Welcome back to Wynonna Wednesday, Earpers! Last week, we discussed the raucous third episode (complete with oodles of chili and Ogre Nedley) of Wynonna Earp. This week, I want to delve into episode four, “Afraid.” Our posse of dipsh*ts dealt with formidable reapers, scheming demons, and avoided Waverly PowerPoint presentations. There’s a ton to unpack in this episode. So, hold on to your butts. Grab some whiskey and doughnuts. Let’s get to Earping.
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The performances!
Lately, I’ve been singing praises for the inimitable Kat Barrell (Nicole). While Barrell continues to deliver every week and then some, I want to tip my Stetson at Melanie Scrofano, a.k.a. our titular hero Wynonna Earp. She directed the hell out of “Look at Them Beans,” and “Afraid” boasted a pitch-perfect performance from her. Wynonna was marked by the Clanton matriarch for reaping. Only our Earp heir could see the ancient Clanton ancestor who was out for her blood. Scrofano genuinely made me believe she was afraid for her life. Seldom do we get to see Wynonna in such a vulnerable, raw state. This situation was made all the worse since she was bereft of Peacemaker, the only weapon capable of slaying demons. Additionally, she was the only one who could see the Clanton demon. Despite having Doc (Tim Rozon) at her side, Wynonna was essentially helpless.
Scrofano has always been a powerhouse and this season is no exception. She had me hook, line, and sinker in Wynonna Earp‘s pilot episode, “Purgatory.” I feel like I can relate to Wynonna the most out of the core characters, and her evolution has been interesting to watch. “Afraid” brought her low — probably the lowest we’ve seen Wynonna in some time. Without Peacemaker, how will she stand a chance in defeating her newest (oldest) enemies, the Clantons? Especially since Mama Clanton appears to be fairly formidable herself. On another note, Scrofano’s chemistry with Rozon continues to sizzle. Dare I say that they have some of the best character chemistry I’ve ever seen on the small screen. And I watch a fork ton of TV.
The story!
Now, Season Four incessantly surprises me with its intriguing story line. I loved the nuances behind the Clanton’s method of “marking” their enemies. Blood sacrifices and the reaped finding rocks in their pockets at any given time. Not to mention, only the marked can see the demon that’s stalking them. I thought the whole process was very well executed. In addition, I dug having another Purgatory founding family as the season’s “Big Bad.” It’s all very Hatfields vs. McCoys. The Clantons are also in positions of power within the town. Clayburn (Ty Olsson) is Purgatory’s newest sheriff. Cleo (Savannah Basley) is the magistrate. Meticulously placing themselves in said positions of power gives them a great advantage over Wynonna. Purgatory residents have always had a love/hate relationship with Wynonna.
However, the Clantons are coming across as “more likable” to those who don’t know Wynonna and her sacrifices that well. There’s power in numbers, unfortunately. The stakes are higher than ever before since Wynonna has been “cut down to size” without her weapon. But, as Doc says, “I am a weapon.” I think this whole scenario will bring our posse of dipsh*ts together unlike anything before. There’s also power in unity and we’ve learned that our protagonists are stronger when working in tandem.
One story line in which I’m slightly scratching my head is Doc’s partnership with Aemon (Noam Jenkins). Of course, Aemon is benefiting significantly from Doc’s contributions (i.e. delivering the former’s supplies), but what’s Doc’s endgame? Inevitably, our favorite Old West vamp will get something out of their deal. But what? I do find The Glory Hole proprietor is intriguing enough as a new character. Plus, I’m digging the bar’s ’80s vibes. Aemon himself gives off an “’80s bad guy” aura, which brings back a multitude of memories from watching ’80s movies.
Also: kitchen floor sex. My hope is that Nicole and Waverly (Dominique Provost-Chalkley) will discover new and interesting places to bang in/around the Homestead.
The new characters (and the Jerbear)!
Can someone say “newbies?” Firstly — meet the Clantons! The best part about them was discovering that this family really existed. They were part of an outlaw group known as “The Cowboys” and they clashed with Doc and Wyatt Earp. As per Waves’ discovery via her research, a major gunfight at the O.K. Corral unfurled, which catapulted the Clanton/Earp feud to new heights. Of course, some liberties were taken on Wynonna Earp, but I loved that the Powers That Be still imbued a bit of history into the plot.
Now, we’ve already met Clayburn and Cleo. Margot a.k.a. “Mam” (Paula Boudreau) was a new introduction to the clan. She strikes me as inherently evil, especially given what she does to Nicole in that massive cliffhanger. My hope is we’ll get to delve deeper into her association with Haughtpants. On the flip side, Cleo and Clayburn, especially the latter, seem less innately villainous. Mam holds all the power and they’re merely pawns in her grand plan to eradicate the Earps for good. It would appear they simply despise the Earps just for the sake of it. Besides, the O.K. Corral gunfight was well over a century prior. Facts/history can get distorted over time.
In addition, we also met Billy Clanton (Billy Bryk), Rachel’s (Martina Ortiz-Luis) not-boyfriend-but-could-be. He made a valiant sacrifice by essentially being reaper food in place of Wynonna. Of course, Mam took it up a notch by turning her own son into a killing machine. Mother of the year right here, folks. I wasn’t overly fond of the “star-crossed lovers” angle with Billy and Rachel. Frankly, Billy felt more like a plot device meant to catalyze the story further as opposed to being his own person.
Oh, and we can’t forget my new favorite addition with Deputy Assistant Director Naomi Hycha (Reagan Pasternak)! I think her character is the exact opposite of what we’ve seen in past Black Badge superior agents. She’s proof positive that perhaps not all BBD agents are evil — they just have no idea what the fork they’re doing. I especially enjoyed her rapport with Wynonna.
And, I’d be remiss if I left out the return of the Jerbear (Varun Saranga). Wynonna’s impassioned speech regarding Jeremy at the end left me in a puddle of my own tears. We got our nerd back! Additionally, I missed Jeremy’s incessant quips. His brand of humor makes this sh*tshow all the better. I hope Robin eventually makes a return, because I only want what’s best for my Jerbear.
RELATED: Read all Wynonna Earp recaps here!
What did you think of “Afraid?” 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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