Nancy Drew Review: The Myth of the Ensnared Hunter (Season 3 Episode 6)
Ever since we learned of George’s reduced life expectancy, I’ve been frustrated by the repeated tendency to accept the side effects of her possession. I’m happy to report that Nancy Drew Season 3 Episode 6, “The Myth of the Ensnared Hunter,” at last breaks that cycle.
Aided by Bess, George sets out to search for a tool called a “soul splitter”, the first real lead we’ve gotten yet that we won’t accept her following Odette to an early grave. Said search doesn’t make much headway in this hour, but it sets up an ongoing plot we can root for.
There are several highlights, including George and Bess teaming up excellently and George and Nick talking out their slightly forced argument. Most of all, through, it’s a relief to see George find hope again and let it spur her willingness to fight for her life.
Am I sure this won’t wind up as a red herring and leave us and the Drew Crew just as despairing as they’ve been so far? No. But we’re finally following the track that makes the most sense for this group who has done so much—the one in which they never give up.
The episode is also a treat for those who’ve been wanting to see more of Nancy and Ryan as daughter and father. She’s been the catalyst for all the change we’ve seen him achieve over these seasons, and his eagerness to follow her even into the depths of a monster’s lair shows that.
Despite several jump scares and a dislocated shoulder, there’s an enjoyably light touch to this whole thing as Nancy comes around to the new father in her life. The more serious moments in which they talk about Lucy and Nancy’s own childhood are lovely, too.
I’m not sure yet what to make of the being’s treasured doll or willingness to let them go. As our main mystery of the season, this is a story that hands us a few pieces at a time. It’s a good way to keep us engaged, and seeing great character interactions along the way just makes it better.
Meanwhile, Ace’s largely independent storyline for this episode puts him through the wringer. As expected, we see the fractures left by his father kicking him out of the house. They act like the fight is water under the bridge and he’s even invited home, but there’s a new and unhappy tension in their scenes.
The more significant development of his testimony against Bertram is the way it draws his relationship with Amanda to a close. It’s the first episode we’ve seen her in since last season, and the writing’s on the wall the whole time, closing in a breakup we’ve long expected.
It’s a bit of a mess. We must accept first Amanda refusing to turn in her father to help Ace, then her wanting Bertram to turn himself in, then her supposed shock over Ace following her, and finally the idea that she’s relieved her dad is locked up, but she’ll still end things with Ace over it.
She is portrayed somewhat sympathetically and I’m happy that this is more complex than the trope of blindly tearing down characters who stand in the way of popular ships. Still, I think Nace would stand just as strong with Ace and Amanda simply realizing they aren’t meant to be.
The episode ends with two big twists. First, the lair of the paranormal entity acting as the second Frozen Hearts Killer is inside the historical society. Second, the monster had to be released from said lair, and Hannah appears to be the one who let it out.
Is this a red herring or has she been secretly evil this entire time? I honestly have no idea. Like with Amanda, we’ve seen so little of Hannah that it’s hard to engage. I think either option could be very well-written, but let’s actually get Hannah back on screen first.
Other Notes
- I feel a little bad since he got hurt, but Ryan calling for Nancy to “check this out!” before literally plunging through the ground has huge “Hey guys, watch this!” vibes.
- But perhaps the best comic relief of the episode is Bess inadvertently showing her friends a security tape of her making out with Addy. Pretty sure they all ship it now.
- Ace’s parents appear to be in danger, and anyone who watches television can tell you their assurance he shouldn’t worry is a very troubling sign. Gulp.
What did you think of this episode of Nancy Drew? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Critic Rating:
User Rating:
Nancy Drew airs Fridays at 9/8c on The CW.
Follow us on Twitter and on 
Instagram!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
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.