Track 7: She's Gone

In the book this was a low part of her life but the series got it all wrong. The fact that Simone traveled all the way to Thailand in the book and Daisy had left without even saying was such a strong statement about her mental state. The series got this very wrong. Not to talk about the Irish guy instead of the Italian, the lack of enabling from Nicky's side, and the unnecessary presence of Simone and her girlfriend.

Yes, there was the seed being planted for emotional abuse but this really just didn't hit the mark.

I know sometimes a series needs so stretch out the storyline but I thing this could have went into a much better direction.

Now from what I see it is the lowest rated episode, but by no means a bad episode. It gave the show some range, and after all Simone is a character in the show and needed her story told. It definitely gave insight into just how different culture was in different parts of the country in the 70s, especially the LGBTQ community. Simone was able to be much more open sexually in New York and the disco scene there. She still had to be careful, but it was a better situation than in LA at the time.

So then she received a telegram from Daisy that is very vague which makes it sound like Daisy is in some big trouble. She uproots her and her GF Bernie who is Simone's GF and DJ/business partner. The episode shows just how out of control and selfish Daisy is . Without getting into major spoilers the band gets back together but Daisy and Billy have major tension still. It shows Daisys downward spiral with drugs and men. Can the Six keep this crazy train going ?? Or will it ultimately fall off the tracks like so many tragic stories of great bands with major problems?? Just watch and see !!!

I'm here to discover who directed this episode. It was clear to me watching it that it was someone with a superior aesthetic, and being a remote shoot, it only made sense it would be a different person. I am glad to learn the name of Will Graham. I am required to add more characters to this review, so I will ramble on about what I liked. The lenses appeared to be different choices, and the angles bringing us into scenes were smart. The party scene is an excellent example. The DP got it all perfect, too. Different skin tones were all beautifully rendered in the strong sunlight. It was nice to be away from the sometimes-taxing songs the band plays for a spell. I am finding the lyrics of the show's original band songs to be the consistent low-water mark of this series. I mean, "I put the man in the moon... I put the dial in the tone." Ouch, ouch, ouch!

I wasn't sure where this episode was going but it really gets into the characters' pasts and motives. A bit of trivia about the Greek island of Hydra ... it's the same island where Leonard Cohen bought a house in 1960 for $1500 ! He inherited the money from his grandmother and used to retreat there to write. It was his happy place and he returned often over the years. Not sure if this was written into the story for that connection, but I definitely would like to visit it one day now.

We saw a very different and happier side of Daisy. Simone shines as well in this episode and of course the whole LGBTQ scene is explored.

Why does Hollywood feel the need to force their beliefs on everyone when it wasn't part of the original story. This is about a minor character in the story that a certain community felt they needed to be acknowledged more.

When will they learn that forcing things on people is not what people want to see nor will that accomplish what they are trying to achieve.

It's gotten to the point where it is only a matter of time before an episode is shoehorned into a story which has nothing to do with the source material, just to make a statement that no one wants to hear. There is a reason this is the lowest rated episode in the series.