Good Girls Review: The Eye In Survivor (Season 3 Episode 4)

Let’s just start by saying: mistakes were made. That’s kind of theme on Good Girls Season 3 Episode 4, “The Eye in Survivor,” but attempts at trying to fix it just get these women deeper into the hole. 

The tone of the first quarter of this season has been slow and somber. It’s been one of struggle and puzzles, and with this episode, that’s all swept back under the umbrella of Rio. 

While that does up the stakes, it’s also disheartening for these three woman who we’ve watched put together this counterfeit money laundring scheme. 

Thank goodness that the Beth’s pregnancy lie has come to an end about as quickly as it began. I wasn’t a fan of it as a way out and we needed that plug to be pulled as soon as possible.

Having her crack under the stress of Rio survailling her was a great way to bring it to an end, and push the plot forward at the same time. 

Dean’s reaction to the news that Rio was still alive also feels in character for him. The scene in the sporting goods store where he goes to buy a gun and relates Rio to a moose after being a little too honest hits the nail on the head.

In many ways, that moment feels like the most honest he’s ever been. He’s always said that he cares about Beth, but this takes it to a new level.

The scene back home when Beth discovers that he’s bough a shotgun feels very on brand for them and the dialogue between them is steeped in their history.

Beth’s claim that they should worry because one of kids has found all of his Christmas presents for the last five years is solid, but Dean’s comeback that it’s because Beth hides them could use some work.

Someone needs to remind Dean that Beth successfully robbed the Fine & Frugal, got involved with a gang, laundered money, and hid it in his house, all without him knowing. That is, until she decided to bring him in so he would wash it through his dealership. She did all of this much more succesfully han Dean buying a thong for his girlfriend with their credit card. (Yea, Dean you’re never gonna live that down in my book.)

I know money and a gun are two very different things to hide with different consequences, but if all we’re thinking about is the act of hiding things you don’t want found, then maybe Beth should hide more stuff. Cos I don’t recall the kids finding any of the money either.

It all ends up being moot for the moment now. Beth quickly declaring that she lost the baby, and then asking how much her life is worth is a great segway to try and get out from under Rio. Beth’s freedom comes at a high price, and while they’re all trying to figure out ways to contribute, they’re getting in deeper when Rio finds out there’s new counterfeit game in town. 

The last scene where Rio shows up at The Paper Porcupine and has Beth show him her process is tense and well cut. The minimal chatter and talking with somber music enhances the tension and ending with the curt, “I think you alive,” before the credits cinches the deal that Beth’s in over her head. 

Beth was right when they were at the bar, Rio needs capital, but Beth, Ruby, and Annie have done the hard work. Why would be start at square one when he could blackmail them into working for him?

None of this erases the threat on Beth’s life. We should think that this means she is safe by any means. She’s just a pawn, and Rio is going to try to cut her out eventually. I think he’s far too bitter about what happened on Good Girls Season 2 Episode 13, “King,” not to be.

The problem is that now Beth, Annie, and Ruby are back where they started, working for Rio. What a fitting end to an episode that airs on International Women’s Day. 

Elsewhere, Annie is making progress in therapy, and starting to feel attracted to her therapist.

Josh is right to keep the line. Transferance is a thing and he shouldn’t take advantage of it. Knowing boundaries and consent shouldn’t be a reason to praise a character, but when it comes to Annie’s sphere it does!

It is worth noting he’s the first guy in Annie’s life in a position of power that has recognized how out-of-balance their power dynamic is, and that it’s unprofessional for it to continue. At the same time, he realizes that it’s normal, doesn’t encourage it, but also lets Annie feel her feelings.

That’s exactly the kind of supportive relationship Annie needs in her life. She needs someone who can awknowledge what she’s feeling and be truthful and helpful in their opinons. To really be healthy, Annie should also reciprocate that, and I am sure with the right nurturing she will.  

Annie likes talking to Josh and he’s a great fit for her as a therapist, but they definitely shouldn’t date while she’s a patient. They could work, but they’re going to have to navigate that hurdle to break the cycle.

The best storyline on this episode is Ruby and Stan and the conundrum they’re facing when it comes to Sara. Ruby has one of the oldest children in this series. It’s natural that thirteen-year-old Sara would question how her mother is making money and push back a little bit.

Ruby’s motivations for participating in their illegal business venture has always been clear, and it continues to be clear on this episode. It was for Sara. 

Sara’s kidney problems meant a lot of bills which they had to find a way to pay, and while hitting Fine & Frugal might not have been a legal option it did solve the immediate problem. The thing is as it continues and Sara gets older she’s going to start to get wise. 

Early on in the series, Sara had a storyline about selling “illegal” fidget spinners at school. Stealing a platinum pen feels a bit more like a progression than simply hitting a convenience store, but it’s easy to see why Ruby would be concerned. 

The moment when Sara looks her mother in the eye and says that she knows her mother’s money doesn’t come from doing nails stings, and feels like it’s just the beginning of Sara’s story.

If Ruby is continuing to do this kind of work for her family, seeing Sara go down a dark road may cause her to question her part in the enterprise. That’ll be an interesting dynamic to see in the episodes to come. 

Stray Thoughts:

• The use of Sheena Easton’s “My Baby Takes the Morning Train” during the money printing and washing montage was a great choice. The transition to their employee humming it when he got out of the car was also a delight to see. Not many transitions are that smooth and I really love how that played out. 
• I want Ruby on my team if I’m ever in trouble. Her quick thinking didn’t work out on this episode, but she took a risk. If I was her best friend I’d be making her margaritas, martinis, and just about any other drink that she wanted.
• Annie suggesting they buy a baby and citing American to Canadian exchange rates is exactly how Annie would handle this situation, it’s also the most outlandish. Dial it back Annie or we’re gonna have to start saying, “Think Fine & Frugal, not robbing a Kardashian.”
• Ben gets a break for the second time this season. Good, he deserves it. I hope he’s studying. 
• If the shotgun exists in the first act, it’s gonna have to go off by the end of the season. I am putting it in print now.

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

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Good Girls airs Sundays at 10/9c on NBC.

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