Introduction
In this episode of Apple TV+’s Extrapolations, we are introduced to Marshall Zucker, who is counseling a young girl named Allana through an existential crisis. Extrapolations Season 1 Episode 3 takes place in 2047, where Miami is experiencing its 41st storm, and there are 23 million refugees in the country. The synagogue that Allana attends is also in danger of being destroyed by the storm.
The Episode
Extrapolations Season 1 Episode 3 is well-acted, but the preach-filled script and self-indulgent moments make it a bit dry. Allana’s father is wealthy and deals in “grey areas.” He bribes a public official to save the synagogue, but Allana turns him in. Marshall must then save the Torah scrolls kept above the water in a Torah ark during the flood.
Allana’s Existential Crisis
Allana is going through an extreme existential crisis, and she asks almost anyone a question about the nature of God and suffering. Marshall is also struggling with his faith, having allowed public officials to be bought to save the synagogue. He feels guilty about it because they closed a local shelter he has always helped support.
Allana’s Betrayal
Allana’s father is arrested for bribery, and Allana turns him in, recording and documenting his conversation about bribing. She announces this to the world at the synagogue, with her father sitting in a pew. She also plays a video of Marshall’s first sermon, imploring people to help support the homeless and disenfranchised.
Marshall’s Mission
Marshall must save the Torah scrolls kept above the water in a Torah ark during the flood. He narrates a story about the man by the river who refused the help that God sent for them. Marshall survives the flood when he is airlifted by a local police helicopter to safety.
Conclusion
Allana reminds Marshall that he never answered her question: Why doesn’t God intervene while there is so much suffering? Marshall reminds her that Moses asked God the same question and paraphrases that because he is God, Moses wouldn’t understand.
In conclusion, while the episode is well-acted, the preach-filled script and self-indulgent moments make it a bit dry. The story’s theme of struggling with faith and the nature of God in times of crisis is explored through the characters of Marshall and Allana. The episode ends on a hopeful note with Marshall saving the Torah scrolls and surviving the flood.
