The premiere episode of Disney+'s "Culprits" sets a thrilling tone for the series, as it unravels the complex layers of Joe Petrus' (formerly David Marking) past and present. The episode, titled "Change of Use," is a masterful blend of suspense, action, and character development, providing viewers with a glimpse into the intricate plot that unfolds over the season.
The episode begins with a chilling scene in Lombardy, Italy, where a man with distinctive eyes and a garish tracksuit executes another man in a villa. This scene, while disconnected from the rest of the episode, serves as a foreshadowing of events to come and introduces a mysterious character who will play a significant role in the series.
We then shift to Washington State, where Joe Petrus is attempting to establish a new life. He is seen as a caring stepfather to his partner Jules' children and is in the process of renovating an old hardware store into a bistro. The title "Change of Use" is derived from Joe's efforts to secure a liquor license for his new business, a task made more challenging by the implicit racial bias of the local authorities. Throughout the episode, Joe's past as a criminal is hinted at through his paranoid behavior. His reaction to a notice about a forest being cleared for a highway extension and the torn front page of his book of Langston Hughes' poems suggest that he is hiding something significant.
The episode takes us back to London three years prior, where Joe, then known as David Marking, was a driver for a crime boss named Don Bardwell. An action-packed sequence reveals Joe's violent past as he kills three mobsters to save Bardwell during an ambush. This flashback not only establishes Joe's capabilities but also sets the stage for his subsequent actions.
In the present day, Joe's life takes a dramatic turn when he breaks into a forest to retrieve a bag of cash hidden in a hollowed-out tree. On his way home, he is involved in a hit-and-run incident, which results in the trunk of his car popping open and the bag of money being exposed. Joe quickly hides the money and calls the police, only to be treated as a suspect due to his race.
At the police station, Joe is breathalyzed and questioned about the hit-and-run. His recollection of the license plate number of the fleeing driver leads him to realize that the incident involves someone influential. The police's insistence on dropping Joe off at home and their treatment of him as a suspect highlight the racial undertones of the situation. Joe's attempt to retrieve the money from the dumpster is a harrowing sequence that echoes the intensity of a video game mission. His determination to reclaim the cash, even at the risk of his own safety, underscores the importance of the money to his new life.
The episode ends with Joe burying the cash under the floor of his hardware store and returning home to Jules. The presence of a Mark Rothko painting in their bedroom suggests that Joe has a deeper connection to art than he lets on, hinting at a possible hidden side to his character.
In a final flashback, we see Dianne Harewood briefing her team on the importance of secrecy and sticking to the plan. The team members are given codenames, and we learn that the driver in the hit-and-run is none other than Marcello Bari, the man executed in the cold open. This revelation connects the dots between Joe's past and the events of the present, setting the stage for a gripping season of "Culprits."
In conclusion, "Change of Use" is a compelling start to the series, effectively weaving together past and present storylines to create a sense of mystery and anticipation. The episode's careful balance of action, suspense, and character development leaves viewers eager for the next installment in Joe Petrus' journey.