In "Under the Big Tree," the fourth episode of The Curse's first season, the complexities of Asher, Whitney, and Dougie's endeavors in Española reach new heights. The episode is a tapestry of gentrification's unintended consequences, supernatural fears, and the characters' own personal demons, weaving a narrative that is both darkly comedic and poignantly reflective of societal issues.
The episode begins with the trio receiving the news that HGTV has ordered a full ten-episode season of their show, Flipanthropy. This development is a double-edged sword; while it signifies success, it also means compromising their community-building ideals, focusing instead on the more marketable aspect of flipping houses into eco-friendly homes. Whitney's swift acceptance of this change is both surprising and telling, as she quickly justifies the decision by focusing on the environmental benefits, effectively sidestepping the issue of gentrification.
Asher's character takes a darker turn in this episode, as his obsession with the curse placed upon him by Nala becomes all-consuming. His actions, driven by fear and superstition, lead him to engage in increasingly erratic behavior. He tests his ready-meals for tampering and invades the privacy of Abshir's home under the guise of mold testing, all in a bid to understand and counteract the curse.
The curse, initially a mere TikTok trend, has now taken on a life of its own, particularly in Asher's mind. His actions, such as attempting to steal back the expensive stove from Vic's house, are driven by this fear and result in more destruction than protection. This episode sees Asher at his most unhinged, and it's unclear how much of his behavior is due to the curse and how much is simply his own personality.
Whitney, too, faces her own challenges. Her decision to have Fernando, the security officer, disarm himself is met with resistance, highlighting the tension between her progressive ideals and the practical realities of the community. Furthermore, her confrontation with Vic over his unneighborly behavior and modifications to the eco-house he inhabits is a clear reminder that their efforts to gentrify the community are not without conflict. Vic's replacement of the induction stove with a gas oven is a direct affront to Whitney's eco-friendly principles, and her inability to convince him otherwise is a blow to her vision.
Dougie's storyline in "Under the Big Tree" is a fascinating exploration of guilt and redemption. His belief that he is cursed following a drunk-driving accident that resulted in the death of his wife adds a layer of tragedy to his character. His actions, including burying car keys to prevent drunk driving and his subsequent search for meaning in a piece of Native American pottery, suggest a man trying to find purpose in his perceived curse.
The episode's title, "Under the Big Tree," is a metaphor for the weight of the past and the search for meaning. Dougie's literal search under the trees for the keys he buried is symbolic of his quest for atonement and understanding. His discovery of the pottery shard and his subsequent fixation on it represent his desire to find something of value in the midst of his self-imposed penance.
In conclusion, "Under the Big Tree" is an episode that delves deep into the characters' psyches, exploring their motivations, fears, and the consequences of their actions. It is a stark portrayal of the challenges faced by well-meaning outsiders in a community they are trying to help, while also grappling with their own personal curses. The episode's blend of dark humor, social commentary, and supernatural elements makes for a compelling and thought-provoking watch, leaving viewers to ponder the true nature of curses and the power of belief.