Fightland usually comes at us swinging, but Protect Yourself at All Times hits differently.

There is still plenty of violence, including an opening that goes from peaceful classical music at a Russian-run spa to gunfire in about 30 seconds. This series never wastes time getting down to business.

This week, though, it wasn’t the violence that stood out. It was the emotion. For once, we got to see a softer, more vulnerable side of the men.

(Courtesy of Starz) The Guys Finally Let Their Guard Down

Zeek is still loud, reckless, and hot-headed, but on Fightland Season 1 Episode 4, the bravado drops long enough for us to see what may be driving his behavior.

When he admitted that no one appreciated what he did for the family, you couldn’t help but feel sorry for him.

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His father and sister constantly criticize him, and for the first time, we see how defeated he feels.

Zeek may create a lot of his own problems, but there is clearly more going on underneath all that swagger.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Duke has his own emotional moment when he finally puts the gloves back on.

Watching him spar with Jay, it is obvious how good it feels for him to be back in the ring. For a moment, he looks completely at home.

Then the ghosts of the past change the mood.

Duke hears Calvin, his late brother and former corner man, encouraging him just like he used to, turning an already emotional moment into something even deeper.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Gazzer also gives us a glimpse of something softer when he pulls out a photo album filled with pieces of Duke’s life. He saved everything from baby pictures to newspaper articles about his son’s career.

For once, the tension between them doesn’t feel as heavy. Duke seems genuinely touched as his father turns the pages and talks about him with pride.

Those moments gave us something we haven’t seen much of from these men, making this one of the stronger episodes so far.

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Get More of Our Coverage! Duke Has Lost the Plot

The problem is that while Duke is opening himself up emotionally, he is also becoming increasingly careless. This man spent eight years in prison planning his revenge against Kingsley.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Early in the season, every move seemed calculated.

Even when the plan was dangerous, it felt like he knew exactly what he was doing. That discipline is slipping.

Plans change. That is expected. But Duke is operating with more blind rage than strategy now, and the small mistakes are starting to add up.

Duke and Zeek wear masks when they attack the Russian spa, yet Duke later leaves his sitting in plain sight where Kim can see it. Even after learning she is an undercover cop, he keeps her close.

Meanwhile, their shared grief over losing siblings makes it harder to tell where the investigation ends, and real feelings begin.

(Courtesy of Starz)

But nothing shows how consumed Duke has become by revenge more than Joy. She offers him the chance to leave with her and Aidan, and he refuses. I mean, it’s in her name. Joy offers joy!

You would think riding off into the sunset with Kingsley Marshall’s wife would be revenge enough. Apparently not.

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Duke is willing to let the woman he loves walk away because making Kingsley pay still matters more. That says everything about where he is mentally right now. It’s not a very pretty picture.

Joy Cannot Catch a Break

Joy may be the person I feel for most after this episode. Kingsley is gone, but she is still living under the Marshall family’s control.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Cece has taken over her business interests and has no problem undermining her stepmother when it comes to Aidan.

Even without Kingsley around, she still doesn’t get to make decisions about her own life.

She is fed up, and who can blame her?

The only way Joy can take control is to leave. She will finally be able to raise her son without someone else calling the shots, but nothing is ever simple in Fightland.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Of course, when Joy makes up her mind to go, she can’t. Aidan is gone.

“Our son is missing” is a game changer. That frantic call to Duke confirms what viewers have known, or at least suspected, all along: Aidan is his son. Now he knows it too.

That revelation could change everything. Duke has been moving entirely on revenge, but now Aidan is part of the equation.

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Knowing he is his son changes the stakes, and it will be interesting to see how that affects Duke’s future moves. What would you do if you discovered something like this? And how would it affect your decisions?

The stakes keep rising on Fightland Season 1. Every episode brings more to the table.

(Courtesy of Starz)

Was this more emotional side of the freshman series a welcome change for you?

And now that Duke knows Aidan is his son, how do you think that changes things for him?

There is so much to discuss here, so don’t be shy!

Jump into the comments below and leave a comment.

We see you reading. Let us know you’re here and what you think of Fightland!

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