Bruce Campbell: Lodge 49 episode 8 preview reveals the true Captain

Bruce Campbell appeared briefly as “Captain” on episode 7 of Lodge 49 this past Monday. In the next installment of this quirky comedy, we get to meet the man behind the myths.

“I go by many names. Gary, Captain…that’s it, I guess.” – Bruce Campbell

What We Know So Far

Bruce Campbell as “Captain” was heard but not seen. A subplot and Holy Grail quest for Ernie Fontaine. In episode 7, Beautiful Jeff revealed that he “snaps his fingers and worlds are born.” That is the stuff of myths and legends.

A presence looming over the pocket of Long Beach inhabited by the denizens of Lodge 49 you would expect that when he finally appeared it would be a monumental entrance of sorts. Instead, we are introduced to “Captain” or Gary kicking back in a kiddie wading pool in the middle of some barren development.

Not exactly what we pictured but memorable, nonetheless. The minute you see him, you have questions such as if he is a high-powered business wheeler and dealer, what the hell is he doing in the middle of the afternoon sunning himself in a pool? Shouldn’t he be buying and selling properties?

Now, we have a face to put to the mysterious moniker and he doesn’t look all that impressive. As a matter of fact, he looks like a hot mess. He is just a regular guy and nothing to be feared or revered.

Behind the “Image”

However, in the preview where Ernie finally has his audience with the emperor of southern California it is a bit bizarre to say the least. Dud’s introduction of Ernie is priceless. “He sells toilets.” What is even better is Gary’s reaction.

“Okay toilet man. Let’s go. Let’s get this over with. What do you want from me?” while he pours himself another drink which is mostly vodka. However, the “I don’t have time for you” vibe is given off perfectly by Bruce Campbell. He also sounds a tad weary like everyone in the world comes to him all the time to get stuff done.

His Captain is a busy man and wants everyone to get to the point. Which is very similar to quite a few characters that Campbell has played in his past like Ash Williams and all of his cameos in Sam Raimi’s Spider-Man series. He seems quite comfortable conducting business in a wading pool.

That is a clue right there. Gary is an odd duck but just like Ernie and Dud, we are sucked into wanting to know more about him. When he notes that “Jesus of Nazareth was the best salesman of all time,” this is also a guy that is pretty shrewd.

The Clues to His Real Personality

In a preview of episode 8, we see Captain/Gary tearing up a piece of paper and eating it. Across from him is a woman so it might be safe to assume there is some sort of issue there. Then in the next shot, he is guzzling from a bottle in a brown paper bag which is never a good sign. Whatever just transpired drove him to drink.

Clearly, he is a complicated guy. And Bruce Campbell is all about playing flawed characters. It is refreshing to see him in a role that doesn’t require elaborate choreography, weaponry or blood-splatter. He had four decades of that experience. Now, it is time to explore other opportunities.

I can’t think of a better kickstarter to his Act 3 then Gary “Captain” Green. Bruce’s next Lodge 49 episode airs on Sept. 24 at 10 p.m. on AMC.

Were you surprised to see Bruce turn up on Lodge 49? Have you seen the show? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section below. We want to hear from you.