“Boiling Point” (2021), directed by Philip Barantini, is a superbly acted pulsating thriller that shows how much goes behind every signature dish of a fine-dining restaurant. The film was a classic example of filmmaking that does storytelling via perpetual increase of tension till it reaches the titular ‘boiling point.’ The film did not end in a way that demanded a sequel. But, when original writers and the director get involved in creating a four-episode TV series, “Boiling Point” (season 1), that acts as a sequel, you cannot help but feel intrigued.
“Boiling Point,” the TV series, tones down the tension-building part (fret not, it does, but not from start to end)—an understandable choice since it is almost four hours long in total duration. Instead, it accentuates and plays on the emotional aspects of the characters that the movie established—an aspect the movie subtly hinted at. It is still a thrilling ride, with the right amount of examination of the depression everyone goes through at some point in their lives.
Boiling Point (Season 1) Recap:
Carly’s New Restaurant
Time has passed since Andy (Stephen Graham) passed out on that fateful night at Jones and Sons. While “Boiling Point” the movie ends with the ambiguity of whether Andy lives or dies, the series confirms that Andy lives. Carly (Vinette Robinson), Andy’s sous-chef at Jones and Sons, has now opened her own restaurant, “North Point.” Carly has also taken most of the kitchen and front staff of Jones and Sons with her. This includes Freeman (Ray Panthaki), Camille (Izuka Hoyle), Emily (Hannah Walters), Jamie (Stephen McMillan), Dean (Gary Lamont), Robyn (Aine Rose Daly), Jake (Daniel Larkai), and Billy (Taz Skylar).
The first episode starts just like the movie starts. A busy night at the restaurant where prospective investors are dining with the current investor of North Point, Liam (Joel MacCormack). Johnny, who has lied on his resume, also starts his first day at the restaurant. He is immediately overwhelmed when tasked with the simple assignment of preparing a Hollandaise sauce. Carly and her sous-chef Freeman feel the heat. Things escalate when Carly has to attend to a personal emergency, and Freeman is left in charge. Due to many fumbles from Johnny and irresponsibility from another chef, Bolton (Shaun Fagan), a beef dish reaches the table of the investors with chocolate sauce. Freeman eventually rectifies it, but not before the investors have had a good look at the mistake.
Liam is livid as the deal collapses. Freeman, who has anger issues, loses temper and throws a bottle in the kitchen. When Carly comes back, she faces the chin music from Liam. She gets into a quarrel with Freeman. She claims that it was Freeman’s anger and his words that acted as the trigger for Andy’s heart attack back at Jones and Sons. We know that is technically not true, as Andy did take alcohol and drugs before he collapsed. But this is probably not known to all. Carly’s words hit the guilt-stricken heart of Freeman and he quits the job.
Andy’s Sobriety Act
It appears Emily is the only one who keeps tabs on Andy. Andy has become a shadow of his former shelf. He lives alone and drinks heavily. We see him losing his shares of Jones and Sons. It is Emily’s Alcoholic Support group that becomes the sanctuary for Andy. Emily becomes his sponsor and encourages him toward sobriety. Andy does well. When he goes to meet Beth (to hand over his shares of Jones and Sons), he sees Freeman back in Jones and Sons (under a new name). The warm handshake indicates both trying to move on from the incident. Freeman is relieved, to say the least.
Andy reconnects with his son and spends quality time with him, all the while ignoring the urge to call Carly. Carly also ignores the urge. Both continue to ask about each other when they see Emily. Andy, after cooking a pizza with his son in his kitchen, decides to pay a visit to North Point. But he changes his mind at the reception and leaves. However, Carly notices him.
Jamie’s Depression
Perhaps the show’s most tender moment is how it builds Jamie’s depression-triggered self-harm streak. Jamie’s history of cutting himself did appear in the movie, but it is in the second episode we see how Jamie becomes helpless when the urge to self-harm takes over. The series establishes Emily’s motherly relationship with Jamie, which was hinted at in the movie.
When Carly decides to put Jamie’s dish on the menu, he becomes excited. He is so excited that he starts to question his dish, even though both Carly and Emily taste it to confirm that his dish is excellent. But the obsession for perfection turns into panic, and soon, he resorts to his vulnerability. Emily recognizes the danger and, with Johnny’s help, rescues Jamie from the bathroom, where he lies semi-conscious. Johnny, who was in the army, keeps a cool head and does the first aid as Emily calls the ambulance. Jamie survives, but he drives Emily to something she has quit for thirteen years: alcohol.
Boiling Point (Season 1) Ending Explained:
What Happens to Jamie and Emily?
Emily becomes disappointed with herself as she succumbs to alcoholism once again. Thankfully, she confesses to Carly, who is extremely supportive and encourages Emily to complete the program again. As Jamie starts to recover, Emily starts to recover as well. Jamie’s recovery eventually makes him ready for a comeback at another important event for the restaurant: a wedding.
As Liam highlights, this could be a great opportunity to generate positive feedback among potential investors. Freeman’s replacement and Carly’s new sous-chef, Nick (Steven Ogg), curates the menu. Jamie makes a glorious comeback as he prepares the wedding cake, and his cake bowls everyone over. At the afterparty, he confesses to Jake that he is doing well, figuring things out the right way. Jamie looks happy. If Jamie is happy, Emily would also be happy.
What Happens to Jake and Robin?
The show also focuses on Jake and Robin, two characters the movie spent the least amount of time. We knew Robin wanted to become an actress and Jake was lazy. However, the show spins poignant touches on their story. Jake, the kitchen porter, actually is doing two jobs to support his high-achieving sister’s dreams. When Carly has to cut Jake’s hours, he has to go outside of the law to earn money with help from his lesbian friend Holly (Hannah Traylen), who also works under Carly.
Robin, on the other hand, is revealed to be suffering from Crohn’s Disease. In a tormenting scene, she has to defecate in her pants as she cannot find any toilets nearby. This ruins her chances for another audition. Both Jake and Robyn struggle in their workplace due to their personal fights. But they find solace in their colleagues. It is Holly for Jake and Dean for Robyn. The lovable manager rebukes Robyn but later comforts her when he learns her reasons for tardiness. They share one of the show’s most poignantly funny scenes.
Will North Point be Closed?
After the success of the wedding, Carly and the team party at the local disc. Carly listens to her heart and kisses Holly. But things turn sour as Liam reveals to Carly that they still do not have an investor. As Carly faces the inevitable possibility of losing her restaurant, she knocks at the door of Andy. That one meet melts the ice. Andy tells Carly how talented she is. As Carly tells Andy that North Point is about to be closed, Andy tells her that they could think together and figure something out. The season ends with Carly visiting her restaurant and looking at it despondently. But there is hope. We do not know what Carly and Andy discussed; maybe that is for season 2.
Will There Be a Boiling Point (Season 2)?
Speaking of the second season, as of now BBC has not renewed “Boiling Point” for another season. However, director Barantini has expressed the desire to explore more, as has the executive producer and actor Stephen Graham. The season does provide a closure. Even if there is no continuation the show still holds its own. However, it appears that the creators have left some threads untied to tantalize the possibility of a continuation. It should have another season.
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