REVIEW: ‘Trolley,’ Episodes 3-4 “The Blame” and “The Visit”

With Assemblyman Nam’s public declaration ending with a man taking his own life, the emotional turmoil now faced by Nam and his family couldn’t be more complicated. But while one would expect the actions of his opponents to be the hardest thing to handle, his supporters prove to be the most heartless. Also, the land speculation issue brought up last week may challenge Nam’s promise to his wife in Trolley Episodes 3-4.

When Nam called out an individual for harassing a woman, he did it largely out of empathy for the woman’s mother. Her child had been mistreated to the point of taking her own life, and while it helped to take eyes off of his son’s recent death, it was clear that Nam wanted to help right a wrong. That another person would be harassed to the point of choosing the same path was not his intent. But while this follow-up fatality may not have been as innocent as his victim’s, it feels like a tragedy, especially for the family and Nam himself.

What is the most shocking in the first of Trolley Episodes 3-4‘s pair of episodes is how positive many people around them are about this newest death. While I would expect sympathies to be lower than they were for the first, and perhaps even some dismissive “he got what was coming to him” responses, the utter jubilation of many took me completely by surprise. And I clearly wasn’t the only one.

Having just lost their son in a manner many scoffs at, Nam and Kim are hit hard by the unexpected death. Their empathy over the unintended consequences of Nam’s actions is depicted powerfully as the two struggle with what happened and how those around them react to it. The show uses this scenario amazingly well. It not only builds up the strength of character of each of its two leading personalities but also utilizes the moment to showcase how deeply in love the two are with each other, as the only solace they can seek is in each other’s comforting embrace.

While the first episode hit hard on the emotional side of the story, Trolley Episodes 3-4 second half feels like it is where the larger narrative sees a great deal of growth. The accusations of land speculation come back around here and look to pull far more of Nam’s life into the spotlight than just his political career. There are some clear ties to his family’s past linked to some of those involved in the scandal, and these teases have me eager to find out what they will mean for the show.

The way the show brings its compelling story to life is only getting strong with these latest episodes. The acting is top-notch, and I cannot praise the lighting direction and cinematography enough. Every scene absolutely delivers on the narrative and emotional elements they contain.

Trolley Episodes 3-4 continue to draw me into its world as the lives, goals, and emotions of its cast become more intertwined. Despite the admittedly slower pace, the show never fails to make its time feel meaningful as it slowly unravels its plot.

Trolley Episodes 3-4 are streaming now on Netflix, with new episodes airing on Mondays and Tuesdays.