The Republic of Sarah Review: The Perfect Conditions for Disaster (Season 1 Episode 8)

The title of The Republic of Sarah Season 1 Episode 8, “The Perfect Conditions for Disaster,” makes big promises it does not deliver on.

There are plenty of cozy and/or romantic visuals we all expect and deserve with a huge snowstorm episode, sure. There is a bubble bath and a pep talk at the local restaurant. We even see former high school sweethearts turned foes snowed in together. 

But sweet and classic storylines don’t guarantee drama. Despite what The Republic of Sarah wants us to believe, there is very little effective conflict or progress among our Greylock residents. 

Corrinne and Danny’s hookup comes too soon despite their history. She’s barely been cordial to him all season and now we are supposed to believe she can’t resist sex? 

The timing is not as bad as how she treats him afterward, however. She is understandably ashamed of herself for cheating on her husband and is lashing out, but that’s no excuse for her behavior. She’s plain mean and acts repulsed by him as if he forced her to cheat. 

Corrinne is definitely a willing participant in that sex even though her sexual chemistry with Danny falls flat. 

Mediocre chemistry plus Corrinne’s attitude means that the later “historical prom” scene, while beautiful, is unearned. No matter that they talked a little bit, Corrinne acts miserable hours before. Witches should not get to go to proms, no matter that Danny has a lot to make up for.

Their dream of living by the sea does sound nice. If that’s what they want, I want them to have it. But Corrinne needs to start being kinder to the man she actually loves. 

Sarah, Weston, and Paul’s drama is unnecessary if we are all being honest. Sarah and Weston are exclusive and he bought her a fancy gift and lied about it to keep it a surprise. It’s a snoozefest. 

Paul is right to be suspicious of Weston’s lies. It’s natural to be suspicious of anyone you think is playing someone right in front of you, especially if the person getting played is your estranged daughter.

I am proud of Sarah for actually letting her dad in even a tiny bit no matter what she wants to call him. Sarah is stubborn enough that if she wanted to avoid Paul completely she would, even in Greylock. 

Bella is randomly back in town to set herself smack in the middle of Alexis and William’s divorce drama. Just as conveniently, Grover and AJ are her snowstorm buddies. 

At least Bella figures out that her stepmom and AJ had an affair on her own. The Republic of Sarah avoids the cliché of having her overhear Grover and AJ’s conversation. But other than that the whole situation is confusing.

First of all, we barely know that Bella and Alexis are close. We know even less about Bella and AJ’s relationship.

Of course Bella feels betrayed. She is a teenager and AJ does play a part in adding tension between her father and stepmother at the very least. But her level of hurt is extreme. 

When would a teenager have time to hang out with the town cop, anyway? Greylock is a small town, but if they are close we haven’t seen it on screen and it barely makes sense. 

Poor Grover. His friends keep letting him down and he’s just trying to get to a point where he can live the life he deserves even though he’ll always be grieving his wife. 

He would definitely not approve of Corrinne or Danny stealing a skeleton light from town hall to remember their sexytime. I think it’s a sweet touch even though it’s weird that they don’t cross paths the next morning. 

Let the record show that I’m team “Whatever makes Grover happy” at this point. He’s the only person in town right now who is not annoying. 

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The Republic of Sarah airs Mondays at 9/8c on The CW.

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