13.11, possible spoilers, notes on minor touches

[fufaraw]

Breakdown is an episode that I appreciate because it takes us straight to the esthetic that was the show's foundation. We've wandered, sometimes productively, but frequently with loss of focus. This episode was difficult to watch, as the best episodes of the 13 seasons have been.

Two things that I really loved: Camille Atebe, the actress who played the woman trucker. Both her observation in the diner, and her forthrightness with Dean when he interviewed her. She was dead on character, and I thought the character and Dean had a brief connection over the missing girl.

And while I thought Briana's performance brought the depths we've never seen of Donna's character front and center (thank you for that, Davy Perez!), distilling it to the note in her voice at the word, "Wait!" aimed at Doug, leaving. That single note, that word, laid wide open Donna's emotional heart--I've been in that place, when reality just keeps unfolding in the opposite of your hopes and nothing you can do can stop it. Well done, Ms. Buckmaster.

Comments

[amberdreams.livejournal.com]

I've seen some people complain that Donna was a caricature character in this episode but I didn't feel that at all - I thought it was a powerful performance. I guess it's all about perception!

[tabaqui]

I really loved it. Thought Donna was awesome, loved her interaction with the boys, loved them just going 'you need help? on our way', drop everything.....

Yeah.

[stir-of-echoes.livejournal.com]

The more we see of Donna the more I like her character.

[madebyme-x.livejournal.com]

YES! I thought Briana was spot on in this episode!!! It was such a joy to get to know more about her, and see a more darker and serious side to her personality. I loved it!