Miracle Workers: Oregon Trail Review: What Happens in Branchwater (Season 3 Episode 4)

Anyone who knows Daniel Radcliffe beyond his role as the boy wizard knows how much of a triple threat the man is. He can sing, dance, and act. 

Thankfully, Miracle Workers: Oregon Trail Season 3 Episode 4, “What Happens in Branchwater,” decides to really capitalize on that to bring in the laughs. After “Hunting Party,”‘s slump in the comedy department, we needed this episode to hit it out of the park. And boy does it ever.

While Radcliffe is a triple threat, one would not say Zeke is. However, the addition of snake oil seems to be the magic touch he needs to really let things go and liven up.

The dance he performs in barely any clothing while sporting guy-liner and glitter harkens us back to some of Daniel’s more theatrical performances. It’s hilarious to see this very reserved individual suddenly bare all in a fascinating rendition of “She’ll Be Comin Round the Mountain.”

Zeke’s performance is definitely the highlight of the episode, but his fall from grace afterward is also noteworthy. As many people do when they are drunk, Zeke confesses his soul to Prudence — after physically assaulting her breasts. 

It’s very unfortunate that this happens to him in this nature because it really pulls away from what is really in his heart. Yes, what he confesses is true and genuine, but unfortunately, that is all marred by his inebriation. 

I worry for the future of Prudence and Zeke’s friendship beyond Branchwater because it’s never easy to be in a one-sided love affair. Zeke is going to be living with the consequences of his drunkenness for a long time to come. 

Confessing his feelings to Prudence is obviously the next necessary step, but I hate that he does so while intoxicated because as I stated before it calls into question the validity of what he said. I truly hope that Prudence and Zeke can move forward from this because their friendship truly is the best one on the show. 

This episode of Miracle Workers: Oregon Trail is also phenomenal at social commentary. While this show is set in 1844 the conversation pieces and comments definitely fit better with modern issues. 

Benny and The Gunslinger knocking back drinks while realizing how soft the world has become is something taken right from the depths of social media. There are thousands of people who comment daily on how “soft” and “weak” the world has become since the integration of more equality-based beliefs. 

It’s great that this show never shies away from presenting all sides of any modern issue through the issues of these settlers. While Benny and The Gunslinger are tired of the world’s “wokeness,” Prudence is embracing it by checking in with her companions about the correct way to address them.

Prudence further shows this equality frame of mind when she asks if she can join these women in their activities and dress instead of scoffing at them. I have said it before and I will say it again, Prudence is the feminist of the group before feminists were a thing. 

Ultimately, Benny and The Gunslinger’s choice to continue on their old ways despite the changing tide is also reminiscent of today. Many groups of people refuse to change despite evidence that doing so is better for the world. 

All in all, this episode delivers on the humor and the commentary. It also shows where we may see some change from characters as they move forward, most notably, Zeke. 

Stray Thoughts:

• Jon Bass continues to deliver the absurdity of Todd at every turn. 
• I’m a little disappointed that we didn’t get more commentary from the random group members this episode.

What did you think of this episode of Miracle Workers: Oregon Trail? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Miracle Workers: Oregon Trail airs Tuesdays at 10:30/9:30c on TBS.

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