Good Girls Review: Dave (Season 4 Episode 4)

If we learned one thing from this season of Good Girls so far, it’s never to dot your i’s with hearts. On Good Girls Season 4 Episode 4, “Dave,” the Secret Service offers Beth a deal after finding her note in Dean’s office. 

The idea that the trio could leave the business behind and live out their days in Witness Protection seems almost too good to be true, and it’s hard not to go through this episode thinking there must be a catch. 

Still, it’s nice to watch Annie, Beth, and Ruby dream of other lives. The thing is, if that were to happen, they’d likely never see or contact each other again. That detail may not have sunk in yet, but it definitely should.

In order to go through with this deal, they need to call off the hit on Rio, which can be a challenge when your hitman is on the move. 

One of the brilliant things about Good Girls is how Ruby, Beth, and Annie find themselves in hot water. Realizing they are buying parts for what could be a bomb so they can get in touch with Mr. Fitzpatrick is a nice touch. It’s even more gratifying when it turns out that the supplies are a present so he can plant a garden for his mom. 

This is one case where things work out in their favor, and those moments have been rare in past seasons. 

While the possibility of the trio leaving everything behind is exciting it’s not without complication. “Dave” fails to explore what that would really mean? Annie will probably have to leave Ben behind since they can’t move her ex too. Stan and Ruby’s kids are older, and their son just started a new school. The idea of moving is intoxicating, but it’s also more complicated than it looks.

It’s made even more complicated by Stan’s boss giving him more and more dangerous assignments.

I’ve commented about how Ruby’s motives for getting into this operation stemmed from a systemic problem and how the desire for Stan to remain good has driven her. The fact that Stan is now firmly entrenched in this life as a mafia enforcer, due to Ruby’s actions is heartbreaking.

He doesn’t tell Ruby what’s going on, and it’s likely because he knows that she’ll blame herself. This speaks volumes to their relationship, and it’s worrisome that this may be the thing that breaks them. Especially with Stan’s boss holding all the cards. 

Stan got lucky and avoided jail because his boss vouched for him, but that also points to what his boss knows that Stan doesn’t. Pushing those boundaries, and continuing to butt heads with his boss will only spell trouble.

The meeting between Rio and Mr. Fitzpatrick is another interesting moment. Rio makes it sound like he killed Mr. Fitzpatrick but as we’ve seen before, appearances can be deceiving. (Yes, I’m referencing the Season 2 finale.)

If Mr. Fitzpatrick is alive, that could mean even more trouble for the girls, and tee up some more interesting complications in the season ahead. 

A solid episode overall, “Dave” gives us a glimmer of hope in a bleak situation, but doesn’t quite present a nuanced view of this potential exit. It does give us some interesting complications to take into account as the season continues. 

Stray Thoughts:

• I am glad Annie said goodbye to Josh. While I can appreciate the help that he gave her as a therapist, he crossed the line and shouldn’t be in her life anymore. 
• At the same time, I am glad Annie is able to have an actual conversation with Ben. That connection is something that’s been missing from their relationship this season. 
• I almost forgot that Ruby had been shot in Season 3, seeing her use the motorized scooter is a great way to keep that plot point alive. 

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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