Top 10 Things You Missed Before The Shelter Finale
#10: Phantom Symbolism
Ema definitely doesn’t plan on auditioning for “Phantom of the Opera,” but when Spoon has to sing a duet solo, she fills in and then some. In a brilliant bit of casting, Ema is surprisingly given the lead role of the Phantom. We’ve yet to see the musical in action, but we think the casting works incredibly well considering her own character. In a way, Ema has heretofore been something of a phantom at school, using metaphorical masks to hide half her identity as the daughter of a celebrity. Not only that, but like the Phantom, she’s appropriated the nickname meant to ridicule and dehumanize her, proving that she’s stronger than she appears.
#9: Familiar Names
What’s in a name? Considering this show, a lot, probably. And then other times it’s just a fun little mention. In Episode 2, Rachel finds Ashley’s locker at the train station. Rachel goes through a slew of Ashley’s fake IDs and passports, all with different identities, such as Jessica Brown and Morgan Smith. Earlier in the episode, Shira looks through her Kasselton High School yearbook upon reuniting with Hannah. On the same page that shows a young Shira and Hannah winning the “Best Friends” award, we also see the names Jessica Brown and Morgan Smith. So, are Ashley’s aliases specifically named after the class of ‘97, or is this just a fun production joke?
#8: Medical Logo
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In the very first episode, we watch in horror as the Bolitar family vehicle is sideswiped and Mickey’s dad is killed. The logo on the responding ambulance and the uniform of the paramedic, however, isn’t the Star of Life normally represented, which Mickey realizes in Episode 4. This one is a variation of the Rod of Asclepius; rather than the snake climbing up the staff, it instead climbs up and drops into a chalice. While the symbolism behind the serpent has been chalked up to multiple things, one of the interpretations is that of rebirth, of shedding one’s skin and becoming something else. Given the themes of the show regarding new identities and lives, we can’t help but make that connection.
#7: Spoon’s Acronym Game
The way Spoon plays with language is downright brilliant. Though it should at least be said for the people around him that his chosen acronyms are a little suspect. Shortly after geeking out about the upcoming school musical - not to mention fawning over larger-than-life celebrity Angelica Wyatt - Spoon reveals the existence of his “MILF club,” which stands for… [clip explaining acronym] That’s not the only acronym he can turn into a double entendre, though. One of the first things we learn about Spoon is his access to various locations through his custodian father. It turns out that he swaps keys with other kids in the so-called “Janitorial Offspring Network.” Never change, Spoon. Never change.
#6: Bat Lady Vanishes
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The Bat Lady has definitely fostered an almost mythical reputation over the years. She gave herself the nickname “Bat Lady” to stoke fear, and at one point Spoon even asks if there should be a “The” at the beginning of her name. As if we needed any more comparisons to a certain other bat-related character from pop culture, Bat Lady pulls off an impressive signature move in Episode 7. When Spoon and Ema confront Bat Lady at her house, they’re suddenly interrupted by Rachel. But when the dynamic duo turns back around, the Bat Lady is suddenly gone. We guess she really is a silent guardian…
#5: Candy
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Things get real when Mickey infiltrates the club and learns of all its dark secrets. But there’s a bright side as he finds a surprising helper in Candy. We’re not too surprised to learn that isn’t her real name. But of all the names she could’ve chosen, that one does fit the setting. From the first time Mickey and Rachel stake out the club, we see that the club’s logo is a neon candy wrapper. Considering the dark and disturbing nature of the club, the reappearance of the candy motif makes us shiver. But we suppose it only accentuates the organization’s shadowy dealings.
#4: Didi Conn’s Previous Role
“Shelter” has some serious acting cred all around. One of its veterans comes in the form of Didi Conn as the delightful Mrs. Friedman. While Mrs. Friedman takes charge of the school play, she’s only doing so due to the suspicious “resignation” of the drama teacher, Mr. Vollmer. Mrs. Friedman pokes around in his office to figure out what happened to him, and there we see posters for past productions, one of which is for “Grease.” Despite Conn’s long career, she’s perhaps best known for playing Frenchy in that show’s most famous movie adaptation back in 1978. Sure, there are other posters for plenty of other musicals, but we have a feeling they couldn’t help but put this one right next to Mrs. Friedman.
#3: License Plate
Kasselton High School is thrown for quite a loop when Angelica is revealed to be helping with the musical. While we don’t learn a lot about her fictional filmography, we do get a couple mentions about a dolphin movie called “Flipping for Love.” It’s clearly one of Spoon’s favorite movies, not to mention that of Buddy, the creepy guy at the club. Putting aside how much we wish “Flipping for Love” were real, you might not have connected the dots earlier in the episode when we see the gang use Angelica’s car en route to a rescue mission. And let’s just say the license plate on the Lamborghini is ultra appropriate considering her work.
#2: Dr. Kent… Hot?
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The clue board in the boiler room is a must-have for any mystery-solving teens, but one of our favorite notes we spotted involves the mysterious Dr. Kent. At some point after Spoon reveals the board, a sticky note appears next to Dr. Kent’s picture that says, “Hot?” Even though this isn’t the actual mystery they’re trying to solve, we love this hilarious little detail. So much so that we’re happy to see it in later episodes as well. But the real mystery is who wrote it. Tell us in the comments who you think is responsible, and why is it Spoon?
#1: Myron Bolitar
Of course, “Shelter” is based on the Mickey Bolitar series written by esteemed author Harlan Coben. But that series itself is a spinoff of another series centering around Mickey’s uncle Myron. When Mickey goes to live with his Aunt Shira early on, we get early confirmation of Myron’s existence in the show’s universe. In Mickey’s room is a whole host of sports paraphernalia, one of which is an MVP trophy with Myron’s name on it. Later in the scene after Mickey meets Spoon, the former directly mentions his uncle, albeit not by name. Did you catch all of these moments? You can watch the finale on September 22nd and be sure to catch all episodes on Prime Video.
