But how many chances does one receive?
I suppose time will tell the tale of Barry's ultimate victory or defeat, but what a shame that so very many people had to be a part of his story that may have led to his redemption, or his failure.
We want to believe people can learn their lessons, are redeemable, are capable of reform. However, human nature being what it is, his only successes have been short-lived and at the expense of so many others.
I'd be more likely to believe in his sudden turn of convictions if he'd even apologized to his countless victims, but it doesn't seem to have come to pass. If he truly is on the path to recovery, I'd think offering remorse, retribution and remedies would be a good step.
I do hope he's doing right by his family at the very least, but he does seem to have the affliction of narcissism, and a glaringly heaping helping of it. I understand the sarcasm to his son regarding past sins, but it's not funny and plays so poorly, especially to the victims. It would be nice to see him think less of himself, and for that I'm unsure if he's truly dealt with the ramifications of his actions.
That being said, I think as disappointing as Barry is the pastor- is it any wonder people turn away from their church when the message your pastor is sending is that of being the ultimate judge? When you can view the mistress and likely cohort in at least some of his crimes as a victim, yet his wife (who was every bit a victim) is seen as duplicitous and manipulative, with no evidence to substantiate his claims, and the church members and church willfully turn their backs on her, that's quite the disturbing take to put into the world. This pastor even admits she was likely taking many of the phone calls, diverting mail, assisting in the extortion, but she's somehow a victim? She work hand in glove with Barry, but the wife, who had not nearly as much contact as Shannon, is guilty? I think it may be time for the pastor to take some time for inward reflection and refresh himself with the biblical theology he's likely overlooked.
It's certainly not lost on me that the viewer is taken into the mirror with the publicist, as the reflection reveals a delusional woman who's still likely coping with the ramifications of her course in life. Hiding behind ridiculous amounts of makeup that do nothing to bolster her appearance, yet belie someone stuck in the ethos of that time when her slight had occurred. I sincerely hope she sees this series and people close to her assist her in updating her care and get her the psychological attention she seems to desperately need.
The guy with the absolutely horrendous wig portraying himself as a victim is disgusting; using your upbringing as a crutch that somehow validates your deception that you seemed pretty proud to retell with great pride is just gross. He was practically giddy regarding his ability to alter documents, the commitment to detail, the wholehearted willingness to throw handfuls of money at Las Vegas, pulling wads of cash to security at the building used to dupe investors, but sure, he's a victim.
Overall an intriguing series that draws you in and wants to believe in Barry finding his ultimate redemption and finally achieving that which has escaped him thus far. But Barry seems hellbent on snatching defeat from the jaws of victory, and far too willing to portray himself as just a guy who did some sketchy things but he's all good now!!
I'm not sure I buy the act he's attempting to sell, and I would hope others would steer clear of giving him a dime he didn't earn through sweat equity; but PT Barnum was 100% correct- there's a sucker born every minute. A fool and their money are soon parted, and due diligence exists for a reason. In the end, it's not up to me how his life goes, and his outcome has no effect on how my life goes. But for the sake of those who've somehow stood by him and continue to love and care for him, I certainly hope for their sake that he's legitimately committed to leading a life that focuses more on others and caring for them as they deserve and much less on himself.
