Review: The Afterparty, “Ulysses” | Season 2, Episode 7
A dashing hero is revealed as something less than noble
Somehow, of the various options for what would be revealed about Ulysses, I didn’t anticipate that he might just turn out to be a complete jerk. Yes, after all this time, it’s revealed that his “fun uncle” side is something he can turn on and off. What he really wants is to seduce Vivian, and to discover, without Grace’s consent, whether he’s her father.
It’s a real heel turn for the character, who up until now has been charming and mild-mannered—the beloved but distant relative making a special trip to see his niece on her wedding day. What he’s trying to do is, as Aniq points out, a total violation. It’s not just that he betrayed his loving brother with his wife—his obsession with Vivian is so powerful, even after decades, that he’s trying to steal a part of Feng’s family. It’s pretty dark, even for a show about murder!
Does it work? As a character note, it’s a bitter pill to swallow, since Ulysses has been such a source of joy for Zoe and Grace, a bright spot even as …