SurrealEstate Review: Quarantine (Season 1 Episode 7)
SurrealEstate Season 1 Episode 7, “Quarantine,” is the obligatory first-season bottle episode, where all our characters are forced to occupy the same space while under a threat.
“Quarantine” is one of those episodes that you know is there because they need to make use of the sets they have. Most of this episode takes place in the Roman Agency’s office and focuses on a few of our main cast having heart-to-hearts at a time and it works; to an extent.
SurrealEstate has been trying to play up the horror aspects of its premise well, and it delivers, but “Quarantine” suffers from a lack of tension.
The only guidelines the audience has for stakes is a previous case where Luke misread the signs, but this roadie seems to be buying its time. Despite a lockdown, we never feel like these characters are actually in danger.
However, the one thing that “Quarantine” does is give us substantial insight into each of these character’s lives outside of the office. Any show that centers around a place of business needs to let the audience in at least a little bit in order for us to remain loyal to the characters, and this was SurrealEstate‘s.
These are interesting tidbits about each character’s life that we may not get otherwise, but it also feels like the premise of a spirit that inhabits someone’s body may come a little too early.
Since this is the first glimpse we get into many of these character’s lives, the observations and venomous tirades the roadie spews aren’t as earth-shattering as they could have been. As a result, we leave the episode more connected to the characters but also feeling underwhelmed by the events of the episode.
The stakes here are more inconvenient than life-threatening, and the episode feels like a lot of filler.
We never see anyone do anything threatening until Phil outs the roadie while it’s occupying Susan. The reveal is too easy and it’s no surprise that there is more to the story after August’s device doesn’t work.
The way the story is turning in on itself and bringing everything back to Meghan’s house is definitely an interesting takeaway from the episode. Seeing Meghan drive off is an interesting way to end the episode and definitely piques my interest in how this all connects.
However, this is also the second episode in a row where Meghan ends up involved in the supernatural scheme of the week. The way that Meghan ends up the vehicle for the roadie, reminds me a lot of what Scully went through on The X-Files.
It’s making me either start to worry that she’ll not make it through the season, which will be disappointing considering the fake-out on SurrealEstate Season 1 Episode 6, “Roman Six.”
The other big thread running through “Quarantine” is Susan’s award. The Platinum Ring of Esteem sounds pompous, but watching Susan on stage is a gratifying moment that she has earned.
Susan’s found a work home with the Roman Agency and hearing her say and accept that feels like the icing on the cake. Giving her a chance to stick it to Bob Livingston is so gratifying to see, and it’s all we could have wanted for Susan’s character.
Despite how much substance there is to “Quarantine,” it feels like it’s just a side quest on the way back to the main story. There’s no question that it connects, and our connection to Luke and his coworkers will be stronger for it, but if you’re looking for straight horror this isn’t the episode for you.
Stray Thoughts:
- Phil and Anthony’s text exchange is cute and gives us a little more insight into their dynamic. Looking forward to seeing how that plays out, especially in a series that usually follows characters to other locations.
- Love the analogy of Susan being Carrie White at the prom, however, Susan’s pyrotechnic ability seems to be more of a gimmick fashioned specifically for this scene.
- Excited to see more LGBTQ+ representation with Zoey, but I have to second what August said, she deserves someone great and whole. Projects need not apply. Remember, Zoey contains multitudes.
What did you think of this episode of SurrealEstate? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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SurrealEstate airs Fridays at 10/9c on Syfy.
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Lauren Busser
Lauren Busser is an Associate Editor at Tell-Tale TV. She is a writer of fiction and nonfiction whose work has appeared in Bitch Media, Popshot Quarterly, Brain Mill Press Voices, and The Hartford Courant.