Episode eight of Beef, entitled “The Drama of Original Choice,” showcases the tragedies of multiple characters, including Danny (Steven Yeun), Amy (Ali Wong), and Edwin (Justin H. Min). This episode answers questions that were left unanswered in the episode before this one. In this episode, we get a deeper look into both Amy’s and Danny’s childhoods. We usually see Amy as the morally challenged and Danny as the product of his environment. However, in this episode, their roles switch as we learn more about their backstories and past poor decisions.
We get glimpses of Amy’s childhood after she visits home for the first time in two years. Amy’s sudden nostalgia is driven by her recent marital issues with her husband, George (Joseph Lee). Through Amy’s healing process, she has realized a lot of her emotional and marital issues are due to what she witnessed in her parents’ marriage. Even though her issues with George sparked her interest in going back home, when she confronts her mom about her parents’ relationship, she continues to insist it has nothing to do with her and George’s marriage. The viewer is usually made to feel irritated by Amy; however, in this scene, you can’t help but feel sad for Amy. It is apparent that the little girl in her who never got what she needed from her parents is still yearning for more from them.
While Amy deals with her childhood trauma, Danny deals with the aftermath of the new house he bought for his parents burning down. After talking to the fireman, Danny gets into his car to take his parents back to the motel to get some rest. He notices Edwin parked across the street watching him. Danny’s parents lose hope of a solution and accept they need to return to Korea; however, Danny continues to look for solutions because he suspects arson. Danny’s first theory is that Edwin burned down his house after Danny declined a job. Danny decides to break into Edwin’s garage and search his place. Edwin finds Danny in his garage snooping around, and Danny attacks him with a crescent wrench and questions him. Edwin admits that he is jealous of Danny, and he doesn’t believe his wife is really over Danny. However, he says he didn’t burn down his house and was only there to check it out. Danny believes him and moves on to his next theory.
Getting a deeper look into both Amy and Danny’s childhoods and past mistakes gives a better idea of what makes them who they are. Amy is able to have resolutions in her life and in her marriage; however, Danny’s situation only escalates. This time Danny makes the big mistake that he will not be able to come back from Scott free. Danny commits not one but three life-altering crimes. Such as planting false evidence to frame Amy for his house burning down, leaving George on the floor after knocking him out, and mistakenly kidnapping Amy and George’s daughter Junie (Remy Holt). Even though hurting Geroge and taking Junie was a mistake, the way Danny handled the situation will inevitably be what he is held accountable for. For the first time in the series, the audience will be truly disappointed in Danny.
Rating: 9.5/10