Nancy Drew Review: The Journey of the Dangerous Mind (Season 3 Episode 2)
Not a whole lot new happens in Nancy Drew Season 3 Episode 2, “The Journey of the Dangerous Mind.” There are no major arrests or life changes, although there is a very nail-biting (Sorry!) life-or-death climax.
It looks as though we may spend at least the earliest part of this season entirely focused on the killer carving the hearts from his victims’ bodies. This should certainly earn the whole of our attention, even if the case only manages to inch forward in this hour.
What the Drew Crew’s investigations do give us is the time to explore how threats against both Horseshoe Bay as a whole and certain individual residents affects the family dynamics on the show, whether they be biological but unconventional or the beloved trope of found family.
Although they do sometimes seem to disappear for episodes at a time, George’s younger sisters offer a welcome outlet for softening her sometimes abrasive edges. Her unofficial role as their guardian where their own mother falls through has shaped who she is today.
Now, that means someone about to get married. While having George “lose” her ring only to realize Charlie stole it does remove her and Nick from what action there is, it gives the chance to see both George and Nick bonding with her siblings. Nick may well be the closest the closest thing to a dad they’ve had in some time.
Despite all its supernatural plots, Nancy Drew does a great job of showing how people, especially young ones, react to very human situations. In this case, we see kids who’ve already been raised under imperfect circumstances fearing another person leaving them. It’s wonderful to see them be reassured otherwise.
Ace is also eventually pulled from the central plot, in his case to act as a driver for Mr. Bobbsey. This should set off a slew of red flags even before that pick-up location turns out to be a place where the man has quite possibly seriously injured someone—or worse. Ace does have the sense to immediately kick him out.
With the likelihood of an endgame Nace romance and Amanda absent so far this season, I’m troubled not only be what Ace’s connections to this man could mean but also why we’re even going through these hoops. I do hope it doesn’t affect Amanda, who only deserves good things regardless of whether she’s meant to be with Ace.
Speaking of potentially doomed romance, we’re not only getting the seasonal requirement of a detective who grudgingly comes to trust Nancy, but also the apparently necessary flirtation between him and ourheroine. I certainly can’t dislike him after her saves her from a bomb loaded with nails, but why insist on this aspect?
Nancy’s relationship with her two dads remains far more enjoyable. Ryan’s parenting lessons can be fun, but its important her learn the more serious aspects as well. In this case: you don’t have to ask your kids too many questions, but you should ask some. That’s especially true when they lack a basic self-preservation instinct.
Last but not least, we see Bess um, bonding(?) with Temperance as she starts to dip her own toes into spell work. It’s for a good cause and Temperance is genuinely helpful, but I’m dubious. Also, this is the second person revived from the dead that Bess is hitting it off with. It’s a very specific and concerning choice of relationship.
I am very on board with the resurrected frat house cat, though. Long live zombie Kegstand!
What did you think of this episode of Nancy Drew? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Nancy Drew airs Fridays at 9/8c on The CW.
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Caitlin Wyneken
Caitlin is an elder millennial with an only slightly unhealthy dedication to a random selection of TV shows, from PBS Masterpiece dramas to some of the less popular series on popular networks. Outside of screen time, she's dedicated to the public sector and worthy nonprofits, working to make a difference in the world outside of media.