But can it last?
Would executive producers David Milch and Michael Mann let them emerge from the first season unscathed?
Marcus had made up his mind that their winning streak was about to run out.
Credit: Gusmano Cesaretti/HBO
That didnt stop him from ordering two chocolate donuts with rainbow sprinkles, but he was still on edge.
(Nice try, hired goons.)
Jesus Christ… said Gus, who had ramped up security to protect his boss.
A cloud of shock crossed Aces face, as if hed seen a ghost.
My first thought (despite last weeks epilogue)?
Nathan Israel was waiting in the lobby, alive and dry, reporting for duty.
That wouldve been a shocker, right?
But instead, it was a fresh face… for us anyway.
Aces grandson had accepted Guss invitation to fly in for the Western Derby.
Problem was, Gus had extended no such offer.
Meaning that Mike Smythe was behind it another threat aimed at the center of Aces heart.
Ace had exploded on Smythe, gifting the immoral creep another card to play at the appropriate time.
Can you believe this?
Ace said to Gus, once that had a moment to ponder this game-changing development.
Look what these bastards did.
At the morgue, a doctor allowed the pair to view the decapitated remains of the washed-up body.
Gus shook his head No, its not our guy but it was Nathan, no doubt about it.
One step at a time, Ace, counseled Gus, as they tiptoed out.
Youll do what you have to do.
Meanwhile, Ace is well aware that there is a bulls-eye on his own back.
Yet despite three years in jail plotting revenge, he still seems rather unprepared and naive.
Did Ace really think Mike was going to play fair?
Shouldnt he have expected some of this?
At the track, Rosie was getting a feel for Mon Gateau during a quick morning breeze.
Nottin bothers this fella, she crowed.
Escalante stared at the horse like it was his own child.
Seen it all, he said, expressing his bond with this special animal.
Not far away, Leon checked in with Joey and announced his plans to leave Santa Anita for Portland.
The Degenerates were primping themselves at the Oasis for Mon Gateaus big day.
As post time approached, the crew met their new jockey in the paddock.
Marcus doctor arrived late, and what he lacked in horse sense, he made up for in fashion.
At least he seemed thrilled to be there.
Not so much for Renzos mother, who had her doubts about everything associated with anything.
But wouldnt you know it, Rosie positioned him beautifully and pulled away for an easy victory.
(Nick Nolte once told a similar story about going to the track with the savvy Milch.)
Recall that he also gave a points-free loan to an old adversary, the down on his luck shylock.
His handling of Marcuss medication-infused queer for you admission was impressively understanding and rational.
But they werent out of the woods.
At lunch, Gus spotted their shadow a few tables away.
Gus Demitriou, ladies and gentlemen.
His two muscle guys then picked up the other bad guy and perhaps took him fishing into deeper waters.
Escalante turned his pre-race chat with Ace into a philosophical discussion on fatherhood.
Now, I think, maybe I do.
In Spanish, he whispered to the horse what Ace translated as, Youre ready.
But Escalante kindly corrected him.
Imready, hed said.Hesready to be a dad.
Aces day was far from over.
I understand youve had a busy day, he hissed to Ace from behind the fence.
I think Im on a long leash, Ace, he said.
Didnt we find that out three years ago?
(I mean, were you really rooting for one of these starring horses over the other?)
It seemed just that Guss horse was deemed the winner, after the day he had already put in.
Best fin country in the world, Gus said with the trophy in his hand.
Upstairs, Smythe glowered like the Grinch.
Ones impulse is to bulldoze and bury this facility… and Aces dreams with it, he said.
Put up tract houses in its place… Real estate being depressed, casinos do seem a better bet.
The only people possibly happier than Ace and Gus about Pint of Plains victory were the Degenerates.
Spoken like a true gambler.
It was just Jo in her bed.
She didnt have to tell him that shed lost the baby for him to know.
But she did anyway.
And he had been right, back in the barn when he said he was ready.
He was ready to be a father, but he was also ready for this.
He climbed into bed with her and held her while both of them saw one possible future disappear.
Gus raved about the goats return only in America!
and Ace stared glassy-eyed at his four-legged pride and joy.
Me, I was just happy that Gus had earned his spot back as Aces bedtime consigliore.
Did you watchLucks finale last night?
Were you hoping Aces feud with Smythe would have ended more conclusively?
How did you feel about Aces clueless grandson?
Which character are you going to miss the most?
Gus Demitriou, not even close.)
Did the show live up to your expectations?
