Wynonna Earp Review: The Other Woman (Season 3 Episode 10)
Anytime you see directed by April Mullen on the credits of a TV show, you know it is going to be an emotional and visually compelling ride. Add in a script written by Noelle Carbone and Wynonna Earp Season 3 Episode 10, “The Other Woman” is going to be special.
The episode is beautifully shot, and Mullen, a master storyteller, uses her camera to add complexity and subtext to the words written in the script.
One of the best examples is early on in the episode when Wynonna has a conversation with Bobo who is being held in a plastic cage at the police station (or terrarium as Jeremy puts it).
In the scene, Bobo says he and Wynonna are “the heirs of cruelty and torture,” touching on the idea that the curse makes them more similar than they are different. As they speak, Wynonna’s reflection is superimposed on Bobo and vice versa, underscoring the parts of themselves they see in each other.
Through choices like that Mullen is able to subtly speak to the series larger themes like fate, empathy, and moral ambiguity to give the episode additional depth without hitting the viewer over the head or drawing them out of the narrative.
As is almost always the case on Wynonna Earp choices are made and information revealed that will have huge consequences for both the characters and the show moving forward.
After resisting his hunger and bloodlust for most of the episode, Doc eventually gives in and actually kills Charlie. Doc has a history of making selfish decisions and has always been forgiven without much consequence. This time it feels like Doc has crossed a line that he can’t come back from as easily, and he shouldn’t be able to.
The constant cycle of Doc making terrible decisions only to be forgiven without making amends is beginning to wear thin. It finally feels like Doc may have gone too far and will actually have to earn his redemption if that’s even what he wants anymore.
The heart of this episode though is the Earp sisters. Waverly and Wynonna are sent on a mission by a newcomer named Kevin (welcome to Purgatory Anna Silk) who claims to have come to help them defeat Bulshar.
Kevin sends Waverly and Wynonna on a mission to retrieve Bulshar’s Arm, which Widow Mercedes cut off in Wynonna Earp Season 2 Episode 12, “I Hope You Dance.” The mission though turns out to be a test for Waverly when it’s revealed that she is the champion that can defeat Bulshar.
At first, it seems to be everything Waverly has ever wanted. Since the very first episode, Waverly has wanted to be the special one and break the curse.
But of course, nothing is that simple, and being a hero always comes at a cost. Kevin not only reveals that Waverly is the champion, but that if she chooses to save the world she’ll turn into stone, thus making the cost her life.
Leading up to that reveal, it’s nice to have an episode so specifically about the Earp sisters. Season 3 has had a number of touching moments between Waverly and Wynonna and many of the episodes have ended by re-establishing their bond, but it’s been a while since the show has had an entire episode that really focused on that relationship.
The Earp sisters are the foundation of Wynonna Earp and the lovely rapport between Melanie Scrofano and Dominique Provost-Chalkley elevate even the smallest moments between them. The investment and care put into that relationship ultimately make the reveal that Waverly will have to sacrifice herself to save the world that much more heart-wrenching.
The curse has taken so much from these two women and asked so much of Wynonna in particular. She is constantly asked to make impossible choices and sacrifice something of herself to save everyone else.
She always makes the heroic choice and it always leaves a scar. But through it all, she’s had Waverly to ground her and give her something to fight for. And now the curse wants to take her too.
It seems safe to assume that Waverly will ultimately survive, but watching these two women grapple with the unbearable cruelty of what is being asked of them is simply devastating.
Wynonna Earp Season 3 Episode 10, “The Other Woman” is a strong, beautifully shot episode that, heading into the final two episodes, sets the stage for what promises to be an intense and emotional conclusion to the third season.
Stray Thoughts:
- One of the most poignant exchanges of the episode comes right after Waverly hears the price for saving the world
Kevin: Waverly is the only thing standing between humanity and total annihilation. In the grand scheme of things isn’t one life, kind of….
Waverly: Well, it’s still mine
- As emotional as this episode was it was also a very funny with both Kat Barrell and Dani Kind showing off their comedy chops
What did you think of this episode of Wynonna Earp? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Wynonna Earp airs Fridays at 9/8c on Syfy.
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Sarah Fields
Sarah is an obsessive geek who likes to get into the weeds and over think things. She is passionate about Sci-Fi and comics and is a giant classic film nerd. Sarah cares deeply about media representation and the power of telling diverse stories. When she's not writing or watching her favorite shows she spends her days working in the non-profit world trying to make life a little better for those that need some extra help.