Looking‘s wooded retreat did not go as planned, but ended in the best way possible. Find out where the night took the guys in our recap!
There is something about the woods that cleanses the soul. Maybe it is the fresh air, the extra oxygen from the trees, or the combination of drugs and alcohol at an all night rager. On tonight’s Looking season 2, episode 1, something about the open air leaves one open to anything.
This is the type of weekend that Patrick had in mind for Dom and Agustîn as they piled into Dom’s wagon and drove up to Lynn’s cabin. Patrick is not fantastic at hiding his panic, or enthusiasm about trees for that matter. Agustîn catches on quickly that this weekend has an alternative agenda; Patrick wants to draw attention to the downward spiral Agustîn is enjoying.
Watching the three of them sit in the front yard, pushing past any argument that might have arisen, is the first glimpse of them quietly acknowledging that sometimes words will do more harm than good. Hikes and board games run the same risk. Patrick’s trip out to see a 1400 year old tree leads him to, quite directly, spell out the theme for the season. The tree’s only purpose was to grow and survive for 1400 years. It knew it’s purpose. What is his? What is anyone’s purpose?
Doris’ presence reminds the audience why we should be excited for more Doris all of the time. Nothing is off limits, including the huge oil painting of a much younger Lynn in the den. We’re not going to talk about it. Remember it fondly.
A trip into the woods leads them to a fairy who guides them to “The Promised Land.” Agustîn’s dry spell is moot when Patrick, Dom, and Doris each take ecstasy and enjoy a night of blissful dancing under the moonlight. But much much more happens under the moonlight than dancing.
Patrick takes off to call Kevin, his boss. Their sexual relationship has moved beyond the office to, at least for tonight, a 1400 year old tree. Agustîn makes a new friend, Eddie, who seems at least for now, like a great friend outside of his pack for him to have around. He works with homeless gay youth and respects Agustîn’s emotional boundaries. Dom, on the other hand, takes someone home with him to Lynn’s cabin. Probably not the best idea. Doris took a jet ski trip with some lesbians she met and does not make it home before dawn.
The final scene of the episode finds Dom, Agustîn, and Patrick enjoying the sunrise from the deck. Patrick airs his secrets about him and Kevin. Agustîn and Dom react the way Patrick needs them to. Affirming his uncomfortable feelings about knowingly participating in an affair, while also silently nudging him in assurance that it’s going to be alright. The show is about these three friends constantly being in each other’s corner, regardless of the circumstances. Hopefully, season 2 will continue to loop back to this narrative as it continues to advance individual story lines.
Watch Looking season 2, episode 2, “Looking for Results,” Sunday, January 18 at 10:00 p.m. ET on HBO.