SWITCHED AT BIRTH “Pandora’s Box” Review

SWITCHED AT BIRTH (ABC Family) - Pandora's Box Episode 8 (9)

SWITCHED AT BIRTH “Pandora’s Box” Season 1 Episode 8 - “I knew.” And with these two words, SWITCHED AT BIRTH takes on a completely different direction. Besides the hormonally-charged kissing, “Pandora’s Box” exposes lies, blame and guilt. The anger and feelings that are directed at Regina from all sides isolate not only her, but the others as well. Bay, Daphne and Kathryn/John are experiencing emotions that are unique to each of them. Bay feels abandoned by Regina. Daphne feels betrayed by her; and has the additional burden of knowing that Angelo left because of her (indirectly at least). Kathryn and John feel cheated out of their time with Daphne. Constance Marie, LeClerc and Marano give good, strong performances, handling the emotional scenes with restraint but effectively conveying the pain they each feel. It will be interesting to see how the characters evolve and how their relationships change after this episode.

Is everyone’s indignation misplaced? Are there feelings toward Regina just an extension of what they were already feeling, but now have been confirmed? I don’t really know what to think. She was wrong not to reveal the truth, especially to the Kennishes, but her fear that Daphne would be taken away was a valid one. Daphne probably would have been taken from her, in light of Regina’s alcoholism and related troubles. I think the fact that Regina considered Daphne her own child and raised her as such counts for something.

Daphne’s emphatic stamp of the foot is petulant and perfectly timed in the scene where she confronts Regina.

Bay’s diatribe is a pretty good summary of my thoughts. What about her feelings for Ty? What about Emmett’s feelings for Daphne (that board of photos was more a shrine than a hobby)? And last week Daphne brought up Emmett’s aversion to relationships with hearing people. Has he already changed his opinion in such a short time period?

Emmett doesn’t think that he needs to speak. Whose side is Emmett on? I’m still not convinced about his good intentions. He is straddling a fine line “supporting” the two girls.

Wilke is another question mark. He is certainly nice, but also trouble in the making. Emmett’s bad to worse label has pegged Wilke as no good. I like him though. And Daphne has fun with him.

In the meantime, Bay is trying to find her anchor, someone who really cares. “If he did [get me pregnant], could I talk to him?”

Toby has the unique position of being able to be more or less impartial. I’m sure that his comments to Regina keep her from experiencing complete despair. After all she must be torn about her own actions after the backlash, though she states otherwise.

Kathryn seems far too calm and rational in all of this. Yet at this point, the question of fault seems like a moot point. They have to figure out how to move on and deal with the accusations.

Are you like veal? What did you think of episode 8 “Pandora’s Box” of Switched at Birth? Comment below.

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Author: Cordelia | July 26, 2011 | 7 Comments

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Laura

I can’t believe I’ve gotten hooked on this show! I felt all the anger and betrayal that Regina brought on, but when she explained how Daphne was all she had to hold onto after her husband left I felt some sympathy. But as Bay said, she did was was right for her (Regina) despite what was best for everyone else.

It seems like Regina is comfortable living in a web of lies, and the fact that Daphne says she can’t lie shows how different they are. Regina’s guilt trips about how Daphne is “strong!” because of Regina is crap == just her way of justifying things.

Bay seemed so hurt that Regina didn’t “come for her” but I can’t imagine the Kennish’s letting her go as a 4 year old, or Bay being ok with that.

Curious about what happens next. I could do without the back-and-forth teenage romances and wish there was a little more dialogue and bonding between Bay and Daphne. They always seem irritated by each other
marissa

Im so mad at regina but at the same time i understand where she was coming for. the girls most likely would have been switched back or taken from her completely because of her drinking.

I LOVE Bay and Emmett even though there relationship is so complicated! He needs to let go of daphne and just be her friend and committ to bay. Daphne only uses him when its convienient for her. Daphne and Wilkie have good chemistry and he’s funny.

I don’t know we’ll have to see what happens next week.
Pat

Well, I am officially retiring as trying to predict what will happen next, after my crash and burn about the revelation of what Regina knew and why. LOL…

As for Kathryn, to me, someone has to be the calm one in this whole mess, and it is her turn. Yes, Toby is a good objective observer, but Kathryn is so very controlling usually, it was nice to see her acting in the best interests of everyone last night. Her question to John – what about Daphne? – when he said he wanted Regina gone, was spot on, and showed, I think, her growing understanding of the complexity of this whole mess and the needs of all involved – all different!!

I agree with Laura, that all the teen romance is distracting and totally unnecessary – but I guess it is there to draw in the teen audience considering the program that is on just before it (which I do not watch).

I look forward to the episodes to come!
BeBe

I understand where Regina was coming from and the same time I could admit she was wrong for what she did. Although Daphne is angry at Regina, there is no reason that she should turn on her like the rest. She should understand both sides. I know it killed Regina to see Daphne turn on her also. This was very emotional. I can’t wait til next week episode.
Cj

Last week, I was so swept up in the whole Bay/Emmett romance. I thought it was so perfect and sweet, but now I’m totally pissed at Emmett. For me, his character went from being a unique sensitive heroic demigod to being a lying jerk. And that is sad! He’s not straddling any line at all, he’s just using Bay and lying about it.
Caseyari

I like what Regina did, and I understand where she was coming from. I don’t understand why everyone is so mad at her. She did what she believed to be right. She would have lost them both and now she might lose them both because the “rich” parents decided she isn’t fit. If I was Regina I would have probably done the same thing. After raising a child for so long, it would have been hard for her to explain the situation and tried to go against the other family to keep her daughter or even get bay cause they would have pressed charges.

For Katheryn, I’m happy to see she is being open-minded and she has grown alot in the series. The dad has been an ass and will always be a douche for the rest of the season I believe. He only cares about himself and getting what he deserves is right, he is not thinking about anyone other than himself and the people he could potentially hurt.

I’m excited about this show and I can’t wait to see whats gonna happen next.

KiraScurro

wow! what a puzzle! Yes, of course Regina was wrong in not revealing the info when she knew. But it was so human not to. Who would want to give up their child after 3 years even if it wasn’t their child? How strange a new unknown toddler would be, even if it was your blood.

Yet, everyone else’s reaction was exactly as it should have been. Everyone had to feel such betrayal by a woman they thought they knew…or were beginning to know. It’s the first script I have ever seen that justified the bitter righteous anger of everyone!

I think I know why Kathryn was the most calm. As a woman, and a mother, and understanding Regina’s circumstances at the time, she was the only one who could have had an inkling of what Regina went thru in her decision.