Midnight, Texas Roundtable Episode 1×05 “Unearthed”

In Midnight, Texas 1×05 “Unearthed” Manfred and Bobo both had to face the skeletons in their closets.

Manfred (Francois Arnaud) finally had to take on Hightower in this week’s episode of Midnight, Texas on NBC. But as much as he wanted to, he just couldn’t do it alone. With the help of Olivia (Arielle Kebbel) and Creek (Sarah Ramos), and a little bit of psychic prowess, Manfred was able to confront his own demons and take care of hightower once and for all. Or so we hope. In dealing with his past coming back to haunt him, literally, Manfred was also forced to confront his relationship issues with Creek head on. Well, more like Creek finally had to admit that she couldn’t keep her relationship with Manfred a secret forever. Hopefully, this will be a turning point in their tenuous relationship and we can see them moving forward. Or at least become more solid.

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Manfred wasn’t the only one who had to face his demons as Bobo’s (Dylan Bruce) past also came back to haunt him. But it wasn’t only Bobo that got dragged into the mess, Fiji (Parisa Fitz-Henley) was put in danger as well because of it and Lem (Peter Mensah) insisted on helping save her. The Sons of Lucifer struck hard and fast in their quest for revenge against Bobo. They still think he’s the one who killed Aubrey. But it wasn’t just about Aubrey as Bobo’s family history came into play as well. Seems his family was once a big part of the Sons of Lucifer and Bobo took off at 17. He hasn’t seen his family in years, or associated with them in any way. But will it still somehow come between he and Fiji?

Before we get down to the details, let’s meet our roundtable!

• Heidi (@StewartHeidi) – Mother, loyal shipper, and die hard romantic!
• Angel (@angeliiiiique) – Big fan girl, and even bigger shipper!
• Kat (@IrishMoonDancer) – TV and Movie-holic! Also an obsessive writer who works in entertainment radio!
• Kat (@CheshireKat_92) – Creative writer with a book review blog! When she’s not working, she’s reading, writing, and watching her favorite shows! She loves horror movies, and thinks snow is secretly Voldemort.
• Brie (@briem_24) – Irish girl that enjoys all things supernatural! New to the fandom, and embracing it!

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We finally find out Bobo’s secret and it’s a doozy. Do you think the secret of his family will effect his relationship with Lem? Or will it bring Lem and Bobo closer knowing that Bobo ran away from it all?

Heidi (@StewartHeidi): 

Lem has experienced more racial prejudice than most people today. The flip side is also true. Over his many years he must’ve come across people who rejected that ideology despite their upbringing, like Bobo. Lem respects Bobo for his choice. We don’t choose our parents, all we can do is make our own choices. Bobo chose to go against his entire family and that takes guts. His reaction when Bobo told him was shock, but not disgust, anger, or blame. When Lem thinks back on it, he’ll remember Bobo hasn’t treated him differently over the years and Lem will know Bobo isn’t like his family. Also, Lem got to kick some serious Sons of Lucifer ass! Afterthought – Bobo learned Aubrey was a plant. She was sent to seduce him to find the hidden stash. Talk about salt in the wound.

Angel (@angeliiiiique):

I don’t think so, I think Lem knows damn well Bobo isn’t like his family. So I don’t see their friendship being affected by this. I think it’ll bring them closer obviously. They’re best buddies!

Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):

The more we get of BoBo, the more I see Sam Trammell from True Blood. Like Sam, BoBo has many layers. The deeper they go, the deeper the secrets. A good thing about having lived for hundreds of years, Lem has learned not to judge by face value alone. There are usually deep-rooted issues once you get past the surface and Lem suspected this from day one with Bobo. Initially, Lem might feel insulted that Bobo felt the need to harbor these secrets. But Lem can understand the need to limit exposure. And don’t forget, there was a great deal of trust issues when the two met. He seems to be quite reasonable no matter the conundrum he faces with Bobo’s confession. Lem can also recognize sincerity in BoBo’s reveal, which will strengthen their association.

Kat (@CheshireKat_92):

This is a tough one because a lot of people believe family solely defines who you are. Personally, I believe over the long span of time Lem has been alive he’s learned that’s not the case with everyone. There are some secrets that are terrifying to tell because you understand what kind of response you’ll receive. If anything, I feel Lem’s respect for Bobo will grow with knowing Bobo is nothing like his family. Also that he has such a big heart to try and protect his friends from that.

Brie (@briem_24):

I think this will bring Lem and Bobo closer together. They have a common ground here, as Lem also rejected behaviours he found unpalatable in his ‘family’. Neither of them just followed the path they were expected to, they forged their own.

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It’s getting more difficult for Creek to hide her feelings for Manfred. She goes to Olivia and asks her to help Manfred. Do you think this might be what finally makes Creek admit her real feelings for Manfred?

Heidi (@StewartHeidi):

I don’t think Creek has been hiding her feelings, except from her father. She admits to Manfred at the beginning of the episode he has a reason to stay. I think Creek understands people better than most, and she knows Manfred’s instinct is to run. So she keeps things open and easy so as not to push him away, until he made the decision to stay and fix things. This prompts her to fess up to her father and make her relationship with Manfred official.

Angel (@angeliiiiique):

I honestly couldn’t care less about Creek and Manfred’s relationship. They’re so generic and basic, so I’m not really interested by their relationship. Plus, I’m gonna be honest, he has way more chemistry with Fiji than with Creek in my opinion. Also, the secondary relationships like Lem and Olivia and Joe and Chuy are way more fascinating and interesting to watch. I wish we’d focus more on these two pairings instead

Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):

Creek is younger than Manfred and has had less worldly experience, even though she puts up a good front. Both are engaging in the typical dance people enter when walls are up and neither wants to admit true feelings. Fear is playing the integral part of this dance for both of them. Ironically, Manfred wants to stay, but only if given proper encouragement from Creek. Creek wants Manfred to stay, but only if he gives her what she needs. Enlisting Olivia’s aid was one step closer to protecting him and her true feelings. They both have a history of running. Manfred, from his heart’s needs and Creek trying, albeit unsuccessfully, to run from familial needs. One thing this dynamic duo has going for their union? Hair care products. Creek may have the convenience store advantage but Manfred clearly has the market cornered with those fluffy locks!

Kat (@CheshireKat_92):

Honestly? Most definitely! If you’re concerned and seeking out ways to help your lover then you’ve got feelings. Also his hair. Let’s be real, it’s amazing. Am I the only one who wants to run my fingers through it? It doesn’t matter how much she keeps all of it covered up. The fact that she went to badass Olivia, Queen of Kicking-Ass-without-bothering-to-take-names, shows she wants the utmost protection for him. By the looks of it, Olivia doesn’t know the meaning of failure. This is the true beginning of something that could be great for both Manny and Creek. I love her name. Very unique. Keeping those feelings buried deep down makes me curious about Creek though. What’s spurred her to be so cautious with her heart? It can’t just be her papa not wanting her to see anyone?

Brie (@briem_24):

Certainly looks like it. Creek does care about Manfred, but she’s guarded. I’m sure we’ll get to understand that more as things progress. There’s more to Creek’s story than meets the eye.

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The Sons of Lucifer are becoming a bigger problem for Midnight. Lem and Bobo seemed to have dealt with them, but do you think that’s the end of them? Or have they only just begun?

Heidi (@StewartHeidi):

I think this chapter of the Sons of Lucifer is done. But that group was not the one Bobo was originally from. There are lots of other groups out there and someone will come to take over once they find out what happened. Whether they’ll know about Bobo or what happened is the real question. Also, as scary and dangerous as they might have been, those skull masks were just stupid!

Angel (@angeliiiiique):

This story line better be over, I have no patience for white supremacists on my TV. After how this guy reacted to touching Fiji, I wanted to punch my screen! We already deal with them in real life.

Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):

Evil tends to resurface just when you think it’s safe to sneak a peek beyond the covers! The Sons are like cockroaches with super powers! You may be able to eliminate one or two that crawl into view, but then they find renewed motivation and resilience, preventing total eradication of their entire species. In short, the Lucifer vermin could eventually return!

Kat (@CheshireKat_92):

Where there’s some there can possibly be more. I don’t know when we’ll see them again, but this most certainly isn’t the last time. What if they call on the other chapters of the motorcycle gang? Or something darker? I saw Hightower. That was some uber power. I can’t just assume he’s the only one who knows a little bit of that black magic.

Brie (@Briem_24):

Hard to tell. I think the Midnighters are going to have bigger challenges to deal with based on how the episode finished. The Sons of Lucifer have kind of served their purpose by letting us know more about Bobo.

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Personally, I think Bobo has shown he’s willing to do anything for Fiji, regardless of what happens to him along the way. Will Bobo and Fiji become more solid after everything they’ve been through? Or will they fall apart after everything Fiji has learned?

Heidi (@StewartHeidi): 

It’ll bring Bobo and Fiji closer eventually, but she needs time. Especially after being kidnapped and drugged. She saw a new side of Bobo. Angry and violent isn’t what she’s known from him, but she didn’t pull away. She’ll accept and trust him again. Hopefully it will lessen his anger and violent streak. We know Lowry didn’t kill Aubrey, so who did? Will Bobo become obsessed with tracking down her killer? Or does the information she was planted mean he doesn’t care? Also, let’s talk about kick-ass Fiji! Threatening Lowry while tied and drugged! Go Girl! Bobo was protective of Fiji because of their friendship. He went from “closest friend” to “is that all you want”. Then Lowry kidnapped her and Bobo rescued her. I worry he’s mixing feelings about Aubrey. The truth of who she was, her death, and his love for Fiji. He better not hurt her!

Angel (@angeliiiiique):

I’m not interested by this relationship either. It happened too fast, it feels like she’s a rebound and my girl Fiji deserves way better than that. We’ll see, maybe I’ll grow to love them. But so far, their relationship doesn’t interest me. Love the two characters separately though.

Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):

Fiji kept some serious swooning, lusting and desiring at bay with Bobo. She’s asked him for time and space and being a gentleman, he’s granting her wish. Bobo isn’t a hooch by any stretch. The man is loyal. When he falls, he falls. He’s a keeper despite his history. When Bobo tells Fiji he knows she knows who he is, even though Fiji knows this, they both know she needs cooling off. You know? Keep in mind, the poor woman was just drugged and tied up. Unless there’s a red room of pain somewhere, this isn’t a normal romantic outing for her. She needs a breather. But who are we kidding? Have you SEEN Bobo? That smile, those eyes, that silky sweet voice. Mr. Snuggly is placing bets right now as to how fast she’ll welcome him back! Just as long as he’s fed!

Kat (@CheshireKat_92):

I think they’ll be okay. There’ll always be rough patches when you discover something you didn’t know about the person you care about. Especially if it’s not pleasant. While the trust between Fiji and Bobo is strained, I feel like they’ll be okay in time. This was a big secret, but not big enough to dampen Fiji’s feelings. Bobo comes from a cruddy family and trust me when I say, I get it. There are people in my family I don’t talk about and with good reason. Fiji has an open heart. She’ll figure it all out and they’ll be okay.

Brie (@Briem_24):

Fiji has had to face a lot of vulnerabilities in the last couple of episodes. She’s a strong lady and she couldn’t defend herself against The Sons of Lucifer. All the while, she had finally gotten the courage to let her feeling for Bobo out. I think they’ll come back stronger, Fiji just needs a little bit of time to adjust.

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We saw Olivia and Manfred team up once again! It’s becoming a habit. Do you think Olivia and Manfred are going to continue strengthening their friendship, or do you think it’s over now that Olivia has repaid her debt?

Heidi (@StewartHeidi):

I loved Olivia’s reaction when she spooked Manfred and he pulled his gun on her! “Safety’s on”! Olivia hates letting people in, but she cares about Creek, and she’s learned Manfred’s deep dark secret. So she has no more reason to be suspicious of him. Hopefully this will allow her to be friends with him. Also, she saw him stand up and do the right thing because of Creek and she’ll respect him for that. I do like them teaming up! They’re an odd pair, but they work well together. As much of a lone wolf as Olivia is, she went looking for Fiji for help with Hightower and his black magic. I loved that! I liked the Olivia and Creek moment, and would like to see more of them.

Angel (@angeliiiiique):

Love this friendship! I love when Manfred is hanging out with other characters rather than with only his love interest. They have an interesting and fun friendship, like in the books.

Kat (@IrishMoonDancer): 

Olivia has a reluctant friendship with Manfred. She’s still getting used to him and hasn’t quite accepted him into the Midnight family. This recent pairing has turned things around. She’s increased respect for him. He manned up, and let’s face it, despite being the stunning babe with steel emotions, she has a weakness for honor. She adheres to a code. It might not be the code most live by, but it keeps her sane. As sane as one can be in Midnight. Olivia recognizes a similar code in Manfred. He approaches his dealings on a different playing field, but she’s realizing he has everyone’s best interest. Especially Creek. Olivia senses Manfred is doing what he has to in order to protect Creek. She knows he’s being as honest as possible. That he’s legit. This keeping track of who’s cleared their debt is going to be replaced by genuine friendship.

Kat (@CheshireKat_92):

This is NOT going away. I repeat, NOT going away. This is the beginning of a beautiful bromance. I’m trying to figure out the ship name for it. Olanny? Mania? Whichever. I’m down for this. Arielle Kebbel fills this role completely with her no BS. Olivia has a disconnect with her emotions I feel, whereas Manny doesn’t. He gives her a certain balance. That and makes sure she gives her daily ass-kicking. I feel like she’s starting to secretly enjoying the trouble Manny gets into. She just hasn’t admitted it yet.

Brie (@Briem_24):

We’ll see more of these two working together! They’re a great team and there’s comedy in all of their interactions!

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If Creek continues walking away when she hears something about Manfred she doesn’t like and then turning around and coming back, she’s going to give Manfred whiplash. Is she really in this for the long haul? Or is there something else going on with her?

Heidi (@StewartHeidi):

I think Creek was fighting a war with herself, hearing her father’s voice in her head all the time. I think her reactions were completely reasonable. She listened to his story, then took time to process it instead of lashing out or overreacting. Creek seems very mature for her age. Everything is out in the open now, so I think she’s all in. She told her father about her relationship. Manfred stayed, he didn’t run, and in return she told her father. It was their way of saying “I’m all in”.

Angel (@angeliiiiique): 

Ugh, I just need her to go. Just like in the first book, I want her to go, she honestly doesn’t interest me much. She’s a really sweet girl but she doesn’t interest me. This couple happened too fast, WHAT HAPPENED TO SLOW BURN? I miss that.

Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):

There are plenty of family skeletons yet to be divulged for Creek. Whether or not the show follows Charlaine’s books remains to be seen. I’m a fan of both adaptions! Creek is keeping her emotions close to the vest. But her growing attraction for Manfred and learning he’s truly a stand-up guy, she’s finding it difficult to stay away. She told Daddy Dearest that she and Mr. Dimples-Hair were a thing. Even though we didn’t actually see his reaction to the news, it was a bold step for Creek. Long haul? I wouldn’t bet the armadillo farm on it. But it’s Midnight. Anything can happen, and often does.

Kat (@CheshireKat_92):

I’m shaky whenever she does this! There’s something going on. This is Midnight, Texas. There’s a story on everybody. Each one is complex and this is only season one. I’m going ahead and assuming a season two, sue me. I just can’t figure her out and I feel like when I do it’ll hit hard. Like an eighteen wheeler. That makes me even more excited. It’s unpredictable!

Brie (@Briem_24):

Like I said above there’s definitely more to Creek’s story than we know. Hopefully we find out sooner rather than later!

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Now that Hightower has been dealt with, is this the end of Manfred’s troubles? Or will more people come to Midnight looking for him?

Heidi (@StewartHeidi):

From what we’ve seen of Manfred’s past, Hightower was his biggest problem. The fact he showed up alone tells me his vendetta against Manfred was probably his own personal obsession. He probably went against his gypsy family to get those powers, so i’m not sure they’ll come after him. How awesome was it that Christopher Heyerdahl played Hightower? Love him! Violet helped Manfred let go of the guilt he’s been carrying around. She didn’t kill herself because of him. At least not entirely. But Hightower didn’t get the ‘peace’ he was hoping for, so he killed himself? That seemed highly out of character for someone who spent years chasing after Manfred. Going so far as carrying the body of his dead daughter and sacrificing an eye to get power. So did he do it, or was there someone else there we didn’t see?

Angel (@angeliiiiique):

Oh no, I think it’s far from over for him. He’s supposed to “save the world” or whatever. So I think a lot of troubles are coming for him. But the Midnighters are a big family, so they’ll be there with him to fight by his side.

Kat (@IrishMoonDancer):

Manfred is the Sookie Stackhouse of Midnight. He’s sweet and accommodating. But danger follows him around like a gnat on an overly ripe stash of bananas. Add his increasingly potent otherworldly connections, and he’s fast becoming a magnet for all things evil. Also other assorted creepy-crawlies. Wherever Manfred goes, trouble is sure to follow! But what a hot little trouble-maker he is! As Mr. Snuggly would say, “MEOW”. Of course, followed by some smart-alecky, witty banter.

Kat (@CheshireKat_92):

Manny has a talent and I feel that alone will bring people to Midnight for his services. Not all of them will be nice. Most certainly there might be others he might’ve, can I say conned respectively? Did wrong, that’s it. Hightower isn’t the only one he’s crossed. It’s just that he’s one of the worst. I just hope Grandma Xylda keeps handing out advice like candy and his friends will be there when he needs them most. Lord knows he doesn’t ask for help. But with Creek by his side, she’ll make sure he’s never alone.

Brie (Briem_24):

So far, those who’ve arrived in Midnight looking for anyone is to help us understand the character and their backstory. Not saying nobody will come looking for Manfred over time, but I think the Midnighter’s will fight a common enemy. Rather than their individual dragons coming at them.

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Final Verdict: The relationships in Midnight, Texas are becoming more intertwined, and it remains to be seen whether this is good or bad.

Midnight, Texas is the place to be for relationships. We have Lem and Olivia who are always on solid ground, even when they’re fighting. Chuy and Joe are also pretty solid, even when they’re anxious due to events unfolding around them. Manfred and Creek will hopefully begin taking steps in a forward motion now that all Manfred’s secrets have been revealed. Well, we hope all his secrets have been revealed. Bobo and Fiji seem to be the only ones that can’t get it right. It’s not so much Bobo’s past that causes Fiji to hesitate. Not that his past was anything to scoff at. On the contrary, it’s dark and goes against everything Fiji believes in. But she knows that isn’t him. I think the true problem lies with the fact that Bobo didn’t trust Fiji enough to tell her about his past. She never would have judged him.

Midnight, Texas returns next Monday, August 28th at 10/9c on NBC.