The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey Review: Sensia (Season 1 Episode 3)
Ptolemy makes a deal with the devil on The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey Season 1 Episode 3, “Sensia.”
After a short taste of clarity on The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, Season 1 Episode 2, “Robyn,” Ptolemy consents to the complete treatment from Doctor Rubin. He makes this choice even after being told he may end up worse off than he was when the treatment wears off.
The result is a new clarity not just for Ptolemy but in the style of the episode and its use of flashbacks.
The episode opens with an extended flashback to Ptolemy’s childhood, where we learn more about Coydog and his treasure.
In contrast to the memory flashes on The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey, Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2, “Reggie,” and “Robyn” that were confusing and disorienting, this flashback is linear and coherent. It underscores Ptolemy’s own changed mental state by changing the viewer’s experience.
The change in Ptolemy is evident without the change in flashback style. Yet, just as they were in the first two episodes, the flashbacks are an effective way to get viewers into Ptolemy’s state of mind. It helps viewers feel the shift in Ptolemy’s cognitive clarity rather than just see it.
After the initial flashback of Coydog telling Ptolemy about the treasure, we don’t get much more progression regarding that mystery, at least not until the very end of the episode.
We do importantly find out that Coydog is lynched because of the treasure, but as far as what the treasure is or what role it will play in the present, we don’t learn much beyond that first flashback. The episode continues to spend most of its time developing its characters and relationships.
In all likelihood, these emotional and personal reveals will eventually tie into the different items on Ptolemy’s to-do list, but for now, they continue to flesh out his character.
The heart and soul of the series is still Ptolemy and Robyn’s relationship. “Reggie” and “Robyn” did a wonderful job establishing their rapport. “Sensia” solidifies their emotional bond.
The scene of Robyn holding Ptolemy’s hand while he gets the last dose of the treatment says everything you need to know about their relationship without having to say anything at all.
There are many fantastic scenes between Ptolemy and Robyn on “Sensia.” Fun ones, touching ones, vulnerable ones, but that scene is the standout moment of the episode.
Even as their bond grows, there are some clues that Robyn might know more about what happened to Reggie than she’s saying.
The first clue that she knows more is actually on “Robyn” when there is a slight recognition at the mention that the man who shot Reggie had a unique scar.
Robyn’s reactions every time Reggie’s death is brought up are subtle but leave little doubt that she doesn’t want Ptolemy to look into Reggie’s murder. It may be as simple as she doesn’t want Ptolemy to start looking into something dangerous.
Still, it does leave viewers wondering if she is somehow connected to whatever got Reggie killed or is protecting someone who is.
I’m not terribly worried that whatever has Robyn so concerned will cause any significant rift between the two. The opening scene of “Reggie” all but confirms that it won’t since it shows Ptolemy leaving Robyn in charge of his affairs two months after Reggie’s death.
I am, however, eager to know what it is and learn more about Robyn’s backstory.
We know the broad strokes of her history, but I hope we find out at least as much about Robyn as we do about Ptolemy.
“Sensia” is excellent. Even better than the two outstanding premiere episodes. It prioritizes character over plot and is all the better for it. We will eventually get the answers to all our questions about Coydog’s treasure, Reggie’s death, etc.
For now, though, just spending time getting to know Robyn and Ptolemy is more than enough to keep viewers enthralled.
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New episodes of The Last Days of Ptolemy Grey stream Fridays on Apple TV+.
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Sarah Fields
Sarah is an obsessive geek who likes to get into the weeds and over think things. She is passionate about Sci-Fi and comics and is a giant classic film nerd. Sarah cares deeply about media representation and the power of telling diverse stories. When she's not writing or watching her favorite shows she spends her days working in the non-profit world trying to make life a little better for those that need some extra help.