The origin story is slow building, but there is finally some pay-off in this episode. It's refreshing to see superheroes struggling to figure out their powers without agonizing over how different they are or how they don't fit in with normal people. The complementary nature of their powers, personalities and skills draws them together in such a way you can't help but want them to succeed.
This show is also a fascinating look at how super powers don't compensate for the social disadvantages of race or poverty, and how those struggles inform how they take on their respective adversaries.
9 Reviews
Be careful what you wish for...
mgyukeri22 June 2018
Tandy and Tyrone's second encounter is the through line of the fourth episode, which puts their relationship at the forefront of their respective personal dilemmas. There's finally payoff on multiple story arcs-Tandy's mom and her 'lawyer,' Tyrone's brother, and Tyrone maybe finally getting a cloak(?)-which are all teased out over the course of the episode. It's still heavy on the origin story tropes, but the storyline has fairly methodically built upon itself with each episode, and offers protagonists that are fairly atypical for superhero faire.
"The universe keeps pushing us together; the universe keeps pulling us apart."
LegendaryFang5626 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
(1,369-word review) The most prominent theme here seemed to boil down to the act of building: Tandy began to warm up to Greg and had genuine interactions with him (= building a relationship), and Tyrone's father received slight development beyond being a necessary but background character, which manifested through their father-son dynamic (= building further layers to a relationship) while all of the scenes with Tandy and Tyrone of their meaningful, impactful conversation - in more ways than one - was split up and inserted amid everything that was happening in present time (= building a firmer connection through emotional, personal and power-related relatability, on top of the mutual vulnerability of being honest, open, and outspoken), and the ending signified the built-up confidence on his part to ask for Det. O'Reilly in the police station compared to getting cold feet the first time with his initial course of action, in addition to the build-up of her will to live, her hope, and the additional strengthening and solidification of the reconstruction and rebuilding she only began undergoing earlier in the episode regarding facing her fears instead of running away/setting her sights on the Roxxon Corporation, topped with the control building of her powers.
Speaking of which - and this can't be ignored, let alone understated - that first proper interaction/conversation between Tandy and Tyrone was fantastic; it was unquestionably one of the top highlights. They're able to talk openly and honestly with each other about their respective experiences concerning their powers - which their actual first interaction activated in the premiere, though it, and the ones since that one barely had any substance and depth; certainly not to this degree - and the things weighing on them that they've kept internalized and buried. Both of them needed someone like that, as they didn't consider anyone in their lives, from Tyrone's parents and Tandy's mother to Evita and Liam, as appropriate people to share such intimate and personal information with.
Furthermore, the structural placement of those scenes into the episode, mixed in with everything else/every other scene within present-day events, was great, especially how there is a semi-puzzle for us due to the apparent non-linear storytelling. For us to follow along properly, we must determine the chronological order of what's happening in real-time as it all progresses and more pieces are presented; however, you still have to assign them to their rightful place in your head - getting all that straight while having enough brain power left also to be paying attention enough for the total absorption of the story. The non-chronological structure seems to be another favorite storytelling technique of those behind that facet of this show besides their other favorite - visual storytelling.
The climax with that blow-up of emotions and the demolishment of the initial, persistent amicable mood and tone between the two characters was also fantastic but super unfortunate because it sucks seeing them hurl such harsh words at one another - being at odds and pushing each other away like that, especially after seeing how wonderful they are together in all of those previous scenes beforehand, showcased so well, and delivered extra effectively due to Olivia Holt and Aubrey Joseph's chemistry; acting-wise, she gave a superb performance, particularly at the end, and he did a pretty good job himself. You're already on board with that relationship, whether platonically or romantically, and you want them on good terms ASAP.
On top of that, it was well-written enough to make you torn on who to root for the most; more importantly, the writing delivers and showcases both perspectives/realities naturally, not to mention the hasty (as this can be achieved but with a calmer and more empathetic mindset) lack of understanding the other's genuine struggles due to who they are.
Tyrone, a black man in a country filled with one-too-many people who aren't fond of that, sometimes to a violent degree, mainly in a subtle, condescending, and disrespectful manner, particularly in the south; Tandy, a woman in a world that, while it has improved quite a bit since the semi-far past concerning women and the general view on women, it's almost like it hasn't improved because of the ridiculous, prevalent, and persisting s**ism (especially in the healthcare apparatus - how, even now, there are frequent instances of doctors and people in other fields within the healthcare world (mostly men but even other women) who don't take a woman's concerns seriously), being seen as lesser or not as human beings, the belittlement and temporary but permanently desired extermination of their rights/seeing their rights as a joke and something to use as a means to control women, the terrible pandemic of s**ual harassment directed at them throughout their lives, and sometimes daily, in addition to the s**ual a**ault many have experienced and endured, topped with the pathetic scarcity of proper, long-term justice - then there is the patronizing/trivializing/minimizing/dismissing/vilifying, and so on.
It goes on as far as the list of things is concerned but also the occurrence of those things themselves. My point is that they both have broader battles in the grand scheme of things and the grand scheme of life - instead of being on one person's side, both sides are valid, minus the extreme things said. But hopefully, their separation and the current inharmonious state of their relationship will subside and dissipate quickly.
Unlike how, in the second episode, Tyrone's story arc was more engaging and compelling than Tandy's story arc, it was the opposite here. I wasn't as engaged in whatever that whole thing with Otis and the other guys was about, besides being a vehicle for conveying the lesson about control - an additional theme, only to a lesser extent, aiding the most prominent one that I mentioned in the beginning - through the, in all honesty, intriguing but most certainly terribly tedious and maybe even slowly dying art/craft and concept of beadwork/its creation process. A semi-apparent correlation would be its potential relation to the culture of New Orleans, but that wouldn't hold/instill a deeper meaning and connection for me because of my lack of understanding and knowledge of its real-life history. It was alright, though I'm uncertain how to feel about it right now, especially if it's not over and continues further.
An equally significant takeaway was the cloak reveal, which I liked - specifically, it was the sentimental value and significance attached to it, and there may have been more than in the comics. I never read them; therefore, I could be wrong, but there may not have been any substantial layers like that, both the origin and the sentimental value, or at least anything similar to how the show's writers went about those aspects. My sole critique is its look. While a bit of an eye-catching nature seems to envelop it, necessary components seem to be lacking. It should look more imposing and be a primary precipitant that produces a powerfully commanding presence unto Tyrone. But his darkness itself probably accomplishes that.
But the most significant, front-and-center takeaway was Greg's death. It was as tragic and saddening as it was when I watched this roughly two months after it aired in June 2018. I vaguely remember it being my only takeaway; more specifically, I remember it being super effective, possibly to a greater degree now due to me being older and adequately understanding its complete effect - from him and Melissa and how their final interaction was, to her changing her mind and realizing her mistake right afterward, with the maximum tragic thing being that it was too late and his last memory of them before dying was likely the break-up; he died with that on his mind, and it wasn't even 100% literal. It was all so tragic - though, in the midst of that, I especially liked the perfect symbolism and symmetry of Tandy witnessing his death, then switching the scene back to her and Tyrone's conversation at a point where a few seconds into it, he mentions survivor's guilt, followed by the final line of that section of their conversation/those scenes said by her - wishing she was the one who died. And that's when they chose to switch back to present-day Tandy, who's undoubtedly feeling that all over again.
Speaking of which - and this can't be ignored, let alone understated - that first proper interaction/conversation between Tandy and Tyrone was fantastic; it was unquestionably one of the top highlights. They're able to talk openly and honestly with each other about their respective experiences concerning their powers - which their actual first interaction activated in the premiere, though it, and the ones since that one barely had any substance and depth; certainly not to this degree - and the things weighing on them that they've kept internalized and buried. Both of them needed someone like that, as they didn't consider anyone in their lives, from Tyrone's parents and Tandy's mother to Evita and Liam, as appropriate people to share such intimate and personal information with.
Furthermore, the structural placement of those scenes into the episode, mixed in with everything else/every other scene within present-day events, was great, especially how there is a semi-puzzle for us due to the apparent non-linear storytelling. For us to follow along properly, we must determine the chronological order of what's happening in real-time as it all progresses and more pieces are presented; however, you still have to assign them to their rightful place in your head - getting all that straight while having enough brain power left also to be paying attention enough for the total absorption of the story. The non-chronological structure seems to be another favorite storytelling technique of those behind that facet of this show besides their other favorite - visual storytelling.
The climax with that blow-up of emotions and the demolishment of the initial, persistent amicable mood and tone between the two characters was also fantastic but super unfortunate because it sucks seeing them hurl such harsh words at one another - being at odds and pushing each other away like that, especially after seeing how wonderful they are together in all of those previous scenes beforehand, showcased so well, and delivered extra effectively due to Olivia Holt and Aubrey Joseph's chemistry; acting-wise, she gave a superb performance, particularly at the end, and he did a pretty good job himself. You're already on board with that relationship, whether platonically or romantically, and you want them on good terms ASAP.
On top of that, it was well-written enough to make you torn on who to root for the most; more importantly, the writing delivers and showcases both perspectives/realities naturally, not to mention the hasty (as this can be achieved but with a calmer and more empathetic mindset) lack of understanding the other's genuine struggles due to who they are.
Tyrone, a black man in a country filled with one-too-many people who aren't fond of that, sometimes to a violent degree, mainly in a subtle, condescending, and disrespectful manner, particularly in the south; Tandy, a woman in a world that, while it has improved quite a bit since the semi-far past concerning women and the general view on women, it's almost like it hasn't improved because of the ridiculous, prevalent, and persisting s**ism (especially in the healthcare apparatus - how, even now, there are frequent instances of doctors and people in other fields within the healthcare world (mostly men but even other women) who don't take a woman's concerns seriously), being seen as lesser or not as human beings, the belittlement and temporary but permanently desired extermination of their rights/seeing their rights as a joke and something to use as a means to control women, the terrible pandemic of s**ual harassment directed at them throughout their lives, and sometimes daily, in addition to the s**ual a**ault many have experienced and endured, topped with the pathetic scarcity of proper, long-term justice - then there is the patronizing/trivializing/minimizing/dismissing/vilifying, and so on.
It goes on as far as the list of things is concerned but also the occurrence of those things themselves. My point is that they both have broader battles in the grand scheme of things and the grand scheme of life - instead of being on one person's side, both sides are valid, minus the extreme things said. But hopefully, their separation and the current inharmonious state of their relationship will subside and dissipate quickly.
Unlike how, in the second episode, Tyrone's story arc was more engaging and compelling than Tandy's story arc, it was the opposite here. I wasn't as engaged in whatever that whole thing with Otis and the other guys was about, besides being a vehicle for conveying the lesson about control - an additional theme, only to a lesser extent, aiding the most prominent one that I mentioned in the beginning - through the, in all honesty, intriguing but most certainly terribly tedious and maybe even slowly dying art/craft and concept of beadwork/its creation process. A semi-apparent correlation would be its potential relation to the culture of New Orleans, but that wouldn't hold/instill a deeper meaning and connection for me because of my lack of understanding and knowledge of its real-life history. It was alright, though I'm uncertain how to feel about it right now, especially if it's not over and continues further.
An equally significant takeaway was the cloak reveal, which I liked - specifically, it was the sentimental value and significance attached to it, and there may have been more than in the comics. I never read them; therefore, I could be wrong, but there may not have been any substantial layers like that, both the origin and the sentimental value, or at least anything similar to how the show's writers went about those aspects. My sole critique is its look. While a bit of an eye-catching nature seems to envelop it, necessary components seem to be lacking. It should look more imposing and be a primary precipitant that produces a powerfully commanding presence unto Tyrone. But his darkness itself probably accomplishes that.
But the most significant, front-and-center takeaway was Greg's death. It was as tragic and saddening as it was when I watched this roughly two months after it aired in June 2018. I vaguely remember it being my only takeaway; more specifically, I remember it being super effective, possibly to a greater degree now due to me being older and adequately understanding its complete effect - from him and Melissa and how their final interaction was, to her changing her mind and realizing her mistake right afterward, with the maximum tragic thing being that it was too late and his last memory of them before dying was likely the break-up; he died with that on his mind, and it wasn't even 100% literal. It was all so tragic - though, in the midst of that, I especially liked the perfect symbolism and symmetry of Tandy witnessing his death, then switching the scene back to her and Tyrone's conversation at a point where a few seconds into it, he mentions survivor's guilt, followed by the final line of that section of their conversation/those scenes said by her - wishing she was the one who died. And that's when they chose to switch back to present-day Tandy, who's undoubtedly feeling that all over again.
I really am hoping this show has a long run
statingfacts23 June 2018
I feel if this can last for a few seasons it could end up being really good, but I think that by season 2 maybe they lighten it up a bit. A big reason the MCU movies are a success is because it really feels like comics being brought to life. They don't stray away from how silly comics can be and make it too dark. Cloak and Dagger has been kind of dark so far, but I hope it can lighten up some in the future. I really hope they can actually be referred to as superheroes and have costumes eventually too.
The chemistry and realness between Cloak and Dagger is extraordinarily beautiful and heartbreaking.
noahsmithmichael9 July 2018
They don't have a romantic relationship but instead have a budding friendship. The further I get, the more I get hooked on the show. The pain that surrounds these characters is heartbreaking and real. The only thing I wish is that the action be intensified. Other than that, this show is a winner!!!
Thank YOU! More, please!
bofield817 July 2018
I'm SO glad tha Marvel brings current culture and race politics into this show through this episode!! I'm tired of the complainers moaning that their shows are too political. If television and graphic novels are an art form, then there MUST be a social impact and reflection of the world we live in! This show is doing it, albeit from a young adult perspective, which in this day and age is even MORE important! Also, thanks for spelling out the krewe culture!! More conscious storytelling please!
Pathetic writers!
rsvp32122 June 2018
Aubrey Joseph is an awesome actor, and I look forward to seeing him getting better parts in the future.
Blaming the writers, this episode ended the series for me. Social and especially political agenda messages by the writers made its appearance in full force, and it is obvious that this is what will guide future episodes.
If I wanted to see/hear this crap, I'd watch the US main stream media.
Bail!
Blaming the writers, this episode ended the series for me. Social and especially political agenda messages by the writers made its appearance in full force, and it is obvious that this is what will guide future episodes.
If I wanted to see/hear this crap, I'd watch the US main stream media.
Bail!
Cloak and Dagger: The Forgotten Two 1.4
ThunderKing615 August 2022
A skipful episode.
It was all over the place. 1 scene they are in a church next they are back at the trailer park. It was very incoherent. This was the worst episode thus far.
Best part is Cloak and Dagger officially meeting up. But they have not become Cloak and Dagger yet. They are still going through their soap opera lives.
Overall, an episode worthy of skipping.
It was all over the place. 1 scene they are in a church next they are back at the trailer park. It was very incoherent. This was the worst episode thus far.
Best part is Cloak and Dagger officially meeting up. But they have not become Cloak and Dagger yet. They are still going through their soap opera lives.
Overall, an episode worthy of skipping.
Political crowbar
patjewers24 June 2018
Please stop ramming this political crap down our throats .. it's insulting jarring and will eventually be your demise
Can't watch Arrow anymore whatsoever ..
You have a good show, don't ruin it ...
Know you're demographics!
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