Nancy Drew Season 4 Episode 7 Review: The Reaping of Hollow Oak

Of all the movies we’d expect to inspire a plot on this show, Jumanji probably isn’t the top of anyone’s list. Tell that to Nancy Drew Season 4 Episode 7, “The Reaping of Hollow Oak.”

From horror movie sets to alternate timeline universes, this season has offered a whiplash-inducing blend of deep heartbreak and utter weirdness. And that’s “weirdness” by the standard the show has set so far. The streak continues in this hour.

Nick is arguably this star of this episode, beginning with the moment he learns that a secret lies with Councilwoman Bree’s dead father. That Bree—the once he convinces to resign after learning she watched a man die. It’s clearly a great start for him.

Surprisingly, getting a board game that may contain Ron’s soul is his easiest task by far. Things like fighting evil entities only he can see after everyone else is left soulless are decidedly more difficult. (Is it weird that a sentence like that is almost common now?)

The antics we get along the way are likewise completely over the top, and it’s kind of delightful. That obviously applies more to the video game sound effects than the murderous entities, but even the near-death moments are handled almost like a comedy.

Case in point: there’s a brief interlude in which Bess must leave the game to defend her breaking into the historical society. In doing so, she’s soon trying to lay out a calm defense while being squeezed to death by invisible magic ropes. Hilarious, right? But there’s just something about that awkward juxtaposition.

Despite escaping this trap, she’s taken down moments later by a magic bowman. The others meet their temporary fates far dramatically by unanimously making a very rash (stupid) decision that leaves Nick literally battling alone to save their souls.

It’s very cool to see him get some badass moments. It’s just as cool to see him interact with Jade, who returns for both a second date and the truth about what he’s hiding. They learn quite quickly when caught in the crossfire and, to their credit, don’t run screaming into the night.

They’re handling the supernatural a lot better than other characters who have doubted it this season. Unlike with certain other couples, I’m not sure what Nick’s romantic life will look like as we close out the show, but I think he could be very happy with Jade.

Speaking of that couple, though, even a zany episode like this one doesn’t spare us their heartbreak. Nancy and Ace are working harder than ever to let go of each other, and it’s starting to feel like knife twisting. I’d even be okay with temporary new love interests to give them a moment of happiness.

We do at least avoid ending the hour on a discouraging note. Just as it seems Ron’s soul will remain unable to offer any answers, he manages to communicate one key piece of information to Nancy: the Black Door is in the town hall.

From the outset, this feels like a strong setup for a “final battle that could leave Horseshoe Bay in ruins” finale. Such stakes would be appropriate for the last episode ever. I can’t even say for sure that I believe the town will survive. How’s that for drama?

Other Notes

• Is this the first time we’ve heard about Carson having dyslexia? It’s something I’d love to have touched on earlier. Still, him and George discussing learning disorders is an awesome and empowering moment.
• Ryan blackmailing Lovett on Bess’s behalf is a great scene for him, too. But does this make the new police chief an enemy? She was already in a gray area.  
• NICK-ER-SON! NICK-ER-SON! NICK-ER-SON!

 

What did you think of this episode of Nancy Drew? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Nancy Drew airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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