When the episode begins, Joe Blake (Luke Kleintank) has been caught by Obergruppenfuhrer John Smith (Rufus Sewell). John insists they’re going to get to the truth now. Joe is also asked about Juliana’s sketch. Juliana (Alexa Davalos) returns home and inspects the note she stole from the Nippon building. It speaks about a new gift, which wasn’t made in Kansas and is special. Frank (Rupert Evans) returns from his prayer session and Juliana catches him crying. They apologize to one another and Frank tells Juliana about his attempt on the Crown Prince. He tells us exactly what he already know, when he admits he couldn’t shoot the Prince, due to the presence of the young Japanese boy.

They hug, before we jump back to Joe, who is being interrogated by John. Joe tells the truth and John immediately recognizes that Joe was developing feelings for Juliana. Joe confirms that Juliana wasn’t burned in the vehicle. After a brief conversation, Joe is ordered to go with John Smith. In the morning, Juliana receives a phone call from Arnold (Daniel Roebuck), who tells her to come over and check on her mother. She tells Frank about seeing Arnold in the Nippon building’s security room and questions, whether or not he could be setting her up. Robert Childan (Brennan Brown) receives a call from Betty (Tao Okamoto), who invites him over for dinner.

Meanwhile, Joe is told that Juliana is a traitor and that he cannot help her. The Nazis encourage Joe to use his relationship to infiltrate Juliana’s life and learn about the new film. He gives her a call. After Frank hands over the phone, Joe gives her his new number, so they can chat later. After the call has ended, Juliana confides in Frank that nothing happened between her and Joe. Next, Juliana goes to her parent’s house and spends a little time with Anne (Macall Gordon). Anne seems out of it and speaks about Trudy (Conor Leslie) still being alive. Joe returns home to Buddy (Carter Ryan Evancic) and Rita (Jessie Fraser).

Joe leaves about Buddy being bullied, before handing over the Adventure of Huckleberry Finn. Rita confronts Joe about not calling. She admits she was worried. They eventually hug, kiss and we move on. Juliana walks down the street and believes she sees Trudy in front of her. After a quick chase, she determines that the woman is not Trudy. Afterwards, we see Nobusuke Tagomi (Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa) watering plants at home. He heads to work and is confronted by Inspector Kido (Joel de la Fuente), who tells him about Juliana and Trudy’s relationship. He leaves and Juliana enters. Tagomi tells her about a book, which he uses to live his life and insists Juliana has a purpose.

They chat back and forth, before Juliana apologizes for the loss of Tagomi’s wife. Juliana is given a note to take to the personnel department. The note will give her access to yet another room. Tagomi offers his underlying to find out about Trudy. Next, we see Ed (DJ Qualls) and Frank at work. The Inspector arrives and Ed helps Frank make his escape. Of course, the Inspector witnesses this and tells his underlying not to go after Frank just yet. Next, Juliana runs into Arnold at work. She agree to meet at a restaurant, after the workday has concluded. Next, Frank runs into Mark Sampson (Michael Gaston) and they speak about Mark’s dedication to his religion.

Robert Childan arrives at Betty’s house and prepares to have dinner with the couple. Paul (Louis Ozawa Changchien) shows off his antique collection, before they sit down for dinner. Next, Juliana and Arnold sit down and chat. Arnold insists he started working for the Japanese to protect his family. He also admits he turned in Trudy to protect her, after hearing her speak about the film through the spy network. He seems to believe he saved Trudy’s life. Joe finally receives a call from Juliana. He asks her about the new film, which she admits is somehow different. She is forced to hang up, when a Japanese man appears behind her.

Rita questions Joe about the girl on the phone and he admits she is nobody. Mr. Childan seems belittled by his dinner dates, before leaving and returning to his antique shop. Joe returns to John and is given new orders to head to California and obtain the film. John threatens Buddy, in order to persuade Joe to remain loyal to the Nazis. Frank pays a visit to the antique shop and attempts to convince Childan to go into business with him selling guns. Instead, Childan explains that they can create an Indian replica and sell it to Paul for $80,000. Frank quickly agrees to a 60/40 split. Juliana returns home and tells Frank about her conversation with Arnold. Frank tells her about the Inspector showing up at work and insists they need to flee the area.

Juliana admits she cannot leave, since she believes Trudy may still be around. She wonders the town and attempts to meet back up with Trudy, but fails to do so. Meanwhile, Tagomi learns more about Trudy. Juliana returns to work and receives information about Trudy from Tagomi. He tells her that she is dead and tells her to apologize for them, when she finds her. Juliana gets on a bus and heads to a landfill, where he discovers Trudy’s body. She covers her face and cries, before heading back to the city. As the episode ends, we see Joe walking behind her.

 

The Man in the High Castle Review

Unfortunately, the series managed to sink itself just a bit deeper. At times, Juliana is a complete genius. Other times, she is a total idiot. In this episode, the character fell into the latter category. Did she really believe Trudy could be alive or were the writers deliberately trying to drag the season to 10 episodes? I am little confused by the introduction of Buddy and Rita. At this point, who cares?

And, when did Robert Childan become a main character? His lunch with Betty and Paul was uninteresting and truly a waste of time. With just a few episodes remaining, I will be relieved, when it is all over. A 5.5 out of 10 is deserved. Catch up with previous recaps of The Man in the High Castle right now.