Loveday Writing

So we’re nearing the halfway point of the season which means that a story arc usually reaches it peak. In this episode, I’d say that the major story arc–Nick’s secret gambling–is starting to reach its peak.

Throughout the episode there’s a build up of Nick’s desperation to pay back a gambling debt, which I felt was rushed a little since I didn’t feel this much build up in the previous episode, however it was done well. The fact that Nick keeps digging further down the hole by offering to give Rachel the money adds a necessary complication to keep the episode moving, however it is an inconsistent move for his character and his arc. A smart man (at least as smart as you could be in that kind of situation) would have just paid the debt, however the writers had to somehow remind the viewers that he is a good guy at heart. I was glad that the writers didn’t go with another cliche of Nick possibly stealing the school’s fundraising money.