I found The Path to be a thought-provoking series that delves into themes of faith, religion, cult dynamics, and the struggles of breaking free from oppressive belief systems. While I appreciated the characters and the complex questions the series posed, there were significant flaws that hindered my overall enjoyment.
What I Liked:
The series excels in exploring the psychological grip that cults can have on individuals and how belief systems shape people's identities. It prompted me to reflect on broader questions: Why do people stay in harmful systems? Can one separate a philosophy from its flawed founder? These are questions relevant not just to fictional movements like Meyerism but to real-world religions, ideologies, and even cultural icons.
My favorite character was Cal Robertson, played brilliantly by Hugh Dancy. He embodied the charisma and inner turmoil of a cult leader in a compelling way. I also appreciated the evolution of his relationship with Mary-it was one of the few character arcs that felt authentic and well-developed.
What I Disliked:
Unfortunately, the series often relied on unnecessary drama and improbable situations. Relationships were especially frustrating, with characters falling in and out of love at a dizzying pace. Eddie (Aaron Paul) and Sara's dynamic, in particular, felt inconsistent and contrived, as did Hawk and Caleb's relationship. Transitions between major plot points also lacked plausibility; for instance, Eddie's abrupt rise to leadership or the sudden shifts in Sara and Cal's status within the movement felt unearned.
Another major issue was the lack of strong character consistency. Eddie begins as a skeptic, but when he gains power, he exhibits little empathy for those experiencing the same doubts he once had. This made him less relatable as the series progressed.
The ending was the biggest disappointment. It left too many loose ends and failed to provide satisfying resolutions to the themes and character arcs. It felt rushed, as if the creators had run out of steam and just wanted to wrap things up.
Broader Reflections:
The show has clear parallels to real-life movements, particularly the Rajneesh movement led by Osho. Like Steven Meyer in the series, Osho preached a philosophy that resonated with many, yet his personal actions undermined his ideals. This raises an ethical dilemma: Is it acceptable to embrace a philosophy or movement if its founder was deeply flawed? Similarly, can we enjoy art by creators like Michael Jackson or Bill Cosby while acknowledging their moral failings?
This tension is mirrored in the characters' choices. Should Eddie, Sara, and Cal continue Meyerism despite knowing its origins? The series invites viewers to wrestle with these questions, even if it doesn't offer clear answers.
Final Thoughts:
While The Path had its moments of brilliance and strong performances-particularly from Hugh Dancy-it was let down by uneven writing and unsatisfying resolutions. The show shines when it focuses on moral and philosophical dilemmas but stumbles with melodrama and weak plotting. My overall score is 7/10, with most of the points earned for its ambitious themes and thought-provoking questions.
