Letty and Javier find themselves amidst one of their most fantastic, comedic, and unique schemes yet.
It is not enough to say that Good Behavior continues to exceed expectations every week. As the story between Javier (Juan Diego Botto) and Letty (Michelle Dockery) builds and digs deeper, it pulls us in for the ride. This week was no exception. After making a deal with Agent Lashever (Ann Dowd), Letty and Javier embarked on their next scheme, stealing money from a drag club. This money would free them from Agent Lashever’s control and give them back the freedom they so desperately desire. In order to fit into the club’s atmosphere, Letty calls upon a former acquaintance to help her channel and embrace a drag queen. With his help, she got a job at the club and this began the hilarious antics she had to pursue to steal the money. Javier, aware that he is not at Letty’s level when it comes to scheming, took a back seat while Letty was in full control of the scheme. This episode intricately and beautifully highlighted the differences between how each of them conducts their “business”. While Letty is as pro as one can get when it comes to lying and scheming, Javier is the complete opposite. There was a hilarious and comedic touch to their banter this week as Letty guided him and taught him her ways.
RELATED | Good Behavior Season 2: 4 Episode Challenge
As if the scheme wasn’t complicated enough, Estelle (Lusia Strus) tried to reach out to Letty, who it seems wants nothing to do with her after the betrayal. In frustration, Estelle begins filling out paperwork to regain custody of Jacob (Nyles Steele). Not to mention, the Teo (Juan Reidinger)/Ava (Maria Botto)/Javier triangle continues to get complicated and shady as we eagerly wait to learn more about Teo and his purpose. Oye vaye, what an episode!
With a few obstacles in their way, Letty and Javier manage to pull off stealing the money, but not without an AMAZING musical performance by Letty. When things were getting complicated, Letty created a diversion and did a phenomenal dance and sing ensemble of “I Love You Always Forever.” This scene simultaneously played with a scene of Javier breaking into an office and finding the money they were looking for. All in all, their mission was a success, but now they must work to replace the $50,000 Letty surprisingly gave to her acquaintance that helped her.
Letty’s drag queen adventure made this episode amazing! Now, let’s meet our roundtable and get to discussing this week’s amazing episode!
Samantha (@SamanthaNyarko)- Reader, writer, and reviewer
Shelby (@ShOR_Blog)- Owner/blogger of Shellin’ Out Reviews, one man podcaster, writer, bringer of pitchforks
Lauren (@mslaurenrh)- TV/book junkie, animal lover, wine drinker
Karen (@InGoodCoToday)- Marketing consultant, digital magazine publisher, Good Behavior fan
Janice (@starloverpensa1)- Reader, writer, TV aficionado, die-hard Jetty fan
1. What an amazingly well-written episode, right? The dynamic between Javier and Letty was next level and so entertaining. What did you think of tonight’s episode?
Samantha (@SamanthaNyarko): That was a really well-written episode. To me, it was incredibly tense and suspenseful. I was watching through my fingers while Javier bought the guns from Mickey, Letty was snooping, and Javier was stealing the money. I was so sure they wouldn’t get away with it and I was very aware that their cover could get blown at any time. It was stressful but in a good way!
Shelby (@ShOR_Blog): I absolutely loved the episode! It was a much better episode than the last episode in terms of believability. (But that’s neither here nor there.) I loved the little twist with Mickey being Rose and being the queen bee. I thought that was really ingenious. On the whole, I loved the dynamic in this episode. I really did. I thought it was well acted and well written.
Lauren (@mslaurenrh): This was such a fantastic, fun episode! There were so many little moments that made it great. It’s amazing how much they pay attention to details in this show, and it makes it wonderful to watch. I loved the way Letty and Javier worked together to pull off that heist, and enjoyed every minute of it, even though at one point I was ready to start stress eating right along with Rhonda.
Karen (@InGoodCoToday): I love the rhythm of scheduling in some comic relief after more serious episodes. This was a much-needed lighter storyline. It’s also great to see how Javier is evolving as he comes to understand Letty’s world even better than before. In a similar way, Rob is understanding Estelle even better. Now, for the first time in their lives, both Letty and Estelle have a support system – which is great to see.
Janice (@starloverpensa1): I absolutely loved the way this episode was written. Everything across the board was excellent from Letty/Javier to the whole nightclub situation. I loved the queens. Never been to a drag club but now I might have to visit one in my area. The dynamic between Letty and Javier was at times very flirtatious in my opinion, but they also had their tense moments where they both told each other some truths. In the case of Javier to Letty, she can’t always burn her bridges and cut people off. I understand her anger with her mother and I share the sense of betrayal. But he’s right she doesn’t know when she might need her help. In general, she does that with people and she can’t just cut people off because she doesn’t want to admit that she may need somebody. Needing somebody is not a weakness. In her defense, though she has had to fend for herself for a while so depending on someone doesn’t come easily to her, which is why the mini blow up happened between her and Javier. But in the end, she had to eat her words, which Javier loved, and admit that she did need him, after all, to pull off the job at the drag club. Letty needs to learn that it’s ok to need and rely on certain people and trust them starting with Javier. I didn’t like though that he lied to her about going to see Ava and he didn’t tell her about what happened with Teo. Other than that I did like the exchange between them that occurred behind the club.
2. Letty “tutoring” Javier on how to scheme and lie was pretty hilarious. For all the crimes he’s committed, what do you think about his inability to lie and scheme?
Samantha: To me it makes sense that Javier’s not great at scheming and lying while Letty is a pro. For Javier’s crimes, he doesn’t have to get to know the victim as well usually while with Letty she has to get to know her mark and often befriend them. Javier usually kills his victim fairly quickly without a lot of subterfuge. Also, Javier felt he had to become a hit man after the death of little Santino and his family’s abandonment whereas Letty has always loved stealing and using fake identities. For Javier, crime is a job whereas for Letty it’s a lifestyle. I think Letty enjoys what she does so it comes more easily to her.
Shelby: Javier not being able to lie and scheme really speaks to him as a character. It was extremely interesting but definitely eye-opening. This is a man who is quite clearly adept at what he does and what he can do but his inability to lie really speaks volumes. It just cements the fact that he didn’t lie when he met Letty. His feeling and emotions are genuine and they haven’t changed in the course of the series. If anything, his inability to lie is wonderful seeing as we’re starting to peel back his layers. I mean, he was genuinely happy this episode. He looked at Letty with such love and adoration and that wasn’t hampered by him being his hitman persona. It was just so lovely.
Lauren: Javier has definitely grown as a liar this season. It’s clear he’s been picking up a lot from Letty about how to lie well, whether intentionally or not - she’s rubbing off on him. Case in point, using his deceased little brother as a cover and the way he seamlessly lied to Jacob about what happened in the woods. As far as scheming, I don’t think Javier has ever really had to rely on schemes to get his work done. He’s usually a pretty straightforward guy and doing this put him way out of his element. Lucky for him, he had the best coach in the world… Letty!
Karen: This really shows us how complicated Letty’s “job” is. She is constantly needing to improvise based on little nuances she picks up from people along the way. That’s something that is hard to teach. I think Javier is getting better at “reading” others, which is why he won’t let the Teo situation go.
Janice: Javier I love him. But for being an allegedly cold-blooded hitman he makes for a lousy liar most of the time. Even with his chosen profession, there’s an honorable aspect to Javier that makes it difficult for him to lie. He may not be as straight-forward with people as he would like to but he also tries to avoid lying to them. It’s not in his nature to be overly deceptive if that makes sense. It’s one of his most endearing qualities. However the whole situation at the club with Letty coaching him to flirt with another man and telling him to “go back and be a slut” had me doing the jig. I was laughing so hard and poor Javier looked like a fish out of water. But he went back in their like a trooper and took care of business.
3. Alright, this Ava/Javier/Teo triangle is getting complicated. What are your thoughts on this and do you agree with Javier about not trusting him?
Samantha: Teo creeps me out every time we see him. I don’t think Ava should have let Teo into her and her daughters’ lives. I completely agree with Javier that they shouldn’t trust Teo. I wish Ava would listen to Javier. I don’t buy Teo’s reason for not telling Ava about seeing Javier get arrested. I wonder what he’s really playing at.
Shelby: Ugh, Teo. He really needs to GTFO. I understand that Ava is seeking a friendly face after everything that’s happened with Silk and the family dinner from last season, like, I totally get that but, ugh, Teo is not the person she needs to be seeking out. If anything, she needs to work on repairing her relationship with Javier. He may be a hit man but I have a feeling Teo is something much, much worse. What, I don’t know but Javier is right in not trusting him. I really do think Teo is there to kill him but we’ll have to wait and see if my theory is correct.
Lauren: Hmmm, Teo. My initial instinct was not to trust him, and so far… I’m sticking with it. The more we learn about him, the more I’m convinced that he has closer ties to Oscar than anyone, especially Ava, realizes. Javier can be a little paranoid and overly careful at times (tbh who wouldn’t be, given that line of work?), but his instincts usually aren’t /that/ wrong. So, if Javier doesn’t trust Teo, then neither do I. My only hope is that the situation gets resolved before any harm potentially comes to Ava and/or her daughters. Javier would never forgive himself. And nobody likes a sad hitman.
Karen: Javier is being smart to want to protect Ava. Ava is very naïve when it comes to Teo. Even her daughters see that. Ultimately I think Ava will see that Javier’s protection pays off, and will help reunite them.
Janice: Teo can keep trying to appear like Mr. Supportive to Ava but he’s not fooling me. I agree with Javier in not trusting him. I agree with Javier questioning why he’s always around. Why is he always being intrusive and sticking his nose in where it doesn’t belong. I know some are hoping it’s a misunderstanding and he’s a good guy. I say no he’s the one trying to kill Javier. Ordered by who? I have no idea. But he’s not to be trusted! I finally got my co-worker to watch the series and she even wanted Javier to choke him out.
4. After last week, it appears that Letty and Estelle’s relationship may be permanently fractured. Do you think this is how it should be or should they kiss and make up?
Samantha: I think Letty and Estelle should kiss and make up! The dynamic of their mother/daughter relationship is so interesting it would be a shame not to see them interact anymore. I think they took steps towards reconciling when they talked on the phone both times. The first time, it was nice that Estelle showed concern for how Letty was doing and wanted to check in. The second
time, I was so proud of Estelle for not trying to take custody of Jacob and for asking if Letty would be there to pick him up. It was good Estelle had Rob to support her and advise her on how she should treat Letty. I think Rob will play a big part in them making up.
Shelby: I am still so upset at Estelle for what she did and I definitely think it’s a good idea to keep their relationship fractured because Estelle still doesn’t trust Letty and she needs that kind of trust to thrive. Without it, their relationship will keep cycling like this. I am, however, going to give kudos where kudos are due because Rob is really hitting the nail on the head with this whole situation. I’m definitely really glad that he is there as the voice of reason for Estelle. Heaven knows she needs it.
Lauren: I can’t help but feel bad for Estelle. I don’t agree with her actions at all, but she’s clearly in a lot of agony over what she did. In her mind, she was doing the right thing, trying to protect Jacob, firstly, but also Letty - by not allowing her to screw up and lose Jacob again. She wants to be a good mom so bad, and she knows it’s already too late to have that with Letty, which is why she is so attached to and protective of Jacob. I feel like she views Jacob as her “second chance” to do the right thing and be there. I want to be mad at her, but honestly, I just feel really sorry for her, because she clearly has a lot of issues of her own. I’m most interested in learning more about her past via the upcoming storyline with her mother, Alice (I’m assuming this is Estelle’s mom because Estelle’s middle name is Alice). There’s obviously a lot more going on there considering Alice’s (apparent) abundant wealth.
Karen: Now that Rob is seriously involved in their relationship – he fully intends to keep the whole family together. Not only do I think he’ll bring Letty and Estelle together, but he’ll find a way to loop in Javier too.
Janice: I don’t believe it’s permanently fractured but Estelle needs to give Letty time. Letty sees this latest incident as a huge betrayal on her mother’s part. She endangered her world, Jacob, and Javier. Estelle pushing will only push Letty further away and if she had gone through with that paperwork to regain custody it would have been a third world war. They will hopefully patch things up in the near future. The only thing positive to come out of this conversation that had me squealing and clapping was Letty admitting out loud to somebody that she loved Javier. I will thank Estelle for that because I think it will come in handy in the near future.
5. Agent Lashever is a hilarious addition to the season, so far. What are your thoughts on her working with Letty and Javier?
Samantha: She is hilarious. Agent Lashever has some of the best lines and she has great delivery. I think
Lashever working with Letty and Javier is the perfect solution right now. It’s keeping Letty and Javier out of jail and has neutralized a powerful enemy of theirs. Also, Lashever’s coworkers at the FBI were so obnoxious and disrespectful it made me totally understand why she wanted to get one over on them and had me rooting for her more than ever. It was great to see them get their
comeuppance when their raid went bust and the rude millennials got fired.
Shelby: Oh my goodness, I love Rhonda! She is so hilarious! I am really glad that Chad Hodge and the producers and the writers are keeping her around. She keeps Letty and Javi on their toes and Ann Dowd is amazing. She is really just a great addition.
Lauren: AGENT RHONDA LASHEVER IS MY SPIRIT ANIMAL. I love her. She’s hilarious. Also, she has Letty saved on her phone as “Lefty”. I think once she’s got a taste of the dark side, from working with Letty and Javier, she’s going to want more. I mean, she just earned a $500,000.00 bonus and all she did was sit at her desk stress eating fries. Why would she want to let that opportunity go? I’ll be surprised if she just lets them walk away after this. And I can’t believe that it only recently occurred to me that Letty’s and Rhonda’s initials are reversed… LR; RL. I wonder if there’s any significance in that?
Karen: Similar to Rob – I think Lashever is literally driving hugely important components of this whole season so far. I think that this team will take the show in entirely new directions, that will also involve Christian.
Janice: Lashever is too much. The image she put in my head when she told Letty to put Javier in a bustier and sequins almost made me spew water on my keyboard. Do I like her or not? I don’t know yet but the dynamic of her working with Letty is different and at times very funny.
6. Letty’s performance at the end of the episode was EVERYTHING, right? What did you think of it? Tell us what you’re thinking!
Samantha: Letty really did slay during her performance. She looked great and she has that energy. I love how the crowd went wild and totally embraced her. It makes sense that Letty would be great at drag since she’s so chameleonic and great at putting on personas. I was nervous the whole time and watched with bated breath because Javier was looking for the money while she performed, and I was nervous he wouldn’t find and steal it before the number was over. I was just glad Rose didn’t cut Letty’s performance short and catch Javier in the act!
Shelby: First off, I loved that version of that song! I’ve loved it since I was a little girl and hearing it in this new way was amazing. I’m pretty sure I had a smile on my face the entire time. That being said, call me crazy, but I wish that they would’ve let Michelle sing the song live with her own voice. I know that’s not how drag shows work but I think that would’ve tied brilliantly into the second episode of the first season with that “Blue Skies” performance. I mean, it’s extremely important to remember that Letty is multi-talented beyond her penchant for stealing and coning.
Lauren: That entire scene was visually stunning! I could watch it over and over again forever. Great song, perfect lighting, flawless execution. Letty had the whole club invested in her performance! People are probably going to be like “Rose who?” now, and wondering where that great new performer got to. It’s a shame Javier had to miss it. Maybe one of these days he’ll get to see her on stage or in front of an audience because Letty really does shine in the spotlight.
Karen: I think it was a great way to showcase how multi-talented Letty is, and how she can influence people – no matter what she is doing. I thought it was really interesting how she went into the crowd and got them dancing.
Janice: Letty was on fire with that performance. She owned the stage and the place. She got everybody on their feet and the other queens were jealous, especially Mama Rose, but unfortunately for them she out-diva each and every one of them. She flowed with her dance moves. I enjoyed it to the full extent. I only wish Javier got to see her.
7. Tonight Letty did something unexpected at the end of the episode, catching everyone off guard. What did you think of Letty giving her friend his $50,000 share knowing it’d mean she’d have to replace it?
Samantha: I was happy that Letty gave her friend the money and proud of her for doing the right thing. Here’s a man who lost his dream job because of Letty. She owed him that $50,000. I like that she defied his and her own expectations by going back to give it to him. It shows growth as a character and that she’s not just looking out for herself. I think she and Javier can definitely replace it although it is stressful to have to come up with the money and keep it a secret from Agent Lashever. But as we saw at Christmas time at the hotel, Letty has stolen a lot and she’s excellent at it. I have faith that she’ll be able to pull it off once more.
Shelby: When I first read this, I thought you were talking about Letty telling Estelle that she loved Javier and I have so much to say about that! But, alas, it was about the money which is totally okay because that was so out of character for Letty but it was so nice! She is slowly learning to be selfless. While this may get her into trouble down the road (because she now has to steal $50,000 dollars from someone else without Lashever finding out) it was really a character-defining moment. I think even Javier was impressed with her. Of course, Javier was impressed with her the entire episode and it just multiplied tenfold with that bold move. Good on Letty! I’m really proud of her and I’ve loved seeing her grow as a character.
Lauren: As soon as Mickey/Rose called her out for stabbing her “sisters” in the back, I knew Letty was headed straight for Stephen. She clearly felt guilt over it, over /everything/ she’s done in her past - the way she hurt people, and then Mickey/Rose’s comment was the final deciding factor. I’m sure at some point, the idea of giving the money to Stephen as promised crossed her mind, but she most likely initially decided against it. Until that moment near the end. And then she realized that she couldn’t take back what she’d done in the past, but she could change what she’ll do now, in the present, and keep her word. Besides, she’s probably so keyed up from the intense thrill of not only stealing half a million dollars but also from being on stage. What’s $50k compared to half a million? She could probably find and steal that anywhere, easily. But Letty likes a challenge. I wonder if that’s why she chose to go to her grandmother, to make it fun.
Karen: This was fascinating. Although, I’m not sure how the FBI had any way of knowing the exact value of the raided money (did I miss that?). This was a huge turning point where Letty is trying to play fair. Although “fair” for Letty has a very different definition. It seems like Javier is having a positive influence, and perhaps she no longer will be inclined to burn bridges. This probably means that her relationships (Javier, her mother, Christian, etc.) will be better and longer-term than they would have been in the past. It’s no longer about a short-term win, it’s about long-term success.
Janice: Our Letty has her moments. Javier’s nobility is rubbing off on her. Honestly, though I think what Mama Rose told her at the end when she was firing her affected her as well as Javier telling her not to burn her bridges because she may need them again. Steven was proof of Javier’s words. But I have a feeling they’ll come up again.
Final Verdict: The hilarious antics of Letty result in one of Good Behavior’s best episodes to date.
This week’s episode brought with it feelings that viewers never even knew they had. The episode explored nearly every emotion ranging from laughter to suspense to fear. It was an amazingly written episode by Chitra Elizabeth and drew in the viewers like never before. As Letty and Javier work towards finding stable ground, their relationship continues to blossom in new ways. This episode gave Javier a unique perspective on Letty’s talents while making him realize that he loves her just how she is.
As the story continues to develop, it will be interesting to see where things will go for Letty and Javier. They have may have succeeded in stealing the money, but now are left with the task of replacing $50,000 that Letty gave away in return for help. If we know and understand Agent Lashever, we know that she is sure to wreak havoc on their lives until their end of the deal is met. What antics and schemes will Jetty get up to in order to replace the money? We can’t wait to find out!
