PAM & TOMMY (S1E7) “Destroyer Of Worlds”: Can You Fix What’s Broken?

Pam & Tommy thus far has been an eye-opening experience. The scandal read and watched by millions through newspapers and TV coverage, all caused by the dawn of internet consumption, broken down and reexamined through the eyes of its central victim. Yet, as engrossing a story as it has been, Pam & Tommy is coming to its final moments, the weight of artistic truth weighing down the story at hand. Where episodes one and two provided not only background, but beautiful craftsmanship of frame and art, each subsequent episode has brought viewers farther and farther from the fairy tale, and deeper into the heart of victim-blaming. Pam & Tommy‘s latest episode, “Destroyer of Worlds”, is no exception.

Rand Returns

Pam & Tommy‘s “Destroyer of Worlds” opens with an extensive recap. Where one had been used previously in “Pamela in Wonderland“, here it is long, drawn-out, and unnecessary. There is the sense the creators behind the lens feel viewers have forgotten the story that has been beyond engrossing thus far, exposing a lack of confidence. And as viewers are left to wonder how it all ends, this perceived lack of confidence feels justified. It also plays itself as a form of filler. The episode is only 38 mins long, joining the last few episodes in a shortened length. And while it has been recognized as breaking conformity of miniseries, here it feels as though there is just not enough of the story left to tell. So, give the audience an extensive recap.

The last few episodes have been vacant of Rand (Seth Rogen) and Miltie (Nick Offerman), the series focusing on the victims of the scandal in Pamela (Lily James) and Tommy (Sebastian Stan). But for the series to come to a conclusion, there needs to be a reunion of characters, even an endgame for those who were the catalysts of destruction. “Destroyer of Worlds” presents the setup for this conclusion. Rand is seen still staying at his ex-wife’s (Taylor Schilling) apartment, sleeping on the couch and franticly attempting to contact Miltie in the Netherlands. There is an awareness that he has been duped, but the denial is stronger. As Rand tries to continue his new business venture in the face of growing copycats, there is an even darker reckoning that looms heavily – Anthony Pellicano (Don Harvey).

Pellicano lent Rand and Harvey $50,000 to start up their new business venture, the frontier of the internet promising fortune and anonymity. Yet, this was no ordinary investor, rather the head of the local mob. As Rand is left behind by Miltie, who ran to the Netherlands to “grow” the fortune, time is running out on repayment. Left with 24 hours to produce a substantial amount of moment, Pam & Tommy use this as a catalyst to reunite Tommy and Rand. Rand demands that Tommy pay him for the money he owns for labor, supplies and tools. Tommy, originally planning to kick his ass, decides after a call from Pam, to instead light it up. He burns the money Rand so desperately needs, leaning into his own growth while still staying true to self. Beautifully captured, the lights behind Tommy as he crosses the parking lot reflects a light in the darkness, the scene plays out as one of the most intense in the episode.

With no money to meet the deadline, Rand is offered an opportunity to pay it back – by enforcing the repayment of others. There is a deep psychological moment of acceptance and understanding through Rand and his actions, one the series leans heavily into in the final moments. It is memorable and provides a clear transition for Rand’s conclusion for the final episode next week, but also leaves many questions still unanswered.

Coming Full Circle

“Destroyer of Worlds”, even in bringing Rand back, still focuses heavily on Pamela Anderson. It has been some time since the deposition of Anderson and it feels to some degree the couple has moved on. Pamela Anderson is pregnant and coming to the end of her promotional tour for Barb Wire. Yet, as it feels they have moved forward, the tape and its implications are constantly weighing. We see this as Pamela prepares to enter a room of journalists – all men, by the way – a press conference for Barb Wire promising to drag the tape back into the spotlight.

While the beginning of the interview leans more into her role and attraction to the part of Barb, the interview begins to deescalate, one man finding it appropriate to speak over her to redirect the angle of the interview, while another straightforwardly asks her about not only the tape but Penthouse. And as off-putting, as the questions are, Pamela Anderson is presented once more as the victim, but there is a resonating spirit developing of a survivor. She handles the questions with tact and poise, her innocence and honesty key to regaining control.

As the tour continues, the series is brought full circle, Pamela Anderson appearing on Jay Leno’s (Adam Ray) late night talk show. And while she is there to promote Barb Wire, the discussion stays on her pregnancy and the sex tape. It is uncomfortable, and disgusting. At this moment, Pamela is working. She is working to promote her film, to promote herself and to represent the studio. And in an instant, she is reduced from actor to scandalous porn star. Moving past Leno and the media treatment of Pam, viewers are brought through not only red carpet functions, and the adorable reaction of Tommy seeing his wife on-screen, but the legal ramifications of their lawsuit against Penthouse. Pam & Tommy has boasted deep examinations and harshly criticized the misogynist society thus far, and “Destroyer of Worlds” was not afraid to again point the finger.

As Pam and Tommy learn they have lost their lawsuit, Pamela finds her rights are “acceptably” violated. She can choose to sell her body for pictures and film, but she can not prevent others from forcibly doing the same. She has no say over her body because she decided to make a living off of it. Because in the eyes of society and the court, she is a “slut” – and “sluts” have no rights. It is a dark moment, not only for the deeply disturbing nature of it but because of the change in Pamela. As the innocence of Pamela drains from her eyes, there is a hardness that sets in, not only from the realization but the promise to never let it happen again. Lily James captures the depth, heartache, and pain of this moment to perfection, driving deep the wounds still being ripped open today.

Conclusion

For such a vital and short episode, it is unfortunate how long it actually feels. Where time had no meaning in previous episodes, its story wholly engrossing, here it felt like it took forever to end. And while some storylines were more engaging than others, the episode leaves you wondering, and worrying, about how its creators will end it all.

What are your thoughts on the series so far? Let us know in the comments below!

Pam & Tommy premieres with new episodes on Hulu every Wednesday!