The Waterfront Recap: The First Run

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The second installment of “The Waterfront” explicitly reveals the struggles faced by the primary Buckley characters this season. While it’s no secret that they’re involved in messy drug operations, there’s more at play here. For Harlan, his insatiable desire for control and power has started to overshadow all else in his existence. As for Cane, he’s waging a tough battle against the temptation of becoming like his father. In “Taking Control,” both men are challenged regarding these recurring problems, yet it seems only one is open to transformation.

It’s common knowledge that Sheriff Clyde Porter, or Owen as he’s also called, currently holds a significant amount of power over Harlan Buckley due to his suspected role in drug smuggling. If Harlan and Cane don’t comply with Clyde’s directives regarding their emerging drug business, he could make their lives difficult by reporting their use of boats for illegal drug transactions to the DEA, or even resorting to violent measures like shooting them. There seems to be a longstanding grudge between Clyde and Harlan that stems from the Buckleys’ wealth and perceived superiority, which angers Clyde. In simpler terms, it appears that Clyde would prefer to establish his dominance through an illicit drug smuggling operation rather than seek therapy, as humorously depicted in a popular meme.

In simpler terms, the main action taken by Clyde initially involves compelling Cane and Harlan to complete a task that was botched by Hoyt, in hopes of receiving a larger profit. Clyde only wants these two to handle it, although Harlan suspects this is just a power play. When they gather to strategize, Harlan discovers the dire financial situation – they must raise $2 million within three months to keep up with their bank payments, yet this is merely a fraction of what they truly owe. Given the circumstances, Harlan feels he has no other option but to go along with Clyde’s plan. However, once Harlan leaves, it’s evident that he isn’t planning to quit – instead, he intends to discover Clyde’s supplier and exclude Clyde from the deal. Belle points out that this is just a temporary situation; dealing drugs will not become their permanent family business again. Cane finds his father’s behavior “strange,” while Belle believes Harlan is relishing in this predicament. Although Harlan criticizes Cane for getting them into this mess, Belle has a keen insight – she is onto something significant here.

One morning, the father-son duo, the Buckleys, embarked on their inaugural drug delivery trip together following the arrival of the narcotics from one of Clyde’s associates. Aww, isn’t that sweet? However, Harlan’s usual demeanor towards his son is annoyance and disapproval. Harlan wishes Cane would carry an unloaded gun to give off the right impression since most of this endeavor seems like a competition. Yet, when Cane claims to know how to handle a firearm and then stumbles with it, it’s endearing to me that Harlan appears remorseful. The two soon began arguing about Harlan’s expertise in this field, his domain, and Cane needles him about their father. When Harlan brings up the fact that Cane’s grandfather was capable of handling himself in any situation, Cane retorts, “Yeah, except for that one time,” alluding to Grandpa Buckley’s murder. It’s brutal, but it’s heartening to see that Cane stands his ground when dealing with his father.

In essence, it becomes apparent that Clyde orchestrated the entire situation. When Harlan, Cane, and an unloaded gun convene with the buyers in the heart of the ocean (lots happening out there on this show!), the buyers realize they’ve been shorted by 10 kilos. Suspecting a scam, they promptly brandish their weapons. Harlan is forced to the ground, while Cane is cornered. Instead of heeding Harlan’s advice to keep quiet, Cane begins rambling about the mistake being innocent. Despite his lack of intelligence, Cane isn’t foolish enough to risk his life over 10 kilos. Surprisingly, his chatter works in their favor. In fact, it achieves precisely what Harlan desired: instead of contacting Owen, they reach out to Grady, who appears to be the supplier Harlan had been searching for all along. Quite a twist, even if these two nearly paid with their lives to obtain that information.

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself in an unusual predicament after a near-miss incident, sending me into a state of unease, now that the action is truly unfolding before my eyes. The first person I seek solace with is Jenna, who’s ahead at the bar, preparing for Peyton’s grand double date involving us and her husband, Scott. I steer clear of discussing the event of the day, but I don’t hesitate to accept Jenna’s offer for a cannabis treat and some shots. Both of us are jittery about this upcoming date, and there’s no denying our mutual desire to share a kiss.

However, being under the influence only amplifies our awkwardness rather than concealing it. Onlookers can tell that we’re two high school sweethearts longing for a reunion, eager to lock lips. Unfortunately, things don’t pan out as planned, and when Peyton and I reach her car, she unleashes her fury upon me for my humiliating behavior. “You were so transparent!” she screams at me before warning me that I’m fast becoming just like my father. She clarifies that while Belle endures Harlan’s infidelities, she won’t tolerate the same from me. “I have my limits,” she states firmly before departing.

Feeling dejected, I seek refuge at the bar behind the restaurant and find Harlan there, seemingly in a similar state of mind.

Just got back from a lively conversation with old nemesis, Clyde. Instead of addressing the issue at hand, he takes a swing at me, and here we are again, locked in our ongoing drug-trafficking dispute. The animosity between us, rooted deep over decades, cannot be underestimated. This fellow is seething with anger towards Harlan Buckley. He takes delight in the apparent turmoil of the Buckleys.

In a turn of events, Harlan brings up Grady and insists on meeting him. No more operations until I set up an introduction. Clyde understands perfectly well what this implies – Harlan is trying to sideline me.

As Cane shows up, Harlan is strategizing on how to make their drug business successful. Meanwhile, Cane is worrying that Peyton might be right – he might be becoming like his father. The two men start arguing again. Cane wants a bit of credit for handling things this morning, which saved them from trouble. Harlan calls it luck. If Cane tries such moves again, he’ll end up dead, warns Harlan. Cane is tired of Harlan constantly criticizing his decisions. Harlan claims he’s just trying to protect his son, but Cane thinks he’s just trying to control him. “You’re a fool,” Harlan tells him. “At least I’m not you.” This fear that he might turn out as cold-hearted as his father is what bothers Cane the most. He doesn’t want this to happen, no matter the current situation. He believes there must be another way out.

It’s unfortunate for Cane that he may gain insight into why his father is so cold-hearted when he finds out (presumably it’s Clyde) who sends two men to attack Peyton upon her return home. They pour gasoline on her and ignite a match, ending the scene before the credits roll. If Cane was clinging onto any belief that he could remain neutral in the Buckley family business, this incident will surely shatter that illusion once he learns about what has happened to his wife.

Bait & Tackle

Belle is attempting to persuade her husband to consider an alternative solution for their financial troubles by developing some beachfront property that Harlan’s father gifted to his mother, even though neither the mother nor Harlan were keen on building there. Unbeknownst to him, she has secretly struck a deal with a developer regarding this land.

Will Harlan express more disappointment over the land transaction or discovering Belle involved in a messy parking lot kiss with this developer? Most likely the former, but to be honest, either situation warrants consequences for Belle. Despite Harlan’s weak attempt at an apology for his infidelity, this developer compliments Belle on her attractiveness and talent. It’s only right!

Apart from her rehab-born relationship with DEA agent Marcus Sanchez, Bree is also secretly engaging in passionate encounters that could rock a motel dresser. Additionally, she covertly searches Cane’s office for damaging information to aid Marcus, who’s on the brink of losing his investigation. The reason behind her animosity towards her brother remains unspoken, but it seems substantial enough to stir some serious trouble.

Indeed, it seems Diller took the job at the fishery for several reasons. One of them being that he admires his grandfather greatly, whom he regards as a remarkable figure. It’s also possible that he wanted to be near his mother, despite his reluctance to acknowledge it. Furthermore, there might have been an element of defiance in his actions, trying to test the court order’s boundaries by working so close to his mother without direct supervision. Teenagers can often be complex and unpredictable!

Turns out, I wasn’t kidding when I said Shawn might have some secrets – he admitted to Belle that, wouldn’t you know it, his mother revealed on her deathbed that Harlan was actually his father!

I must say, hats off to Peyton! Reaching ninth place at Miss Carolina is quite an achievement, but what truly impressed me was her ability to bring up the term “metamorphosis” amidst a passionate debate. It shows not only her intelligence and vocabulary, but also her unique perspective in handling challenging situations.

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2025-06-19 17:54