Critic’s Rating: 2.5 / 5.0
2.5
What a missed opportunity to have an episode named “Murder on the Dancefloor” and not have Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s song of the same name play anywhere in it.
But then again, that’s what The Shards is: a series of missed opportunities.
While this hour is much more fun than the past four, it still carries that fundamental issue that makes this show such a disappointment: mediocre characters.
They are so one-note and uninteresting that they get outshone by recurring and guest stars.
Were it not for performances by Jordan Roth, Anthony Ramos, and Bella Valdes, “Murder on the Dancefloor” would have fallen flat.
Roth brings a unique presence that is scarier than the supposed serial killer.
There is no doubt someone would have fun with Steven, but he could also be the cause of your death, and you would never know.
It’s immediately noticeable that Ryan Murphy had a lot of control in the episode, and while my feelings about him are complex, he is a good director.
He uses the gay gaze to differentiate his style from directors who are afraid to showcase the male form.
The writing is where things falter because he can overindulge himself, even with a co-writer like Charlie Rogers.
Murphy goes on these Taylor Sheridan-esque rants that you can tell the writer feels passionately about, but they just don’t fit into the story as intended.
One of the indulgences is his propensity to brush past queerness while not committing to it.
He treats sexuality as this large plot device that must be explored in layers even when it does nothing for the character.
Many of the characters on The Shards exist in a gray space as far as their sexuality is concerned, and Thom is the latest to join the space.
As far as we know, Thom is straight.
Bret has a crush on him, but Thom seems to be happy in his heterosexual relationship.
The opening scene features a hangout between Bret and Thom, during which Thom has a homophobic outburst.
Fast forward a while later, and he’s almost melting on Robert’s arms while they grind into each other.
Does Thom pull back? Yes. Did he take too long and seem to be enjoying it? Maybe.
What I don’t understand is why we need to know anything about Thom. The show presented him as The Boyfriend, but now we even follow his home life.
In fact, there has been no justification for why we need to follow any of the characters, given how uncohesive this story seems.
One moment it is doing character studies and the next, it is padding out the story with murder.
This show builds intrigue by hinting that Thom knows the killer who is targeting people, but then abandons that thread.
The writing stresses that Bret suspects and is scared of Robert, but then they are all matching to the dance floor like best friends. Some things simply don’t make sense.
But when we don’t focus on the messy story, this hour is fun because how can it not be with music and dancing?
Everyone pulls out their best moves on the dance floor, some better than others.
Cha Cha, of course, steals the show because she knows how to make the camera want her, and Debbie can’t read the room.
It’s fun and amusing to watch everything play out, especially against the backdrop of coke. Everyone seems to be taking a sniff just to pull through the day.
Ramos brings some much-needed energy to the show, playing the stressed-out host caught between coke and a lack of self-control.
Even the control room is exciting, leading to one of the best moments when the producer orders an operator to go to commercial just as a fight that would be ratings gold breaks out.
By the end of the episode, we haven’t made any progress in the major arc regarding the serial killer, even as the bodies stack up.
But Really Rhonda’s return means we might finally know what is going on here.
Gut Check
“Murder on the Dancefloor” is better than most of the episodes so far, but only marginally.
The characters and storyline lack substance as usual, but the guest characters make for a better viewing experience. The music helps too.
However, if there are any chips, they need to fall into place sooner rather than later. It’s become a chore trying to understand what the show is aiming for with the reveals and misdirects.
Intrusive Thoughts
- Thomas Graham Campbell might have succeeded in proving he’s not just a pretty face; he can act too.
- What is the difference between Debbie and Susan? I seriously can’t tell them apart except that one wants to kill the other for some reason.
- I don’t understand how we’re not supposed to like Robert? He’s such a good ragebaiter; it’s honestly impressive.
- I doubt it’ll happen, but we need a full-blown Robert Mallory sex scene because all the tension here could be solved with raw, animalistic sex.
Over to you, The Shards fanatics. What did you think of this episode? Is there a goal here, or is the show throwing stuff at the wall to see what sticks?
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Say something in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.
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