed in the morning."
- Sara is hardly present in this episode, but when she is there, it more or less makes sense. After leaving a gazillion voicemail messages, John finds her at the hospital and apologizes that his past is "complicated." Have you ever cheated? she asks. John can't deny it, and that sends us right into another flashback.
- My one quibble? Sara does an about-face for no apparent reason and ends up at Omar's waiting for John. There, she grills him: Are you currently married? Gay? In the witness protection program? Terminal? John gets a funny look at that last question -- "I'm not sure," he says, but you can tell he's hoping.
Fun Facts about John (and New York):
- We already knew John was with the CIA -- now we know he was a spy for 10 years.
- Ever wondered why New York tenement buildings are only six stories? Because, John tells us, the water flowing from the Upstate aquifers would go that high without assistance. Any higher than that, and you'd need a separate pump.
- John boxes to relieve tension. Omar holds the bag. Poor Omar!
I found this episode to be insanely dull. The case was obvious, the flashbacks were obvious, and Sara's behavior was inexplicable. And what is up with Amsterdam's boss? Normally I like quirky, but that character is just nonsensical.
AC | Mar 31, 2008 9:14:22 PM | #Me first (or second, if somebody is a faster typist than me), yay! I'm glad they ended the show the way they did, with Rosie being a teacher and not some horrific serial killer that got that way because he saw his father having sex with the rather lovely model. The thing I've most feared about a show like this is that it would try to make John somehow responsible for a crime that was in some way connected directly to him through his past dalliances or family members. Even Omar mentioned the Butterfuly Effect, which is a legitimate area of philosophical study and has been bandied about for decades. I don't totally believe in this, since there are way, way too many individual influences that go into any given moment of time for one person to affect the outcome. Sure, there are direct effects of horrible events (such as for anyone who survives a tornado or a car accident), but to blame oneself for the way a child turns out merely because of a single event in the past that wasn't all that traumatic is silly (although it can have SOME effect, to be sure). Childhood and its effect on one's adult self is a series of influences, but also is predicated on a person's overall personality and inner strength. I've worked with children who lived in abject poverty, but they're some of the sweetest kids you can imagine. On the other side, I've seen kids from families that have more than enough money who are horribly depressed because they have no real relationships with their parents, for one reason or another. This was a great episode simply because it did finally explore just how much somebody who is immortal can influence (or choose to influence, as the case may be) literally hundreds of people. The responsibility that John Amsterdam must feel for not only those who he has known personally, but for all those in the city of New York in general, must be tremendous. He could have done and been anything he chose, and it's only by the grace of whatever supreme being you might believe in (or not) that he never used his gift/curse for evil. Imagine if he had been Jack the Ripper instead of a generally decent man with (usually) a strong sense of justice and caring for his fellow human being. I really wish this show had a better chance at renewal, because there are so, so many ways the episodes could go from here.
As for specifics of this particular episode, I'm liking the new lady-in-charge more now that she seems to be sarcastic without being an overbearing ladder-crawler, as seems to be the case so often on other cop shows. Plus, she actually drinks coffee and isn't afraid to symbolically slap the feds in the face if needs be...my kinda woman. I hope Eva's father will make more appearances, because he could be quite an addition to the ensemble. And that little factoid about NYC tenements being only six stories is exactly why this show must survive, because it just proves that there is so much about New York City that is fascinating. I wasn't sure when the show first started if I would turn out to be a fan, but I am now what hyperbolic sports writers call "ardent." Still could do without Sara, though. She annoys me.
Dark Disciple | Mar 31, 2008 9:24:12 PM | #Oops, just noticed that I spelled the name as "Rosie" instead of "Rosey." Damn that fat cow O'Donnell, anyway.
Dark Disciple | Mar 31, 2008 9:29:21 PM | #I have let this show slowly and reluctantly crawl under my skin and this week... dammit!... it's totally Omar's fault (and NYC factoids too) but I think I'm in love. And now they're gonna cancel it, aren't they?
| Mar 31, 2008 11:11:22 PM | #I too like where they are taking the show - it seems to be hitting its stride; however, I am worried that they are getting close to having John's past jobs/lives overlap. I hope I'm wrong on that b/c that really irks me when shows just conveniently forget something that they stated in past episodes to help current/future episodes stories fit.
As for this ep, I like that they added a layer to Eva's character - it was something that was clearly lacking in the first few eps. I understand that the focus has to be/should be on John's character, but that shouldn't be at the expense at the other characters.
I hope that we haven't seen the last of Det. Santori's (Robert Clohessy) character as I enjoyed his presence on the show. I also hope we don't lose Susan Misner's character (Cpt. Callie Burnett) - that being said, I can see them only including one or the other in each ep as there probably isn't enough material to go around for all 4 cops.
Rishi | Apr 1, 2008 12:07:58 AM | #Anyone know who the name of the actress that played Alice, the model that John had the affair with?
She has a very unique look.
Question | Apr 1, 2008 12:21:13 AM | #Question, Alice was played by Alyssa Sutherland.
Rishi | Apr 1, 2008 3:50:29 AM | #Am I the only one that, when I saw the family tree, asked myself ... how exactly does he keep track of everything to make sure that, well, something bad doesn't happen. As for the episode, solid. Their best work to date storyline wise.
I'm not a huge fan of Susan Misner's character. She was cool in other places that I've seen her (Rescue Me), but something seems off here. A bit forced.
Tony | Apr 1, 2008 6:53:10 AM | #I too am bothered by the Susan Misner character Callie Burnett. I think that we're supposed to find her very strange and remote so that they can fit in some abrupt story line as a hook for next season. At this moment I think that she's John's biological daughter and the reveal will come to him, but not to her in the season finale.
The show has to give him an illegitimate child about whom he was unaware. It's an obvious story arc. The child is not Eva or Sara; could be one of the older male detectives, but that wouldn't be interesting. I think that's why they introduced Callie Burnett.
Elizabeth Greene | Apr 1, 2008 7:54:05 AM | #I was out of town last week and watched both last weeks episode and last night's back-to-back. Can somebody explain to me the John and Eva's boss?! I hope to heck they haven't just made her just an unbelievably femle Pery White for eye cndy purposes and we find out there's a reason for her unlikely-at-that-level quirkiness. (Personally, I'm hoping she's prodigy that figured it out without being told by John...or another cursed one.)
| Apr 1, 2008 8:32:05 AM | #I have a problem with a possible continuity error. John's secretary/daughter Maggie in Golden Boy said that her parents hooked up in the 1890's - last night's episode would have had Rosie born about 1896. So which one is right?
Donna | Apr 1, 2008 9:43:20 AM | #what i find least interesting about this show is oddly enough the basic reason behind it: the "true love" bit. eh. i don't find the doc all that interesting, so that probably doesn't help any.
i missed the last episode (i sort of forgot this show was on, actually) but i managed to catch yesterday's. huh. sadly, i think i'm losing interest; i probably won't be back next week, although it still has some interesting qualities to it.
i still think he looks a little like conan, damnit.
washington | Apr 1, 2008 1:49:42 PM | #Donna, they could have 'Hooked up' in the early 1890's.
Dark Disciple, I really enjoy your writing on average. You have many very interesting ideas and I actually look forward to reading what you have to say on many show blog sites. Unfortunately I lost some respect for you with your ps comment about Rosie O'Donnell. It was really uncalled for and rude.
That being said I Love this show. The way they have blended the past with the present is perfect.
I do have a question for Sarah (the reviewer) In your Highlights you made reference to President Theodore Rosevelt and his comment on the Armory Show and then a statement about son to father. Are you suggesting that John is President Rosevelts Father or did I read that wrong?
Sarcasm, alas, is not always appreciated. I wasn't being rude, it's just that whenever I think of the phonemic name "roz-ee" the first spelling that comes to mind is "Rosie." I was annoyed with my own brain slip, really. That's all, nothing else. Sorry if you were offended, but hey, if I tried to please everybody, I'd be president by now. Wait, that's not possible, I was born in Europe. Ah, well.
Dark Disciple | Apr 1, 2008 2:11:53 PM | #Sarcasm, brain slip whatever it does not excuse anyone from calling another human being a Fat Cow.
darrpub | Apr 1, 2008 2:27:18 PM | #I liked this episode, in particular how his past had been a part of the present-day story.
I like the idea of the Captain possibly being an illegitimate child of his. That could play into future storylines really well.
I still don't like Sara being the One. They just don't feel right together.
Shaggysteve | Apr 1, 2008 3:42:19 PM | #Okay, okay, I'll admit I was crass, rude, inconsiderate, immature, belligerant, bellicose, maladjusted, abberant, condescending, mean-spirited, avaricious, parsimonious, antediluvian, anti-adiposic, marginalizing, quick-tempered, puerile, narrow-minded, bigoted, prejudiced, lack-witted, poppinjayish, dim-bulbed, caddish, catty, disharmonious, out-of-line and downright boneheaded. All true. However, and I really shouldn't have to explain myself any further than this, to anybody: I don't like Rosie O'Donnell, never have and never will, nor do I have to, nor do I have to be kind when I speak of her, if I choose to do so at all. This is why freedom of speech sometimes sucks. If I choose to be any of the aforementioned adjectives listed, that is my right. In the future, yes, I'll keep my annoyance with her to myself so as not to offend those easily offended. And darrpub? I was being silly and stupid towards somebody I don't care for. I've said my piece, and I'll sleep quite well tonight, thank you very much. Moving on now, and ending this needless mea culpa...
Dark Disciple | Apr 1, 2008 4:31:36 PM | #And for Shaggysteve, I agree with you 100%. I just don't see any real chemistry with John and Sara, not like he's had with other ladies in the past. As I've said before, maybe this is just a "practice run" for the real thing, and the woman who is really The One will knock his socks off (if he wears any, which I haven't noticed, really).
Dark Disciple | Apr 1, 2008 4:33:20 PM | #I agree that John's and Eva's new boss is beyond quirky, but I kind of like that. It never occurred to me that she might be related to John. Interesting thought. I do agree, however, that it's likely there's some branch of the family tree he doesn't know about. Also thoroughly agree that Omar is the best!
meggins | Apr 1, 2008 6:54:37 PM | #Darrpub -- In your Highlights you made reference to President Theodore Roosevelt and his comment on the Armory Show and then a statement about son to father. Are you suggesting that John is President Rosevelts father?
No, it was more convoluted than that, and it made sense in my head.
Step one: Bohemian John, the artist, names his son Roosevelt. Bohemian John is trying to get into the Armory show.
Step two: Roosevelt leaves Bohemian John, and, I'm guessing, develops a hatred for artists.
Step three: Roosevelt names his son Theodore -- Roosevelt's Theodore, for Theodore Roosevelt, after a president who expressed open contempt for the Armory Show, and the artists in it. Since it was the Armory Show that precipitated John's affair and the family's dissolution, he's even more inclined to agree with president Teddy.
In my mind, naming his soon Theo was Rosey's middle finger to his absent dad.
Like I said, it made sense in my head.
Donna -- Hmm. You're right. Well, in theory, John left each family when it started to become too obvious that he wasn't getting older. But that's still not enough time for him to have established a new family on his own... unless Maggie was also Samantha's daughter, but that wouldn't make sense either. Curious.
Sarah | Apr 1, 2008 9:06:05 PM | #First, nice to see all my LOST buddies like this show, too.
I think this show has great potential, and this episode just touched upon what it is capable of. I like how John is not always portrayed as a nice guy in the past - although I would love to see more of his "early beginnings" when he first starts to realize that his family and friends are aging and dying around him - how he actually deals with it for the first time. We have always seen a resolute John, accepting of his situation - but I am sure that attitude did not develop overnight.
MK46 | Apr 2, 2008 6:47:05 AM | #
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