Crash – Railroaded

Starz

(Season 1, Episode 4)

“I’m certifiably crazy.” – Ben

Things continue to heat up for the intersecting residents of L.A. This episode of Crash debuts new opening credits, with lines drawn atop a satellite map of L.A., along with cast and crew names. It’s a good opening to a show where indeed, everyone seems to cross paths sooner or later, no matter their class or wealth.

My favorite character is still the insane music producer Ben, played by the maniacal and wild-eyed Dennis Hopper. In this episode, he wants his new driver, Anthony, to “close the deal with the goddess” in his bedroom. Anthony, whom I still contend is the sanest person on this show, wants to move beyond that, but the goddess, who’s real name is Denise, says that Ben paid for the whole day, so why don’t she and Anthony make good use of the time? Of course, he ends up succumbing to her wiles, but only as their real selves, not some pseudonym.

The sub-classes of people in Crash all seem to speak a common language. Anthony tells Denise he used to do some crazy things in the ‘hood, and she knows right away what he’s talking about. Anthony also connects with the paramedics who show up to help the doc after he falls down the stairs, one of whom is Eddie, who’s got his own problems with thugs and gang members.

The doc is an interesting character. He looks pretty bruised up after tumbling down the stairs, but Ben is sure he’s faking it to get attention. Anthony is the one who calls the paramedics, but when Ben’s back is turned, the doc winks at Anthony and says something to the effect of, “Enjoy the show.” Somebody’s playing somebody.

I still haven’t figured out who’s telling the truth regarding Ben’s sexuality — Ben or the doc. Any thoughts on that? Think Ben is gay? If he’s not, why would he tell Anthony to go in the bedroom and “close the deal”? Because of his, uh, dysfunction issues?

And then there’s the cross-cultural relationships, like Christine and her African-American contractor. I get the feeling something’s going to happen there.

Axel drives me nuts. First, he tells his wife that he’ll never leave her, that his affair with Bebe is over. And he doesn’t call Bebe during his hospital stay, so you get the feeling he might be telling the truth. But then he immediately goes to see Bebe at the police station and tells her he’s leaving his wife. And it appears that Bebe believes him. What a weasel.

Wow, on the high-energy sex scene between Kenny and Inez. I can see why he’d be a teensy bit tired out by the time he got home to his wife. And then there’s the whole deportment of Inez’ husband, which has her indebted to Kenny.

I’ve been hit-and-miss on watching Crash, and I think it’s because the episodes are so intense. I’m just not sure I want to go there and cut my emotional wrist week after week. Dennis Hopper is still lots of fun to watch, but there’s not a whole lot of comic relief in this show. Everything is very dramatic.

Also, the episodes are a little goofy. I’m pretty sure this episode is titled “Railroaded,” but I believe there have only been three episodes thus far, and Episode 3 was supposed to be “Panic.” Did I miss one somewhere along the way?

So, are you guys watching Crash? Want me to keep reviewing it?

Clacked by Jane Boursaw
on Nov 02, 2008 @ 10:35 EST5EDT