The Mysterious Benedict Society Review: Run Silent, Run Deep (Season 1 Episode 6)

As the pasts of Mr. Benedict and Dr. Curtain are revealed, the future path for Sticky is moving at a rapid velocity toward disaster. The Mysterious Benedict Society Season 1 Episode 6, “Run Silent, Run Deep,” lays out the framework for the mission to reach its conclusion very soon.

While talks of farms and forests populate the conversations of our young comrades, the real message lies within The Whisperer. Dr. Curtain’s dry run on the town of Stonetown is disheartening because it reveals just how easily the minds of its residents can be manipulated. 

Reynie steps it up during this episode to shine through as the group’s moral compass, even though he’s feeling less and less himself the further into their mission he goes. He is the dark horse of the group, appears docile and kind, but can really manipulate a situation should the need arise.

Out of anyone, Reynie is the only one who can call Sticky out for what he is — a convert. As disappointing as it is to see Sticky fall into the overly capable hands of Dr. Curtain, we know from his past that he is the most susceptible to praise. 

While Constance is the one most likely to hear the whisperings, Sticky is the most likely of the group to fall prey to the allure of The Whisperer. Sticky is a naturally anxious person and so to have that taken away is very intoxicating. 

Dr. Curtain has always come across as the master manipulator, but now he has also shown his dark side — the side that is easily frustrated. He doesn’t take kindly to people defying him which is very clear when his own son dares to defy his orders. 

Any parent should be glad that their child is finally making friends, but Curtain uses his tools to convince S. Q. that Reynie is only manipulating him — he kind of is, but not in the way Curtain says. It could be cool if in the end, S.Q. joins the fight against his father’s emergency. 

I honestly feel there is more to the placement of his character than just a resource. There has to be more to him than just directing Reynie to the location of the “forest,” and as the season winds down, I can foresee Reynie pulling him to their side. 

While the children’s journeys are important, it’s even more important that we focus on a couple of other children from 30 years ago, Nicholas and Nathaniel Benedict. 

Getting a glimpse into the past of these two adversely different brothers reveals so much more about them in the present. While Curtain seems to revel in the remembrances of the past, these reminders only serve to further discombobulate Mr. Benedict. 

Benedict feels guilty whereas his brother feels slighted and confused — in his eyes, he is the vastly superior brother. This difference further extends the rift between who they are and how they approach the world.

Curtain continues to gleefully put children in harm’s way for the betterment of his ultimate plan — worldwide mind control. Benedict is in a crisis because he can’t grapple with the danger he willingly put Sticky, Reynie, Kate, and Constance in. 

These differences are what really holds this story together. Everyone loves a good hero and villain, but even more, we love a compelling story that makes us question who the real villains are. 

Is Sticky a villain for going against the mission and happily helping Curtain enact his Improvement? Or is Reynie a villain for constantly manipulating those around him for his greater good? Is Benedict a villain alongside his brother? Who’s side is Milligan really on?

These are all questions that The Mysterious Benedict Society constantly has us asking. It adds to the mystery and allure of the story overall and keeps us coming back for more. 

Now, if the show could just tell us one thing. Is Milligan still alive?

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

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The Mysterious Benedict Society airs Fridays on Disney+.

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