I like how the show added Cam and Rebecca as characters to the show plots, not just for the tension/“romantic spice” between them, but also because the duo’s own history also reflects on the terrifying aspects of teenage bullying/ignorance and racial prejudice/assimilation to white culture which tie to the overarching theme of the show. And more importantly, I like how their stories serves as mirror parallel to the main Reena Virk storyline: In a way, how they turned out could be how these kids turn out in 10 years. At least it could be one possibility. You clearly see the passing of her brother messed Rebecca and Cam up until present day. They both have yet fully processed their thoughts and experiences. And the unresolved issues/feelings certainly affected their personalities and life choices.

After finishing the book (actually finished listening to the audible), I also listened to the additional hour-long segment interview with the author. And now I'm curious about how the last two episodes of the series will present the story author Rebecca Godfrey chose to tell in the latter part of her book... Certain part of those stories (especially knowing they truly happened) really gave me some strong emotions… Her writing succeeded in immersing readers in the situation at the time, evoking empathy from readers for both the teenagers and adults involved in the case.

Looking back on Rebecca in the series after listening to the author’s interview, I feel that the character is pretty true to the actual Rebecca. Obviously it’s not a 1:1 replica, but the show captured the essence of the author- I think the portrayal of this character Rebecca did a good job explaining some of the reasons behind the author Rebecca's choice to tell this story (not quite as dramatic for sure), especially the thoughts going into why she decided to approach the case in this particular angle: tell the stories of the kids involved in this cruel and complex case from their perspective and then following onward in this way. Along with the added dramatic artistic decisions, it makes me appreciate even more turning the original author into one of the story's characters and combines it with the author's own experiences to tell the story. Like I said before, if the case of Reena Virk itself is the show’s main focus, then Rebecca and Cam are like the messy adults these kids might turn into in ten years if their issues are left unaddressed properly... The author wanted to convey the complexity of this true case- to tell the stories of teenagers involved in the event whose emotions are often times overlooked and ignored, while also trying to expose the injustice in the justice system. I think adding Cam and Rebecca into the show definitely hone down on these points and made the storytelling more compelling.

I saw that Rebecca Godfrey is also listed as one of the executive producers of the series. Reading that Emmy magazine interview, knowing that she also looked forward to and participated in the preparation of the series, but unfortunately, passed away before the official shooting began, what a commemoration then to see Rebecca Godfrey, in her own image, incorporated and preserved her real life connections to the case and the people involved in the case on the show. She chose to tell this story, and now she is forever linked to it.

My only hope for the finale...

Cam packing her car as she gets ready to leave for Vancouver. Rebecca is watching her with her hands in her pockets.

Cam: "So what are you going to do now? Head back to New York? Disappear off the face of the Earth again?"

Rebecca: "Nah. Probably stick around here for a little bit. Finish my book."

Cam: "Then what?"

Rebecca: "I don't know. But I hear Vancouver is nice."

Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone as Rebecca and Cam Under the Bridge (2024)— "Blood Oath"

Lily Gladstone and Riley Keough UNDER THE BRIDGE 1.03

I need something real from them, you know? Use the press. Scare 'em.

#progresss

Hey, Perry Smith told Capote things he never told anyone else.

Under the Bridge - 1x05

this has been making me feel insane for the last few days (in the best way) so i really do not blame cam for acting the way she does when she’s around her

It's okay to feel that.

Then and Now.

Rebecca Godfrey x Cam Bentland

- Under the Bridge 1x06

These two literally eye fuck the shit out of each other every single time they lock eyes...

Riley Keough and Lily Gladstone as Rebecca and Cam Under the Bridge (2024)— "When The Heat Comes Down"

Moments Rebecca and Cam were taking care/looking out for each other UNDER THE BRIDGE Bonus:

I've seen a lot of people focusing on how easily Cam picked up Rebecca and like, fair. (😍) But the thing that gets me absolutely feral is how gentle and slow Rebecca is in the lead up. Like, my girl had her heart set on a kiss from the start, that was obvious from the way she pulled Cam in to slow dance and looked deliberately at her lips etc, etc. But when she follows her into the bathroom, the way she approaches her is so careful. And even though she doesn't speak you can see that she knows they both want this. But she still takes it slow, lingering forehead touch and breathing each other in. Like, the way they staged that whole scene was beautiful and really conveyed that there's history here and even though they've 'talked' in the previous episodes this is it's own kind of reunion. They haven't been ready yet to touch each other like this again, and Rebecca is taking them toward that by degrees. She makes a small move and waits for Cam to respond before taking it further and I just really love that.

As I keep saying, if these two don't get Emmy nominations for their performances in this show, I will literally riot. If not a win, at least a nomination. Is that too much to ask?

not gonna lie, I am very into how Lily so effortlessly lifts Riley off in that scene I must say

impossible challenge: cam and rebecca get through a conversation without smirking at each other