This week’s episode of Fightland slows things down a bit, but there is still plenty happening around Duke as the consequences of the casino bombing continue to spread.
It is a good episode that gives the characters some room to breathe, though I found myself wishing we got more of Duke actually fighting in the ring. The boxing side of the story is easily one of the most interesting parts of the show, so seeing him get back into serious training makes me want even more of it.
The episode opens with Duke and Zeke searching for Kingsley, leading to one of the more gruesome moments of the season when Duke puts a man’s head on a sauna burner. It is a brutal reminder of what Duke is capable of when he feels cornered.
Meanwhile, news of the casino explosion is everywhere. Cebella appears on the news discussing what happened and tells Zeke they need to stay close following the events of the previous episode. She also starts working on a deal with a sports betting company, although the representative warns that getting additional financial backers could be difficult.
Things get more complicated when Duke gets into a physical confrontation with Jackhammer, played by Sylvester Akinrolabu. Jackhammer makes a comment about Duke’s brother, which pushes the situation over the edge. The fight is caught on video and quickly goes viral.
Of course, boxing promoters immediately find a way to turn the situation into promotional material for Jackhammer’s upcoming fight. It is a funny subplot that also feels pretty believable. Boxing promoters will seemingly do whatever they can to create interest in a fight, and turning a viral street fight into marketing material is exactly the kind of ridiculous move that works.
The incident also gets Duke back into the gym. For the first time since getting out of prison, he begins training seriously. There are still emotional barriers holding him back, though. Duke continues seeing flashes of his brother, making it clear that getting back into the ring is about more than simply getting his career back.
Joy and Cebella also have a revealing conversation about the family business. Joy wants out and makes it clear that she wants a different life. She even tells Duke to run away with her and Aidan. Duke refuses, and Joy ends their relationship. Four episodes in, though, I have a hard time believing this is really the end of them.
The episode’s best storyline belongs to Kim. She picks Duke up and the two spend time together, grabbing fish and chips before eventually heading to a club. Their conversations give Duke and Kim a chance to get to know each other, and their relationship takes a major step forward.
That becomes especially interesting when Lazaro reveals that Kim is actually an undercover cop. Duke realizes what is happening and decides he can potentially turn the situation around and use Kim for his own plans.
Kim gets the best scene of the episode when she confronts one of the Russians. When he gives her two options and she responds with “make me,” I immediately knew the situation was about to go sideways. She holds her own in the fight, eventually handcuffing him and getting the information she needs for the revenge plan. It is a great showcase for the character and easily the sequence I enjoyed most this week.
The episode ends by pushing everything toward another major confrontation. The Russians attack the gym during Jackhammer’s interview, Gazzer is stabbed, Sergei breaks into Cebella’s home and kidnaps Aidan, and Joy drops the biggest bombshell of all by claiming that Aidan is Duke’s son.
Fightland takes a slower approach this week, but the final stretch makes it clear that the show is setting up some serious chaos. I just hope the next episode gives us more of Duke in the ring because, at this point, I am ready to see what he can actually do.