Nancy Drew Review: The Secret of the Old Morgue (Season 1 Episode 2)

On Nancy Drew Season 1 Episode 2, “The Secret of the Old Morgue,” we start to see a more solid narrative and all the secrets that come with it.

After it’s somewhat rocky first outing, my biggest concern for this show has been being able to enjoy it for more than shock value. If this installment is a sign of what’s to come, those odds are looking up.

Some issues linger. The voiceover still feels more clunky than witty and need to push shady behavior on important characters so early on interferes with what should be a “bonding” period between them and the audience.

Still, it’s taken just another hour for me to find the voice I’ve missed in many characters, Nancy herself included. If she’s going to march defiantly into breaking rules to solve crimes, we must be willing to follow her, just like those around her.

Now, we see enough awkward comradery between Nancy and her coworkers/budding team that we understand them joining her on a trip to break into a morgue and helping her steal evidence, though not saving her from arrest.

George is the standout in this regard. We explore enough of their past to see why tension exists between her and Nancy and set out the current stakes enough to feel comfortable with them starting to move on from those.

I’ve managed to completely flash by the twist that George is sleeping with the widowed Ryan Hudson before now. This bit is harder to make work. It’s painful and uncomfortable for so many reasons, though George does soon overcome the man’s pull.

Logically, Hudson should remain the most viable suspect for his wife’s death. That may be problematic with Nancy’s father now defending him in court in exchange for a fee high enough to cover Nancy’s bail in full.

Carson Drew is the main reason for my “shady behavior” comment. On one hand, he seems genuine in his attempts to bond with his daughter. His criticisms of her behavior make fair points. He even amends his earlier dark comments toward Nick. It’s a bit of a re-write, but I’ll take it.

On the other hand, we have that dress. It’s clear he’s lying when he first makes an excuse about a prank involving red paint. Any other doubts are out the window when we see him burning the blood-soaked garment.

The question is: why? Is there a point to setting Nancy’s own father up as a potential bad guy so soon? Chances are it’s all a red herring. If so, the reason for going down this strange path is even blurrier.

At least we’re working in a more positive direction when it comes to Nick. Connor’s comments mostly absolve him of any suspicion at this point, even if dad does still see him as a distraction from the path he wants Nancy on.

This being a teen drama, I’m sure we’ll see much more…well, teen drama. In the meantime, I love seeing the cute tiny compartment Nick’s build into Nancy’s mother’s car to keep a beloved locket safe.

Finally, have no fear that a more relaxed pace in this episode will stop you being scared out of your wits. Besides all those jump scares, we now know we’re in a town whose people predict their own fates with buckets of seawater that can turn into blood.

No, this is not just some silly show everyone laughs off. This is serious business, and the red liquid that pours from George’s bucket at midnight is meant to be an omen of death.

This is the kind of imagery could easily be given a human explanation. All we’d need is someone sneaking up and replacing an ordinary bucket with one full of real or fake blood, their motive to be elaborated on later.

No human actor, though, can yet explain the ghastly figure that keeps (literally) popping up, whether she’s an actual ghost or just Nancy’s vision. I quite like the show now, but I do wonder what exactly I’ve signed on for.

 

What did you think of this episode of Nancy Drew? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Nancy Drew airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on CBS.

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