The Purge Season 1 Episode 2 Review: Take What's Yours
Carissa Pavlica
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It feels a little bit wrong writing about Purging on the latest anniversary of 9/11, but with the division of the country, maybe it's exactly as it should be.
While The Purge Season 1 Episode 1 asked the question by way of the title, "What is America?" The Purge Season 1 Episode 2 answers it straight away through a radio announcer:
The Purge IS America, so be an American and Purge.
Radio Broadcaster
If The Purge IS America, then America must be The Purge. That's enough to make anyone a little queasy, isn't it? It's also more than enough reason to want to see the effect of The Purge on society during the other 8,748 hours a year.
Purge night remains surprisingly desolate. The streets are relatively barren. For such grandiose statements about The Purge, you'd think more people would be partaking of such a wondrous occasion.
Frankly, the rules and objectives of Purge night don't seem obvious, either.
Related: The Purge Review: Lower Your Expectations and Have Fun
Miguel the diminutive superhero discovers a couple of medics in the street who have immunity. Have they always had immunity in the franchise? The bigger surprise was his medical knowledge.
Like most action heroes, there isn't a thing Miguel can't do. Assess wounds? Sure. Toss him into the nearest triage unit, and he'll fit in like all of the other doctors on call. But somehow he managed to lose track of his sister from a convalescent home. Likely story.
Miguel's big moment in the spotlight included stumbling onto the stage of Otis' Autohaus human rally or some weirdness. Again, the place was stark.
Think about Purge night and the "everything goes" atmosphere. Otis is giving away a free ride for whoever can make it through his ridiculous setup with a few goons and a booby-trapped warehouse on ONE city block.
Why would Purgers play by Otis' rules when the "show" is being broadcast live? I sure as hell wouldn't.
That car was fantastic, and the weaponry on hand to protect the small group putting on the spectacle wasn't much to hold back a better Purger than Otis.
Even the people partying in the McMansion were tuned into the Otis show, so it seems credible that it might be an annual thing. With an entire year to plan how you're getting that car, why wouldn't someone ride in, shoot 'em all down and drive off with the car?
While the Otis show seems credible, there is a lot about this Purge series that does not.
Related: The Purge Season 1 Episode 1 Review: What Is America?
There aren't any photos to accompany the pure hell Blue Bus Melissa was suffering after she witnessed her buddy axed to death, but suffice it to say she came to her senses regarding taking a ride on that deathmobile.
Dear Leader, though, wasn't about to give up her agency just because one of her followers began losing faith. Penelope, still feeling strongly about her convictions, offered to go in Melissa's place, but it's not about giving at all; it's about the power of Dear Leader (or whatever her designation).
Miguel has a hot rod and a chance of saving his sister. Nobody is coming for the rest of the cursed on the Blue Bus.
Penelope didn't find chanting the good chant nearly as enchanting during Melissa's death as she did during the axing of the first poor bastard. Will she come to her senses and help the rest of the bus before it's too late?
She has a bit of pull with the Leader. She could be their only chance for survival.
And seriously, how easy is Purge Night when you get to sit around and a Blue Bus delivers you a kill like GrubHub? It's not even fair. To Purge, you should have to work for it. That goes for Jane, too.
Instead, Jane is sitting on her ass without suffering at all while putting a hit on David, apparently a consequence of the #MeToo movement.
Should David ogle Jane's ass during an interview? No. Should former President Clinton ogle Ariana Grande's butt during Aretha Franklin's funeral? No. But we're not going to Purge him for goodness sakes.
Related: Cable Ratings: Mayans M.C. and The Purge Premiere Well
David seems to have some questionable behavioral issues, but Jane has some questionable chips on her shoulder, too. She immediately jumps to the negative conclusion before the possibility that everyone doesn't want to screw her.
Alison: What about you. You must have a secret wishlist.
Jane: Wishlist for what?
Alison: Oh, come on. A secret Purge list? All the people you really wish you could take out? We all have one.
Jane: I don't. I've never even been out on Purge night before.
Alison: There's a first time for everything. I mean, what about David?
It's unfair there isn't any blowback for sneaking in and out of the 38th floor where she was promised protection. Why make such a big deal about that if it was going to be so darn easy for her to come and go?
There were Purgers in the basement, but not a single one in elsewhere in the building? That's such a disappointment.
Over at the McMansion, Jemma and Nick were still annoying droll and under the impression they would be able to hide out somewhere once their business was conducted.
Lila was making her way through the party seemingly staying away from Jemma to allow the tension to rise a bit. I don't know why it would matter to the story other than to bolster my earlier impression the two women will be important to each other staying alive, but their history might be significant.
The brief hand touching was electrifying, and when they both admitted hating the night, it led to a passionate kiss outside the house. Lila also said he would ensure her dad took care of Jemma and Nick regarding their business, but it was tinged with personal meaning.
Nick might not have been Jemma's first. Something tells me he's not going to be her last.
That's all the Purging there was to be done on this anniversary of the worst terrorist event on US soil.
Thoughts?
You can watch The Purge online to catch up if you're interested in this slice of our fictional future.
Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.
