Thread by @sheilakathleen

There's so much that's good in UNBELIEVABLE -but these two scenes back to back:
1. off-duty cops playing pool/sharing tips
2. 2 detectives interviewing pissed-off mom at the door
is particularly good. 2 strong scenes - individually - but a powerhouse sequence when put together.

I've watched both scenes multiple times now, just to get a feel for how it operates. One leads to the other, so that's an obvious structure thing. The second scene is the result of the first scene. Script 101. But there's more, it's more intricate than that.

The cops - all women - playing pool - listening to Mia talk about her case - none of them are the "leads." So we get a sense of the team - the teamwork involved in an investigation - and, like any devoted professionals, you go out for drinks and you talk about ... work.

And everyone brings something to the table - one cop in another district says there's a prowler case that might be relevant, someone else says maybe a burglary case she worked might have something ... it's like ... there are 6 women onscreen but they're all focused on one thing.

Well, two things. The case and the game of pool. And piece by piece, Mia gets more information (I think that's the character's name). The last woman to speak - and shoot pool - says that there was a case about a year back that might be relevant.

She gives the bare bones of the case - as she lines up her pool cue - cut to: The two detectives now following UP on this lead, which has clearly been passed on to Mia, post-happy-hour.

Also, the CASTING of all of those women in the pool scene ... is just crucial to why/how this scene works. It's not "central casting." Because life isn't "central casting." Okay, maybe sometimes it is. But not ALWAYS. Very good casting director.

and THEN comes the scene at the doorway which has a FASCINATING arc. Pissed-off mom, 2 new detectives trying to say "yes, the investigation was flubbed last year, we're working it now" and this mother is NOT HAVING IT. (FanTAStic actress.)

She throws the Druid language in their faces - it's aggressive - like "my daughter is BUSY" - and when Detective Duvall recognizes the language - AND doesn't mock it - the whole vibe shifts. It's a beautifully written scene. So good in setting up character, too.

Deepening our understanding of Duvall - but also of Rasmussen - and how they make a good team - even if they drive each other crazy. I don't know: it's a very good sequence and it's all quite practical, nothing mystical/magical about it - the sum is greater than the parts somehow

Just typing this out has made me think that maybe the reason that pool scene is so good is that there isn't a power struggle onscreen. It's kind of like a mind-meld, 6 brains better than one, everyone trying to help.

But the way it's DONE is not like "Oh look at all this cooperATION how FANTASTIC" - there isn't that outside eye - it just thrusts us into this pool game with a bunch of cops talking about the case. I guess it felt very real - even though it's just exposition!