Im a big believer that montages can create some of the most powerful moments on television.
Theyre such an affecting storytelling tool, but they have to be used correctly.
And this show does it better than any other on TV.
Credit: DIRECTV
Its one of the strongest moments in one of the series strongest hours.
So while Nate Nate!
Yes, Alicia big-timed Ryan.
And no, Jay cant believe it.
(Meanwhile, I cant believe that watching these two cut weight is so enjoyable.)
Elsewhere, Christina has decided to look for an apartment.
What she doesnt have is a previous address or good credit or an employment history.
Also feeling helpless is Jay.
Specifically, hed take pills and drift off in the woods.
Or maybe hed do it on a sea cliff.
Im really proud to be your brother.
Finally escaping the sauna, Ryan realizes that things with Alicia might not be so chill anymore?
As his father puts it, Hell keeps adding circles.
She tells him that shes moving to San Francisco, and hes nothing if not supportive.
Jay is finely tuned and ready to fight, which means Lisa can focus on the baby.
However, I, for one, will miss these two because this scene is magical.
Alicia, on the other hand, is less supportive.
Lisa still claims it wont change things.
After all, she does own a phone.
But today is not about Nate.
And that image of him walking behind Ryan next to Alvey?
Id like someone to blow it up to poster size for me, yo.
But Ryan has one thing he has to do before his fight, and thats talk to Lisa.
Both Kiele Sanchez and Matt Lauria give such understated, nuanced performances in this scene.
They say so much with so little, and its heartbreaking.
Thank you for everything, Ryan tells her.
Everybody in the gym knows that you hold the place together.
Were gonna miss you, Lisa.
Im gonna miss you.
She then does something weve never seen her do shereallyhugs Ryan.
Moving from one fighter to another, Jay is also having a few relationship firsts.
Things are just a little hazy right now.
Alvey warns his son that hes setting himself up, that he cant change her.
But Jay informs his father that hes not trying to change her, hes just trying to help her.
It might be the most paternal weve ever seen Alvey be toward Jay (for now).
Okay, fight time.
Mom, you made me what I am, whether you like it or not.
The lesson: You cannot kill Jay Kulina.
And that thought extends to Ryan Wheeler, whom Jay cant help but call out.
You are my brother.
You are my boy.
But Im coming for you.
Alvey is proud of Jay, and its making him emotional.
In a superb performance from Frank Grillo, Alvey comes in to congratulate his son.
Its all Jay needs to hear.
Its evident what Alvey is feeling.
Its moments like this that this show does so well.
Hes a flawed man who quite frankly, doesnt know how to portray what hes feeling.
He probably isnt fully comfortable with it.
This scene is great.
This show is great.
And as much as I gasped at the moment, this show is never too shocking.
Because if you pay enough attention, it’s possible for you to clearly see where things are going.
Basically,Kingdomis a fing champ.
