Mare of Easttown Review: Enter Number Two (Season 1 Episode 3)

Mare crosses the line on Mare of Easttown Season 1 Episode 3, “Enter Number Two.”

Much like the previous two episodes, Mare of Easttown Season 1 Episode 1, “Miss Lady Hawk Herself” and Mare of Easttown Season 1 Episode 2, “Fathers,” “Enter Number Two” moves at a slow pace until the last moments of the episode when it drops its big plot bombshells. 

This week, the big developments are the revelation that Deacon Mark had Erin’s bike when he tries to dispose of it and Mare getting caught trying to frame Carrie for drug possession. 

Neither of these developments has the dramatic cliffhanger effect that the twists of “Fathers” do. Instead, the events on “Enter Number Two” are the culmination of what was building the entire episode. 

While Deacon Mark and Mare’s actions on “Enter Number Two” lack some of the dramatic flair of the earlier reveals, they are still consequential developments for the overall story that will have a significant impact on how things play out moving forward.

Maybe even more so than the big twists on “Fathers.”

The truth of D.J.’s paternity will continue to play a major role in the investigation into Erin’s murder, but the more salacious detail about Frank possibly being D.J’s father is diffused rather quickly on “Enter Number Two.”

Frank’s explanation about why he was at Erin’s house is plausible. His immediate willingness to take a paternity test makes it appear unlikely that he is D.J.’s father or that he had an inappropriate relationship with his student. 

It is still suspicious that he lies to Mare about not having contact with Erin outside of class, and he still seems a little too perfect — or at least his life does — for there not to be something more to him than we’ve seen so far. For now, he is in the clear, at least until another shoe drops.

The new developments with Deacon Mark and Mare on “Enter Number Two” might not be easily explained away the way Frank being at Erin’s house is.

Deacon Mark dumping the bike could be another red herring. Still, given how much focus the bike has gotten, it would be rather unsatisfying if it ended up being just another misdirect.

There is no innocent explanation for Deacon Mark’s behavior, even if his choices aren’t motivated by any involvement in Erin’s death.

Mare’s choice to try and frame Carrie is the most consequential development of the series since Erin’s murder. Even if it doesn’t ultimately have a big impact on the story narratively, it reframes how we see Mare. 

Up until now, Mare has been a prickly — bordering on abrasive — cop, but not a corrupt one. Mare has been a complicated figure from the start because of her personal life, but she was easily categorized as a white hat character.

Trying to frame Carrie is so wildly over the line, it’s impossible to continue to see her that way unambiguously.

Also, given the context of conversations outside of the show about policing and specifically the depiction of police on TV, Mare being protected by her captain after such an abuse of power is more than a little uncomfortable.

We’ll have to wait and see what the full repercussions of Mare’s actions are for the story beyond changing the lens viewers see her through.

At the very least, it will force Mare to see a grief counselor, which whether Mare wants to admit it or not, she desperately needs.

Hopefully, talking to a professional will be a catalyst for Mare’s personal growth and give viewers more scenes like the one in the doctor’s office on “Fathers” where we can all bask in the brilliance that is Kate Winslet’s performance. 

It seems unlikely that Mare will be able to keep what she did from getting out, at least to her family.

Carrie knows she was framed and has no reason not to use it against Mare. She may ultimately choose not to make what happened public, but Mare’s family is bound to find out at some point.

When they do, it will only fray their already delicate relationships more.

“Enter Number Two” is a solid but not quite great episode of TV. It maintains much of the structure that works so well on “Miss Lady Hawk Herself” and “Fathers.”

However, it lacks the emotional tension of the earlier episodes. Without that tension, the episode is slightly underwhelming.

It’s a fine episode and progresses the story in some important ways. It certainly doesn’t detract from the quality of the series overall, but it feels more like a transition to the story’s next act.

“Enter Number Two” is intriguing, just not terribly gripping because most of the intriguing elements of the hour are promises of what’s to come rather than anything that happens on the episode itself. 

Stray Thoughts

• One of the episode’s highlights is Siobhan’s scenes with Anne from the radio station. They make a cute couple, and Siobhan should definitely pursue that relationship, but after she breaks up with Becca.
• Colin flirting with Mare at the bar is all kinds of cringy.
• We need more scenes with Jean Smart. She feels a bit underutilized right now.
• Whatever point Richard was trying to make, how is it ever a good idea to tell the person you are on a second date with how you cheated on your wife and destroyed your marriage? I mean, save something for the third date, man. 

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

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Mare of Easttown airs Sundays at 10/9c on HBO.

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