Welcome back to Wynonna Wednesday, Earpers! Last week, we discussed the explosive Season Four premiere episode of Wynonna Earp. This week, I want to delve into episode two, “Friends in Low Places.” There were quite a few “wow” moments in this particular episode. I’m sure there’s one specific scene on your mind at this very moment. So, hold on to your butts. Grab some whiskey and doughnuts. Let’s get to Earping.
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The performances!
Now, if I had to dole out an MVP award based solely on performance, it would undoubtedly go to Kat Barrell a.k.a. Daddy Nicole Haught. Barrell has always proved to be a capable performer who possessed nuance aplenty. I’ve always wanted the Powers That Be to give her more meaty scenes in which she can sink her teeth. Thankfully, my prayers were answered. Barrell portrayed roughly three different roles. There’s Eve in the Garden and Nicole suffering from a severely broken leg while preparing to fight off Black Badge zombies. Lastly, there’s Homestead Nicole waiting for 18 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days for Wynonna (Melanie Scrofano), Waverly (Dominique Provost-Chalkley), and Doc (Tim Rozon) to return. Sound familiar, Earpers?
Barrell wholly seized the opportunity to show off her versatility as an actor. Needless to say, she knocked it out of the park and then some. What I enjoy most about Barrell’s style is how effortless she makes it all look. Nothing rings disingenuous or false. You can spot the truthfulness in her performance a mile away. Not to mention (but I’m going to regardless), Barrell exerted 200 percent into that wonderful WayHaught love scene. All of that in one episode! My Stetson’s off to you, Daddy Nicole Haught.
Of course, Scrofano was top shelf. But we already knew that. Provost-Chalkley also soared as per her usual. Rozon never disappoints. Additionally, it was nice to see Varun Saranga play a polar opposite to Jeremy in the form of Eve.
The story!
The Eve story line is innovative in and of itself. Why? Because it’s a new spin that we haven’t seen before. Shows like Supernatural have run the biblical theme into the ground, but Wynonna Earp breathed new life into it. I really enjoyed the subtleties leading up to the Eve reveal. Nicole “arriving” in the Garden sans clothing. A cherry blossom tree suddenly materializing in her prison. Then, she fashions clothing out of cherry blossom tree limbs. If you’re familiar with the Bible, you know that once Adam and Eve were aware of their nakedness, they sought after leaves in the Garden of Eden to cover their naughty bits.
Not to mention, I love that the Garden is essentially a prison for Eve. Julian and Juan Carlo were saddled with the task of protecting the Garden so she couldn’t be unleashed. Everything you know about the paradise of Eden is thrown out the window, and I love that.
In addition, I love Rachel (Martina Ortiz-Luis). I love her rapport with Wynonna and how she’s a perfect fit for our sh*tshow. Rachel’s scenes with Nicole were also wonderfully raw and showcased her vulnerability. I can’t wait for her to meet Doc in particular, so we can see her reaction to encountering the famous gunslinger from the Old West.
That scene!
You know the one. WayHaught fans and Earpers in general were blessed with a beautifully delicate love scene between Waverly and Nicole. Seldom do we see an LGBTQIA+ couple get their fair share of screen time in the sex department. Well, unless it’s on HBO or Showtime. Even then, it may come off as more raunchy like their heterosexual counterparts. No, this was a love scene that managed to convey this wholesomeness while still keeping it steamy. Additionally, this scene wasn’t sandwiched between another hetero love sequence. It stood wholly and powerfully all on its own. Did I mention how beautiful this scene was?
I also appreciated the fact that it didn’t feel forced. Waverly and Nicole’s relationship organically blossomed from their first encounter in Shorty’s until now. Nor did this love scene feel like a plot device or that it solely existed to serve the story arc. It simply was. Not only that, but it was quite clear that Barrell and Provost-Chalkley cared immensely about getting this scene just right. They paid homage to the Earper fandom and what an homage it was.
Was that too lovey dovey for you, Earpers? Let me ruin the mood by inserting a random penis joke here.
RELATED: Read all Wynonna Earp recaps here!
What did you think of “Friends in Low Places?” Sound off in the comments below! Be sure to join me next week for more Wynonna Earp shenanigans on Wynonna Wednesday. Until then — tacos are tasty.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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