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The Night Of's fourth episode opens with a shot of the charred remains of Naz's prison bed.

That one shot gives everything you need to know for the coming details of his increasingly complicated life. Basically, nowhere is safe. He doesn't have a single person, situation or place that is fireproof. No security. No safety. No support.

The lack of a foundation of security allows for looseness. Without bonds to tie Naz to a particular safety net, he gains freedom. Specifically, it is a freedom of choice.

Tonight's episode, called "The Art of War" saw many characters exercising that freedom. Big decisions were made, which led to alliances destroyed and some new ones built.

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After the prisoners made s'mores around Naz's bed, he got a new ally.

Without bonds to tie Naz to a particular safety net, he gains freedom.

Calvin Hart, played very well by Ashley Thomas, dominates the scenes with Naz as he tries to teach the fresh meat how to not get pulverized by the abattoir. He gives the audience as much information as he gives Naz. And it allows a chance for Naz as a character to get some development.

I moaned last week about not knowing anything about Naz and wanting to know more about him as a person. Now, Naz's shell shock is wearing off and this episode allowed him to begin to dip his toes into actually acting on the world around him.

But as Calvin continued to instruct Naz, I did wonder why he would stick his neck out. It seemed like anyone helping him exist in prison would become a target as well. In the end, Hart revealed his true intentions with the gift of hot water, baby oil and at least second degree burns.

The rise of Naz's character also destroyed his relationship with his very new lawyer. Though it was somewhat predictable that his case would go to trial (ya know, for plot!), his decision to not confess to murdering Andrea was kind of a pivotal moment in his character development.

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There was one more ruptured alliance, but it's probably pontificating on my part — that is John Stone's relationship with the viewers. His character has been almost completely flawless, a downtrodden yet indefatigable hero. In "The Art of War," we see him basically trading legal services for sex with a prostitute. This doesn't destroy our relationship with him. But it definitely now allows us to call his actions into question.

If John Stone is capable of this, what other ethical rules will he bend?

The biggest new alliance that comes together (as was expected) in this episode happened when Naz asked Michael K. Williams' Freddy for help.

If John Stone is capable of this, what other ethical rules will he bend?

Earlier in the episode, Freddy told Naz, “Survival in here is all about your alliances." By the end, when burning napalm covers Naz's arm, he has to admit that that is true. Through the episode Naz sees exactly what kind of deal he's making with what kind of devil. Naz watches Freddy beat down someone hoarding phones, but also receives a strategic jumpsuit for his court appearance. Perhaps above everything else, Naz has a sense of what's behind Freddy's interest in him.

As Freddy says, Naz is "Like a care package for my brain." I'm still mildly suspicious of this, but can see the desire Freddy would have for some spirited conversation. But hasn't he also noticed how little Naz talks?

It might also explain why Freddy wanted Naz to take the deal. More time for a book club.

It's worth it to also mention the blossoming alliance between Naz and Chandra Kapoor. Her character is set in a fascinating crossroads. She is on equal footing with Naz, John Stone, Allison Crowe and Naz's family. At least for now, she is the fulcrum upon which other characters see their fates rise and fall.

This episode also addressed my concerns of last week, that the show needed to move the central mystery along just a bit. And even though it was moved only a bit, it was still very satisfying among all the rich character drama.

John Stone continues to be on it. Attending the funeral, stalking the rehab house, working with Chandra, he's not giving it up. Even though he tried to get Naz to take the deal, his role in this is far from over. Probably the same with his eczema.

Also, the court scene when Naz refused to admit to the murder might have alluded to some new information. What were those flashbacks in the court, when he was speaking? New information or just flavor?

I remain super impressed by how The Night Of drapes a very well-worn story with its grim reality. There are scenes like tonight's very intriguing exchange between Allison Crowe and the District Attorney. I'm not sure I've ever seen that side of the justice system. I continue to watch rapt at how this murder drama treats so many of its helpless characters and the grounded world around them.

Random thoughts had while watching:

• "Do I look like a reporter?" "Print maybe..." As a former print reporter, they may have a point.

• I want more Box. As the equally rumpled detective, his part in the legal system's case has narrowed, but he is still an interesting character and I want more of him.

• That New York Postcover: "SIKHING REVENGE" 😑

• Again, the point of the Crisco and the saran wrap is to seal the feet against air to moisturize them. There is no need for Stone to wear sandals, which were made to give his feet air. It really bugs me.

TopicsHBO

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