Mary Kills People Review: The Means (Season 2 Episode 1)

Mary Kills People Season 2 Episode 1, “The Means,” packs a whole lot of punch into an exciting hour for its return to our TV screens.

So much happens in the Season 2 premiere, yet it flows so nicely. Never a dull moment as we go from one shocking event to the next.

It is truly a fun ride.

I’m not sure why I’m surprised at this. Mary Kills People’s first season was strong throughout buoyed by excellent writing and outstanding performances. All that is here, and it still feels fresh.

The storyline of Mary and Ben from the first season had run its course, and I was a bit nervous that they would try to fit it in to the new season. I am pleased to see that they avoid this trap.

It remains to be seen if Ben (Jay Ryan) will show up later, and I will give these very capable writers the benefit of the doubt if they do choose to bring him back. It might make sense as Louise is still investigating Mary and Des’ meeting with the undercover Ben.

Assisted suicide is such an interesting topic, but one I had felt could get repetitive in an episodic format.

Boy, do they prove me wrong.

The clients that Mary (Caroline Dhavernas) and Des (Richard Short) work with on this episode offer a different variation on their “jobs” as well as another philosophical debate. This one puts Mary and Des at odds with each other on Des’ first day back.

Des: This is not what we do.
Mary: Yes, it is. We help people who want to die.
Des: No, we help terminally ill people shuffle across that rainbow bridge a bit faster; we don’t murder perfectly healthy individuals who are merely a bit sad.

Both are valid arguments. And the way this one plays out is so unpredictable. “Suffering isn’t always physical.” This echoes a line from Mary Kills People Season1 Episode 1, “Bloody Mary,” where Mary says “Pain is subjective.”

I love how this show seamlessly weaves cerebral concepts with dramatic storytelling.

This also is shown in a winsome scene between Mary and her youngest daughter, Cambie (Lola Flanery), where they discuss different cultural ideas of death like the Mexican Dia De Los Muertos. “Instead of pretending it doesn’t exist they celebrate it.”

With all that happens on this episode, taking time to have these affecting scenes allows for a nice breather for the audience. And these moments come upon us in unexpected ways.

For example, the tangential story with the ER patient, Brendan (Salvatore Antonio), seems superfluous at first, although charming as heck. “You’re pretty. No, really, like a TV doctor.” But then it turns out to be more moving than any subplot has a right to be.

I only touch on a fraction of the action that takes place on this episode, but it all comes together cohesively, and is a stellar hour of television; not to mention a great reintroduction to these characters and their complicated lives.

Stray Observations:

• Here’s hoping Des sheds his scruffy prison look. He looks like Casey Affleck. Blech.
• The friendship between Jess and Naomi is such an interesting dynamic, and both Abigail Winter and Katie Douglas embody these roles so well.
• I really love the addition of Olivia (Rachelle Lefevre) this season. A female Grady is going to be fun to watch.
• Any reference to A Streetcar Named Desire is much appreciated. Thank you.
• There is a lot of cool framing throughout this episode. Some not so typical over-the-shoulder shots peppered in with the basic ones.
• “The show must go on.”
• “Somebody thinks I’m a hit man.”
• “He didn’t really seem like the Machiavellian type. You do.” I am so excited to see more between Mary and Olivia.
• The final scene where Mary gives Betty “the means” is beautifully acted by both Dhavernas and Karen Robinson.

What did you think of this episode of Mary Kills People? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Mary Kills People airs Mondays at 9/8c on Lifetime.

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