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Review: United States of Tara, S3, Ep 307 “The Electrifying & Magnanimous Return of Beaverlamp”

Airdate: Monday, May 9, 2011 10:30PM E/P

Rating ★★★★★

Dr. Hattaras (Eddie Izzard) cheerfully chows down on some ribs while telling Tara (Toni Collette) he must cancel their sessions indefinitely

Dr. Hattaras’ (guest star Eddie Izzard) theory about D.I.D., among other psychological disorders, comes into scrutiny when a former patient, who thought he was a kite, takes a running leap off a building. Needless to say, this is a crushing blow to Hattaras, causing his life’s work to seem inconsequential. Hattaras terminates the sessions with Tara (Toni Collette) which has a very negative effect on her confidence. I think Hattaras’ work is still of value. The “kite guy” lived a somewhat normal life for over ten years. Who knows what triggered him into thinking he was a kite again. The mind is a perplexing puzzle. What goes on in some people’s brains can be quite terrifyingly fascinating.

Speaking of terrifying, Tara’s dark new alter is becoming more intrusive and hazardous to her health. Did anyone else notice the quick transition Tara has while she’s chopping vegetables? In that brief moment, the new alter draws first blood. It’s even scaring the other alters.

Eddie Izzard as Dr. Hattaras and Toni Collette as Buck

Buck visits Hattaras to bully him to not abandon Tara but when Hattaras asks, “What does “you will not win” mean,” Buck freaks out. We know Buck’s been hunting for Tara’s half brother Bryce so I’m sure the new alter has some relation to him.

Tara continues to set herself up for failure. She takes on way too much responsibility by trying to throw a baby shower/birthday party for Charmaine and Max (John Corbett). When Tara finally reveals Hattaras has discontinued their sessions, Max is worried. But he has no idea how worried he should be. Luckily, he’s pulled his old band Beaverlamp back together for a big birthday bash performance, complete with eyeliner and Ted (Michael Hitchcock) on keyboard to keep his mind occupied. The title “The Electrifying & Magnanimous Return of Beaverlamp” is overselling it just a bit, although Ted’s outfit could be the “electrifying part.”

Evan (Keir O'Donnell) and Kate (Brie Larson) stay in a grungy hotel when inclimate weather grounds their flight

Meanwhile, Kate continues to pursue frequent flyer Evan (Keir O’Donnell) even after he informs her he’s divorced and has a kid. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but Kate doesn’t seem like she’s ready to handle it. I think she’s attracted to the potential drama it may bring. Since her whole life has been filled with dramatic moments, having a normal life would be utterly boring for her.

I have a love/hate thing going on with Charmaine (Rosemarie DeWitt). I want to love her but most of the time, I end up simply hating her. Well, hate may be too strong. I dislike her very much. I mean, who forgets their newborn baby? And when Kate (Brie Larson) asks about Wheels, Charmaine acts like she forgot the groceries rather than the baby. And why is she driving to Tara’s house – she lives next door!

Keir Gilchrist as Marshall and Michael J. Willett as Lionel

Marshall (Keir Gilchrist) asks Max some very probing questions during an interview for the film he and Noah (Aaron Christian Howles) are working on. Marshall is confused and afraid. He doesn’t want to become anything like his parents, yet he wants to be as strong as Max is. After a heated ending to their conversation, Marshall seeks the solace of his ex, Lionel (Michael Willett). It was so good to see Lionel again. I really thought the contrast between him and Marshall would be good but I guess opposites don’t always stay attracted.

Tune into United States of Tara, Mondays at 10:30PM E/P only on Showtime.

Photos © Showtime, All Rights Reserved.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.