Freeform's Cloak & Dagger - Episode 2.02 "White Lines"
Desperate to help but only finding they cause more problems than solving them, Tyrone and Tandy continue to struggle with their situation. What is the point of having superpowers if you only seem to make things worse?
In 2018, there were 495 scripted shows airing amongst the linear channels and streaming services. The way people are consuming content now is so different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, there is less necessity to provide ample coverage of each specific episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site is making the move to shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of Freeform's Cloak & Dagger.
"White Lines" was written by Peter Calloway & Niceole R. Levy and directed by Jeff Woolnough
Tandy and Tyrone want to make a difference in the world. They are struggling with how to focus their energy since saving the city. They need purpose. As such, they are going out using their powers to hopefully help people. And yet, they don't understand the potential repercussions of their actions. Plus, they don't have full control over their powers. Tyrone can't teleport people with him. Meanwhile, lights are constantly exploding around Tandy because she is traumatized by the sight of her father. They have to master and control their abilities to ensure that more people aren't put in harm's way because of their actions. The narrative is showing just how interconnected their lives are even though they don't know everything that the other is doing. They understand that they both have been going out as vigilantes. They see the importance of going out together because they are stronger as a pair. They can only really relate to each other when it comes to having these powers and wanting to use them. However, the projects they are working on show only how obsessed they still are with certain failings of the world. Tyrone continues to see himself as responsible for so much death. He got his brother killed. And now, his actions lead to a sit down of gang leaders also being targeted by a third party. He doesn't know who eliminated the heads of these two organizations. That remains an open mystery. He isn't even pursuing that investigation. Instead, he just wants answers regarding the voodoo symbol that was drawn on the floor. That too contributes to his pursuit of justice. That's what he craves. But he's powerless to help Michaela when he is suddenly in the ambulance that has abducted her for some reason. Again, there is no real understanding why she has been taken and pumped full of drugs. A local car lot has been keeping these ambulances as well for some nefarious purpose. That connects to what happened during the gang meeting. But it's also uncertain how all of this will connect together. It's clear that Michaela is important to both Tandy and Tyrone. They want to help her. Tyrone had the opportunity to do so but didn't know how to whisk her away to safety. Meanwhile, Tandy yelled at her because she sees her as being responsible for not leaving her abusive partner. Tandy views people as responsible for their own struggles. She doesn't totally understand just how complicated the emotions involved are. Everyone can see that she cares and loves so much. But her words may only make the situation worse. This may also tie into the mysterious disappearances of several local girls. Something more is going on. This hour provides more of a focus that propels Tandy and Tyrone forward. However, it also introduces a completely new concept with Brigid splitting off into a new personality. That individual is incredible lethal and reckless. She is entitled and leads to so much disaster in this one hour. That's terrifying. There was always bound to be some consequences to her being hit with the same dark energy that gave Tandy and Tyrone their powers. But now, it appears to have just divided herself into two. It's very much appreciated that the show doesn't keep this as a mystery for two long. The two individuals are face-to-face by the conclusion of this hour with Tandy and Tyrone along to see it. That's a neat visual that hopefully will add some more substance to the proceedings.
