The Mysterious Benedict Society Review: Depends on the Wagon (Season 1 Episode 3)

While mysterious is in the title of the show, The Mysterious Benedict Society Season 1 Episode 3, “Depends on the Wagon,” proves that sometimes we get way more questions than answers.

Luckily for us, the children are just as confused and curious as we are about discovering these answers. One of the strongest points of this episode is that we are going on the journey with the kids, no information is revealed to us before they discover it.

That dynamic of the show, where the kids are the eyes and ears of the storytelling, continues to be very successful and fascinating. The runtime of the episode doesn’t fly by; in fact, it leaves us surprised that so much happens in such a short time.

That is not to say there is too much being thrown at us without any cohesiveness. It’s actually the opposite, we find out so much information about what L.I.V.E. is actually like while also remaining in the dark as to Dr. Curtain’s full motives.

The writing takes us on a journey that doesn’t feel like it’s from a kid’s perspective, so we have an easier time trusting it and believing in it, no matter our age. Honestly, this way hasn’t ever been done before so successfully. 

Ultimately, “Depends on the Wagon,” comes down to trust and faith. Reynie and Sticky have multiple moments where they don’t agree on which adult to trust if any of them. 

That’s truly an indication of how we are feeling going on this journey with them. We want to believe in Reynie’s unwavering faith, loyalty, and support of Mr. Benedict, but we also see Sticky’s point as well. 

As Sticky so aptly points out, we barely know Mr. Benedict, so he too could be lying. When Reynie argues that he and Sticky barely know each other Sticky’s response is interesting.

There is a distinct difference between knowing a peer and knowing an elder, even if you meet both on the exact same day. With people your own age, it’s easier to see all of them and trust what they are telling you is fact, but there is something about the age gap between you and your elders that blurs that line further.

Children have this inherent ability to know an adult’s vibe from a mile away. This is why there is that old saying about trusting the opinions of children and dogs. Sticky is a naturally untrusting individual because of his past experiences with adults, and yet he trusts Reynie, Kate, and Constance beyond a doubt. Why?

The Mysterious Benedict Society has already made it known that while children speak the same language as adults, in theory, they actually have a language that is all their own. It’s why Sticky can trust the words of a child at face value more than say, Mr. Benedict. 

It’s why The Emergency is using children’s voices to deliver subliminal messages, and why some children at L.I.V.E. can hear these messages throughout the day. Children are seen as trustworthy no matter who they are, while also having the vulnerability needed to be easily manipulated by adults.

While the show hasn’t confirmed it yet, “Depends on the Wagon” shows that Sticky and Reynie question things too much to hear something and automatically trust it, and Kate is of the nature that she rebels against anything adults ask of her. So, of course, Constance will be the only one that Dr. Curtain’s manipulations can reach.

Learning more about these children and how their minds work has set the tone for how the mysteries unfold.

Kate says she’s figured things out, but since she is a lone wolf type, those answers aren’t going to be revealed anytime soon. Meanwhile, Reynie and Sticky both believe that working the system and sticking to the classroom etiquette will get them the answers they need.

It’s going to be interesting to watch these children truly come together as one in the coming weeks. While they have dubbed themselves a team at this point, they are still working on the mission as a disjointed group.

Reynie discovering Mr. Bloom is also a major step forward toward discovering how The Emergency is being broadcast. It’s terrifying to think that brain wiping exists but, it could definitely answer why Dr. Curtain hasn’t had much pushback from other adults.

It might also explain why Milligan is the way he is. After all, Milligan only knows himself as Milligan — no other name, no background, nothing.

While this revelation is huge, it is only one answer in a sea of questions. I just hope that as the season progresses we won’t drown in the unknowns. 

What did you think of this episode of The Mysterious Benedict Society? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

The Mysterious Benedict Society airs Fridays on Disney+.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

15 Best TV Friendships