Review, Recap: Christina Grimmie's Deception music video | "There's some things you can never lose once you find them"

We are left with this quote from the Anybody's You music video: "It's always us, Jessica."

As a continuation of celebrating Christina Grimmie's music, the third music video for what is called The Ballad of Jessica Blue off from her Side EP has been released. The song Deception is actually what Christina considered as her 'baby'. Even though it seemed like her most favorite, it isn't as well loved compared to her other songs in her EP (based on YouTube views of the lyric videos). 

It's actually the most unique because of the overwhelming sound of the piano. Her voice also sounds more raw in Deception. I love the fact that it's really being showcased in this song. However, I don't like it as much as Without Him. 

Now, this is why I was expecting the least in this music video. I was quite disappointed with the Anybody's You music video because it's not as awesome as Snow White. So, naturally, I won't get my hopes up with this. I just wished it doesn't suck.

Surprisingly, it's actually even better than Anybody's You (in my opinion). I thought that there are many high points in this music video. Let's discuss the best parts and the not-so-good ones while trying to recap what happened throughout the video and how it plays with the whole story of the series.

Though the previous MV ended with Jessica and her grandmother and I naturally expected that Deception will start with their conversation, we actually get to see her in the studio first.

Naturally, I assumed that maybe that enlightening conversation with her grandma that she needed had already taken place. But in the studio, Jessica looks so upset and off especially the way she skimmed through the music sheets. Since I'm critical and I want to be objective, I thought, there's something wrong with the timeline because of how they choose to show the scenes of Jessica and her grandma, and when she's in the studio.

Come to think of it... based on the conversation that she had with her grandma, Jessica seemed to figure it out and she felt better. If this happened before the one in the studio and considering that the previous MV ended here, she wouldn't still be upset inside the studio. I may be making an issue about this but that's just because I write stories and I am really interested in the story of this whole series. I'm concerned about this little mistake. This is just my honest opinion. It would have been perfect if they got this right because this is the only let down in this music video. Other than that minor problem, everything else is on the high road.

Then, we get this close-up shot of her grandma's hand. Do you notice something?

If you are a keen observer, you will see a tiny detail that subtly connects to Christina's faith. Grandma is wearing a cross bracelet that is big enough to be seen. It is a bit covered by her sleeve, though. As a Christian and as someone who values my faith as much as Christina did, this is actually nice to have in her music video. It's also very considerate that they did not make it too obvious for the viewers since it may repel those who have a different faith or have none at all. I really appreciate this. It's one of the reasons why I like it more than Anybody's You.

We get to see Jessica and her grandma having a conversation. They are in front of a mirror. Before I fangirl about grandma, we need to talk about the mirror. This specific object is very symbolic that those who have creative minds often use it. We all know that Jessica is having an identity crisis. The mirror is pretty much used here for her "self-reflection". Normally, when we look at a mirror, we often determine our physical self. In her case, even though we see grandma put make-up on Jessica's face, the real problem actually lies within.

  

Jessica's conversation with her grandma is the best part in this music video.

"I just feel like I'm losing my opportunities and my best friends... maybe even my mind."

"See that girl? She is beautiful, no matter what."

"There's some things you can never lose once you find them. Your voice is one of them. It's yours, Jessica. You can never lose it. Just make sure you find it."

Grandma just won me over because of her wisdom. I love her and she might be my most favorite character in this series. Sorry, Jessica. It also made me miss my own grandmothers, who are up there in Heaven with the Lord. They may have met Christina herself. By knowing this, it brings me joy. So, I have a soft spot for grandparents.

I love Jessica and grandma's relationship. It melted my heart when their heads were leaning toward each other.

It was such a sweet sight. The way grandma comforted Jessica was golden. Not to mention that grandma also served as the voice of reason.

This line is the bomb: "There's some things you can never lose once you find them. Your voice is ONE of them. It's yours, Jessica. You can never lose it. Just make sure you find it."

It makes me think whether Christina was actually the one who thought of this quote. I'm curious of how much of the output in the series was Christina's. I would not be shocked if she had a lot of say in this aspect of the music videos.

Inside the studio, Jessica looks more confused than ever. Again, Christina's facial expressions are on point.

For some reason, these shots where she's looking up reminds me of what her brother, Marcus, said, "She worded she saw Jesus next." In my mind, I picture her like this. The only difference is her reaction. Knowing Christina, she would have been so excited to finally meet Jesus face-to-face. I remember in two separate interviews where she said that she would want to hang-out with Him for a day. "That would be cool. I have a lot of questions to ask him."

It seemed like she was talking to Him. Christina had been vocal of her faith. She wasn't ashamed of it. Most importantly, she really LIVED it. But she was not someone who would shove it on your face. The cross bracelet of Jessica's grandma and this gesture are not overly flaunted. Personally, the presence is already enough. I feel even more overwhelmed that they were in the music video. That connection just had to be there.

I also like the fact that we get to see her play the piano. We all know that she was first known in YouTube as someone who had an incredible voice and amazing piano skill. Those who became her fans in YouTube will get to appreciate this, for sure. It's her trademark. It's also evident that she is ACTUALLY playing the piano. There's no lip sync too.

I noticed that the recurring theme of these music videos, so far, is the extreme close-up shots of Jessica. Christina is so pretty. What made her even more beautiful was her inner beauty. When she stared at the mirror, I couldn't help but cry. They say that "eyes are the windows to your soul". It couldn't be more true with these screen shots. The eyes pierced my heart. At that moment, I could see through it and wondered how she must have felt.

I almost want to say these words, "Please, don't close your eyes Christina. Let it open forever."

I know that it might be hard to watch but critically I have to praise that they were able to get these heartwarming shots above.

In the last scene, Jessica is still in the studio. She's all dressed up. So, this is probably the night of her showcase. It means that the next music video, Without Him, is when we actually see the showcase.

This shot of her hand on the piano keys is a smooth addition as this music video would come to a close.

This shot below made me cringe. I will not elaborate why did I feel that way. Maybe, some of you would get what it is about.

Unlike the previous two music videos, Deception ends with this shot below where Jessica is deep in thoughts and there was no conversation with anyone. I'm quite disappointed. It seemed abrupt. It doesn't ruin the quality of this music video, though.

Overall, I'll give it a 8/10 rating. It's two points above Anybody's You but one point short of Snow White.

Without Him will be the very last video for this series. I'm really excited for that. At the same time, I'm dreading it. What will happen next after this whole The Ballad of Jessica Blue? Is it going to end there? I hope not. What about the songs that she had recorded (if there is/are) but were not released? What about the songs that she had written and finished but were not recorded? What about that independent movie that she's in? Do they still have any plan on releasing it? Ultimately, the decision lies on her family. I would understand. I would respect it.

I'm thankful that, at least, they shared these videos with us. We're almost three months since she went home to be with the Lord. Everyday here in this world, we still celebrate the life that she lived, the legacy that she left, and enjoy her music. I have already mentioned several times, I take comfort in the fact that she's definitely in a better place where there are no sin and brokenness. Her family and friends do too.