Dead of Summer Review: 1×04 – “Modern Love”

Compelling Human Drama Makes Up for Lackluster Scares In This Week’s Dead of Summer

The episode I’ve patiently waited for since the pilot is finally here! “Modern Love” delved into Drew’s backstory in an episode that didn’t disappoint. Flashbacks chart Drew’s battle for his mother’s acceptance, while, in the present, he’s haunted by what she tried to make him. Will he be able to let down his walls long enough to let someone in? Unfortunately Drew doesn’t just have balloon laden spirits to deal with, as Jess threatens to expose his greatest secret. Despite their initial tension, it turns out these two might have more in common than they ever realized. It is Stillwater after all; secret backstories lurk behind every corner.

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Meanwhile, the counselors are finally starting to wise up to the strangely satanic events that have plagued them since ep one. Mind you, not enough to, you know, leave their precious camp, but enough to do some Scooby-Doo style detective work. This leads them to catch up to the viewers and ask the big question: what’s in Deb box? Sex with Joel apparently. Yay for him, or does this spell his certain doom?

The mythology deepens this episode as Amy’s plot thickens. What lies at the bottom of the lake? How did Amy survive without a scratch? Why does nobody think that’s weird? Most importantly, what is Amy’s ultimate role in this series? Hero, victim, or villain? Only one thing’s for sure: there were a lot of hot make-out scenes this episode. The romance is definitely heating up even if it is connected to Deb’s creepy box and Amy’s… lake demon. All jokes aside, this was a very solid episode. Let’s dive into Drew’s heartbreaking backstory!

You Can’t Hide What You Are

Parents suck. That seems to be Dead of Summer’s general thesis statement. Whether it be Margot’s controlling mother, Alex’s weak father, Mama Cricket’s screwed up teachings, or Mrs. Reeve’s ignorance, the show clearly has a bone to pick. While I don’t exactly think it’s a universal truth, the show certainly underlines how much a parent can screw up a kid’s life. While this formula could get repetitive fast, Drew’s flashbacks definitely felt fresh. This is a strong, positive representation of a trans man in a horror setting. I can definitively say that I have never seen that before. While a few of the lines and situations felt a bit too on the nose, this tale is one I’ve only heard of, never seen.

“You are my little beautiful Andrea and you always will be. You can’t hide what you are.” ~ Drew’s Mother

The scene that stood out to me the most was that of young Drew getting his period for the first time. Acknowledgment of menstruation is so rare on television to begin with that tackling it with a trans character felt very bold. I was really impressed; they weren’t holding back. Of course this would be a big moment. His mother wants him to celebrate his entry into womanhood, but Drew is utterly shattered by the dissonance between his body and mind. Young actress Maeve O’Brien totally killed the scene. and every actress playing Drew did a fantastic job of humanizing the character. While I understand the argument for casting a trans actor, Zelda Williams is undoubtedly kicking ass in this role. The only issue? Drew still looks a little too feminine if we’re to believe he’s keeping his past a secret. A friend of mine caught a random scene last week and asked “Is Blair straight?” because she immediately assumed Drew was a girl. It creates a strange disconnect between the viewer and the characters when nobody on screen seems to question his gender. It would be one thing if they lived in a fantasy world where gender didn’t matter but this is not the case.

“So you think you can just choose your sex? You can just choose to be a boy” ~ Drew’s Mother
”It’s not a choice mom, I’ve told you that a thousand times” ~ Drew

As difficult as it was to watch, I was thankful that Drew’s mom ultimately couldn’t accept him. It seemed a little too easy when it looked like she had just seen him dancing with a smile and that was enough. Especially given the time period, this unfortunately felt more real. Drew’s modern day… well modern 1989 character wouldn’t make sense otherwise.

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Misery Loves Company

Over in the present, Drew is battling on three fronts: stopping Jess from revealing his secret, getting Blair to accept him, and, of course, the great balloon fight. All I can say is THANK GOD they finally gave Jess some depth. It was beyond time. Jess was insufferably awful in the first half but I love the idea of their friendship going forward. Their final moment was very sweet and I liked the idea that they both saw camp as a way to escape their crappy home life. Additionally, Jess calling Drew out for not being himself was very effective. He might finally be a boy, but he’s also hiding behind a standoffish loner demeanor. It will be exciting to see how Drew changes going forward.

“I’m sorry. Are you crazy?.. So you’re a, who are you?” ~ Blair

Blair’s story-line was tough this week. Watching him preach acceptance and then run in ignorance was not a great look for him. There were some legitimately great moments of connection between Drew and Blair this episode so I’m hopeful that he’ll eventually get his head out of his butt. I loved the twist that it was Drew as Andrea that originally gave Blair the Bowie tape. Drew was able to accept him even as a child but sadly Blair could not do the same. There was a lot of tragedy here and, as powerful as it was, I hope that’s not where Drew’s story ends. He deserves love and happiness.

Drew’s haunting was perhaps the least effective part of his story. I understand why he as a character would be freaked out by young Andrea but I certainly wasn’t. Balloons are not scary (even in mass quantity) and I’ve seen much creepier children 100 times over. In general I’m getting a little worried about the horror on this show. It’s lacking any real bite. Dave and Blotter were both murdered off screen and no one has died in the two episodes since. I wish the writers would take as many risks with the horror as they do so well with the social commentary.

Sex, Demons, and Muddy Boots

If you haven’t noticed, something magically fishy is going down at this camp. Thankfully the characters are finally catching up in that arena. Well, besides Garrett, the super boring skeptic. Every show needs one I suppose. My favorite part of this plot-line was getting to see the characters work together as friends. It was refreshing to see Cricket, Alex, and Amy work towards a non-romantic goal. Sure there were shipper highlights but that wasn’t the focus. They finally realized their visions were real thanks to the hilarious boot boy. The only downside? Why on earth would you stick around if you thought the camp owner was a satanist and the lake was messing with your head? I suppose I’ll have to let that obvious question go…

“What are these crazy people trying to do?” ~ Amy
“Best that I can put together… They’re trying to awaken some demon.” ~ Garrett

Deb’s plot-line finally picked up steam as the counselors grew wise to her suspicious behavior. Unfortunately, all this resulted in was a sex scene with Joel. I’ve said it before but… please give Joel depth. Both Eli Goree and Elizabeth Mitchell deserve better than the material they’ve had to work with. We didn’t get much in the way of answers this week. Deb is still clearly up to something and I don’t believe for a second that, that was all that was in the box.

Let’s end out with Amy, shall we? Things certainly got more interesting for her this week. Does part of me still wish the lightning strike had killed her? Sure. Is her magical Jason-esque recovery a little corny? You bet! That said, I’m glad she has a greater air of mystery now. Her mesmerized lake moment was both awful and great. The CGI demon arm was pretty poorly rendered and definitely cheesy but it was also kinda fun. I didn’t expect this role for her and I’m excited to see where it goes. I’d love her to be possessed by the villain at some point!

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Final Verdict: Drew’s Battle for Acceptance is Dead of Summer’s Best Episode Yet!

This was a thoroughly enjoyable episode of television. The scares lacked bite but the flashbacks more than made up for them. Drew’s story felt innovative and his romance compelling. All the actors are settling into their roles nicely and the characters finally have some meat to them. The group scenes pack more weight now that we understand each individual on a greater level. They’re building a strong chemistry that makes these interactions exciting and fun. The mythology grew deeper and Jess and Drew formed a cool friendship. Joel and Garrett still need work but for the first time I’m confident they’ll get it. If the scares can keep up with the quality of the character work, then Dead of Summer has the potential to become a truly great horror series.

Comments/ Concerns:

• Is Amy a supernatural monster?
• There are so many LOST connections: whispers in woods, parent issues, being haunted in the present by your flash-backed past
• The music was on point!
• Deb pushed up the masquerade ball. Is there a greater reason? Is she “The Teacher” Damon mentioned?
• Amy says she hasn’t smoked anything. Of course she hasn’t. She’s a pure little final girl.
• I enjoyed the moment where Cricket pushed Alex’s hand away.