It's sad that Political Animals is coming to a close. I still don't know if we'll be back with it next summer. What I do know is that regardless of its mini-series status, it deserves a second season. This week's episode brought about the biggest cliffhanger of the season. I know that's hard to imagine because it's only been four episodes since the premiere, but it's the truth.
More of TJ's brush with death is revealed including the reason for his suicide attempt. He was having an affair with a married man and Garcetti's cabinet got wind of it. It also happened to be that this mystery man was a Republican congressman whose vote Garcetti needed to pass a bill. They blackmailed TJ's lover and he in turn left him. Before that he was six months sober. Then came the infamous night of Christmas Eve.
After three weeks since the fishing trip which was when he last fell off the wagon, it's time for the grand opening of the club and old wounds open fast. He runs into his ex-lover (on purpose mind you) and becomes devastated when the man does not show up to his opening. Once again he's snorting cocaine only this time he's dragged his sobriety partner down with him.
The episode ends with TJ overdosing in the VIP room with Bud finding him this time much like Elaine did around December. I really want TJ to catch a break! Can't he just find someone who truly loves him to give him a reason to stay sober?
On a much less depressing note is Susan and Doug's blossoming friendship. Can one even call it that? And why aren't these two having an affair already? His fiancée opens up her big mouth (I knew she was a loose cannon) to Susan's rival at the newspaper, Georgia, and unconsciously confesses to Elaine's plans for running for president. Doug of course turns to Susan and convinces her to kill Georgia's story because in order for their dreams to come true his mom's have to come true first.
I think Susan has finally found real competition in Georgia. She could easily take the younger woman under her wing and make her into a Susan 2.0. Even if it's just to drive her ex-boyfriend/boss insane.
Elaine finally tells Garcetti that she plans to run against him. The entire episode the two have been going back and forth on a morality issue. A Chinese submarine is stuck on the ocean floor and a crew of a hundred plus men are slowly dying. Elaine wants to save them. Garcetti doesn't think it's worth his time. She tells him that she will turn in her resignation as soon as they save those men. Garcetti threatens her with an advantage he has, and she basically tells him to bring it on in true Elaine Barrish fashion. "I want you at your fighting best when I thrash you."
Next week, TJ is in the hospital and I saw sexy eyes between Susan and Doug in the new promo. How is it that there are only two episodes left in this show? Considering how good it's getting, I think USA might want to bite the bullet and give this spectacular series a second season. Don't you agree?
What do you think? Let us know either in the comments below, or tweet us @FilmThrasher or @Lilah86 on Twitter!
