Miracle Workers: End Times Season 4 Episode 4 Review: The Grouping Ceremony

This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, Miracle Workers being covered here wouldn’t exist.

As the show continues, it starts to fair better in the storytelling department, as experienced with Miracle Workers: End Times Season 4 Episode 4, “The Grouping Ceremony.” 

This time around, the show seems to hit its stride — somewhat — as it focuses more on developing Freya’s bond with Tai and Sid’s bond with Morris. There are still issues overall with connectivity between episodes, but as we go along, things seem to be getting better.

The writing for this episode hits on each actor’s strong points in ways that matter and strengthen the season as a whole.

Finally, That Radcliffe/Buscemi Dynamic We Love

Since the show began, Daniel Radcliffe and Steve Buscemi have proven they are a strong comedic team. Unfortunately, until Miracle Workers: End Times Season 4 Episode 4, “The Grouping Ceremony,” these two seem to be missing each other within their joint scenes.

However, this episode goes in strong to show that Sid’s unfailing positivity and normalcy strongly counteract Morris’ insanity. These characters just needed an opportunity to pursue something together. 

In walks Morris’ son Timmy — with his two heads — and Morris’ desire to give his son the best. Which looks a lot like the sorting elements that can be found in the Divergent books and films. 

This duo goes about trying to get Timmy into the Strong grouping even though he scores well within Heroic. Enter Jon Bass and his uncanny ability to perform as though he has absolutely no idea what is going on.

So far this season, Bass has been carrying the humor weight all on his own. Now, Radcliffe and Buscemi are finally helping to carry the load. 

The scene where they have to wear a conjoined sweater that forces them to move in unison is the physical comedy that Radcliffe is extremely good at. Pair this with Buscemi’s impeccable timing, and you have the recipe for an uproarious episode.

What adds even more to their Tom Foolery is the addition of Quinta Brunson as the woman in charge of the ceremony. The way Brunson and Buscemi play off each other in a ridiculous fashion — despite Brunson’s character’s reserved demeanor — is something that can’t be overlooked.

This humorous adventure allows viewers to see Morris as a person with layers of personality and a heart of a father. While also giving Sid the opportunity to show just how much of a positive influence he can be in a world gone mad.

Freya Becomes Supremely Relatable

One of the biggest struggles for audiences this season is that Freya hasn’t yet been a character that is easily relatable. She is a warlord who wants nothing but destruction and excitement. 

Part of her issues with Sid during Miracle Workers: End Times Season 4 Episode 3, “The MatriXXX,” as well as this episode, is his inability to be comfortable with torture or even exciting adventures. Sid wants to stay home and live a quiet life because he’s experienced enough prior to coming to Boomtown.

She allows Tai to drag her off to all these insane parties where she’s out most of the night drinking and having a good time. However, it’s her first hangover that wakes her up to the implausibility of this lifestyle.

It is a moment any fan can relate to. We all have experienced an “aha” moment in our lives where we realize the activities of our youth are no longer possible as middle-aged adults. 

Freya’s inability to stay out late or hold her liquor is something that turns her character around. It also highlights just how obnoxious Tai is — let’s be real we all have that one friend. 

Perhaps moving forward, we will get to see more growth and depth from Freya. There are layers to who she is, we just haven’t been allowed to see them until now.

 

What did you think of this episode of Miracle Workers: End Times? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

Miracle Workers: End Times airs Mondays at 10/9c on TBS.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

Emmys 2023: Nominees include ‘Succession,’ ‘The Last of Us,’ ‘The White Lotus,’ and ‘Ted Lasso.’