The third episode of "Sugar" Season 2, titled "Watch Face," has drawn criticism from reviewers for perceived narrative weaknesses and a departure from its established premise. The episode sees the titular character, John Sugar, recovering from a drive-by shooting, seeking alien blood infusions, and investigating the disappearance of Ji Moon and the death of a child named Chuy.
Sugar's investigation leads him to the gang EZ4s, whom he suspects of involvement in the crimes. He eventually confronts their alleged leader, José Guapo, at the gang's headquarters. The encounter is interrupted by the Sheriff's Department, resulting in Guapo's death and Sugar's arrest, though he is quickly released. During the raid, Sugar observes a man wearing a distinctive wristwatch, similar to one seen on a hospital hitman, who is identified as a police officer played by Tony Dalton.
The episode also includes Sugar interacting with Charlotte, a hotel employee, and experiencing visions of a woman named Peg. Reviewers have noted a repetitive structure to the episode, where Sugar moves between locations, speaks with individuals, and collects clues, likening it to a point-and-click adventure game. Despite facing violent encounters, Sugar appears to recover quickly and gain trust easily, a characteristic that has been both praised for enhancing the show's tone and questioned for its realism.
Critiques highlight a perceived decline in the show's execution, particularly in sequences involving the EZ4s and their leader. The depiction of the gang members has been described as stereotypical, and the overall narrative progression has been compared unfavorably to other crime dramas. The subplots involving Sugar's brother, Danny, and the narrative of Ji Moon have also been deemed less engaging.
Speculation suggests that corrupt police officers may be involved in the central mystery, a plot point that has been explored in other television series. The show's recurring theme of Sugar's humanity and imperfections has been noted, though some critics argue that the series itself overlooks potential for richer storytelling by focusing on a streamlined narrative. The episode continues to feature visually appealing cinematography of Los Angeles and its characters, but concerns remain about the show's overall direction and narrative cohesion.