Welcome to the eighth installment of Beats, Boxing & Mayhem’s weekly recap of FX’s Light Out. Last week wasn’t done due to some pressing commitments, so let’s get right back into the tumultuous life of Patrick “Lights” Leary.
Leary was successful in his comeback fight last week, knocking out the hated Javier Morales in two rounds. But Pops didn’t like his son’s reaction speed to punches, and vowed to not train him if he moved forward with facing champion “Death Row” Reynolds in his next fight. Why the fear of Reynolds, a guy Leary had beat and lost controversially to in their last encounter five years ago? According to Pops, Reynolds is now a heavyweight version of Floyd Mayweather, a fighter who’s come into his prime but also possesses knockout strength in both hands. Rather than see his son hurt, Pops maintains his vows not to train him.
You’re too tense…you need to be free, free yourself.
Lights’ quest for a new trainer leads him to Ed Romeo, played by Eamonn Walker (Oz). Romeo is Reynold’s former trainer, and at first refuses Leary’s request. He’s content to train troubled youth away from the big lights, knowing he’s at least making a positive difference in their lives. But when Lights discloses the possibility of a million dollar payday, Romeo relents. What’s interesting about the scene is Leary’s ability to turn into his own promoter and sell himself without his brother Johnny. Subtle points like this will play heavily into a big decision Lights makes later on.
Reynolds is an ungrateful bitch; I don’t care if he lives or dies…Barry K. Word is filth.
Romeo makes it known from the start he’s not willing to play the media game. He renounces working with Johnny and promoter Barry K. Word on selling the angle of Romeo competing against his former star pupil. For all of his quiet resolve and excellent training, there’s still something unsettling about Ed Romeo. From his mannerisms, you get the impression that at any moment he can implode. Turns out Romeo has been carrying a lot of grief. It wasn’t just a business falling out with Reynolds. He had raised the current heavyweight champion since he was 10, only to witness Reynolds abandon him when he got his first big payday (“When my wife died, he didn’t even call…”).
This is life and death for me…You ever seen Death Row Reynolds scared? He’ll be scared the night of the fight.
To further complicate matters, Romeo shows Leary two jagged scars running up both his forearms. Turns out he tried to commit suicide in the dressing room right after Reynolds fired him. It brings an interesting contradiction when he tells Lights that he needs to completely remove himself from his father (Pops), brother (Johnny) and sister (Margaret), who Romeo feels all eat away at Lights’ energy and confidence (“They take you for granted. That’s not love.”). Romeo’s words are true, but love also isn’t trying to kill yourself in order to prevent a loved one from leaving. When you analyze the idealism and absoluteness of his convictions, it gives a whole nother meaning to his last name of Romeo (hopeless romantic).
On the home front, the Learys are also having to deal with the blossoming independence of Ava. Theresa Leary is painfully coming to terms with her daughter not wanting to pursue her interest in the medical field. Fact of the matter is, Ava doesn’t have any idea what she wants to do. For now, she’s just content to be able to escape the problems of the home front through the prom. The event brings about the one time in recent episodes where everyone appears happy. Romeo, who’s moved into the house to monitor Lights’ habits more closely, captures the moment with a photo.
Johnny senses his influence with his brother waning, and plots with Pops and Margaret to get back into the fold. They hold a meeting and play on Lights’ loyalty to family. It’s gut check time for Patrick, and he respectfully declines the invitation. He tells his father they’ve finally hit a wall and gone as far as they can together on a professional level. Johnny, Margaret and Pops are left stunned, but you can tell on their faces this is just the beginning of their efforts.
Next week’s preview shows the family divide getting worse. The renegade Leary fraction looks to be stepping up their tactics by going after Ed Romeo himself. In addition, Johnny is having some contractual problems with Barry K. Word. Be sure to catch the next episode of Lights Out on March 8 at 10 PM.
Beats, Boxing and Mayhem 