Mary Kills People Review: Ride or Die (Season 2 Episode 4)

On Mary Kills People Season 2 Episode 4, “Ride or Die,” Mary and Des are reminded why they do what they do, and why it’s worth all the risk.

I am not a hundred percent on board with Ben being back as Mary’s love interest, but I do see how it works for the narrative.

Ben: In this job I have to put people in boxes—good people and bad people. Everywhere I turn in this thing there you are. You’re one of the bad ones.

Ben is a little too focused on the black and white to see the humanity in what Mary does. It takes him actually witnessing an assisted suicide to see her side of things. I am glad he comes around, but his close-minded judgement of her up until then still bothers me.

Mary does deserve a win, though, and she gets one at the end of this episode. And not just the sexy times with Ben, but finally an acceptance and understanding from someone who had arbitrarily categorized her as a bad guy.

At least I hope he’s in her corner now. I still don’t entirely trust him.

Moving onto someone who might not seem trustworthy if you like putting people into boxes like Officer Ben: Des.

He starts off the episode feeling like a criminal despite having broken the law many times before. He sees the black and white like Ben, but he also sees the gray area. This causes him to have a crisis of conscience.

His salvation comes in the form of Joshua, the young man he was unable to kill on Mary Kills People Season 2 Episode 2, “The Connection.”

Even though Joshua’s time on the show is brief, the connection he and Des make is meaningful. They save each other, which in turn helps to save Mary, as well. It really is a touching turn of events.

This part of the Joshua story arc is written beautifully, and the performances by all involved are really well done. From Joshua’s skate park date to Mary and Des’ “ride or die” conversation—there are poignant moments, funny bits, and tear-jerking emotion.

Mary Kills People is adept at using their time wisely, and filling their episodes to the brim with compelling material.

Not only is the Joshua plot rife with good storytelling, but Jess and Naomi’s continues to develop nicely, and there are some really great moments with Brendan.

Mary: It’s a part of life, and you can say goodbye the way you want. Live your death as you live your life.
Brendan: I would want it to be a party.
Mary: It can be.
Brendan: Like a performance.

I know I sound like a broken record saying that they fit so much story into each episode, but it’s the truth, and something that they prove time and again. It’s commendable, and I honestly am in awe of it each time.

Since their seasons are only six episodes, you feel like you get the most bang for your buck. And none of it is done cheaply at the expense of the story. It all fits and it all works.

Stray Observations:

• “Where’s your karmic retribution?” Easy there, little Olivia.
• “It was just a party. It’s not like we killed anyone or anything.” I love sassy Naomi. 
• “Maybe your work situation is bad because you kill people.”

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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