Wild Cards Season 1 Episode 7 Review: Con with the Wind

Wild Cards Season 1 Episode 7, “Con with the Wind,” takes mentorship and parenthood to a new level when George joins Ellis and Max on a case.

Written by Seneca Aaron & Marcus Robinson and directed by Winnifred Jong, this episode gets to know the people who are — or were once — closest to Ellis and Max. In turn, Wild Cards uncovers more about its leads through inventive means.

“Con with the Wind” is at its best when detailing Max and George’s relationship, but it sneaks up on you with its dedication to Ellis and Simmons’s dynamic. The show pulls off this character-driven adventure with a case that finds its stakes in the epic highs and lows of high school. Riverdale pun absolutely intended!

The B&E plot with the Skull & Key Society falls a bit flat, but even that doesn’t matter by the end because of the throughline with JJ.

Of course, it would have been to the benefit of “Con with the Wind” to get a little more of JJ and Vince’s relationship between their protection of each other and the romance’s end. Nevertheless, Wild Cards instills hope that even if this episode is the end for JJ and Vince, it could be a new beginning for JJ on the show.

The consultant procedural is slowly and steadily building out a supporting roster of characters — JJ included.

The show seemingly inconsequentially introduces JJ on Wild Cards Season 1 Episode 1, “The Infinity Thief,” only for the character to return on “Con with the Wind” with lasting effect. It works because this episode expresses awareness that JJ’s connection to Daniel isn’t automatically transferable to Ellis.

Ellis has to work to earn JJ’s trust, and it’s refreshing that Ellis still doesn’t entirely have it at the end of “Con with the Wind.” The procedural case is wrapped up, but these characters continue on a serialized journey.

Their shared appreciation — and even love — for Daniel brings Ellis and JJ together, but they still need to work to forge something of their own.

It’s excellent that Wild Cards represents that investment through Ellis and JJ working on Daniel’s boat — a safe place — together. Usually, those coda scenes are for Ellis and Max, but “Con with the Wind” breaks that pattern for the better.

This episode finds Ellis and Max unexpectedly connecting with loved ones.

By helping JJ and setting him up to make Preswood Academy more inclusive, Ellis channels Daniel and his work with at-risk youth, and Wild Cards continues to build a presence for a character who may never physically appear on the show.

Even so, the depth of Daniel’s characterization benefits Ellis.

A different level of determination and vulnerability radiates from Ellis when he works on a case with a connection to Daniel, and it’s telling that Simmons immediately notices that change in his former partner.

“Con with the Wind” uses the weight of Daniel’s legacy to explore their partnership. It’s a testament to the writing that builds on Wild Cards Season 1 Episode 4, “Strangers on a Wave,” that Giacomo Gianniotti and Michael Xavier don’t need to share a scene to represent the characters’ mutual care and respect.

It’s more revealing that those affections manifest when Ellis and Simmons aren’t around one another. While Wild Cards still has a ways to go to make Yates stand out, “Con with the Wind” does more necessary work for Simmons.

Surprisingly, this episode even peels back the enigma that is Ricky.

Who could’ve thought that all it would take for this show to bring that fascinating character into the fold is to let George out of jail for 72 hours after his help on Wild Cards Season 1 Episode 5, “The Accountant of Monte Cristo?”

Expectedly, “Con with the Wind” illuminates Max and her father’s exciting relationship, but it is a genuine surprise to learn that George has a history with Ricky, too. One that involves stealing a Pomeranian that swallowed a diamond, nonetheless. Imagine the other stories they share that Wild Cards can tell!

Jason Priestly brings a lot of dynamic energy to “Con with the Wind” as George.

The Beverly Hills, 90210 actor is having a blast in this role, and when matched with Vanessa Morgan, who chews up every single scene, the duo is unstoppable.

Their father/daughter chemistry reaches new heights on this episode. It’s like they haven’t missed a beat while George has been away — until the cracks show. Most notably, George’s apprehension that he could have offered Max a different life despite being present for all of her milestones is a standout on the episode.

Additionally, it’s rewarding that Wild Cards takes advantage of George’s 72 hours of freedom to pair him and Ellis up. From their honest conversation about fatherhood to George swiping Ellis’s phone without him knowing, they prove to be an unlikely yet delightful pairing. Priestly and Gianniotti are hilarious together.

Still, the strongest dynamic is between Max and George — much to Morgan and Priestly’s credit. Their banter and chemistry make it a real shame that George can’t be a major player in every episode. Perhaps Priestly will become a series regular if the consultant drama has the longevity it deserves.

Wild Cards has a ticking clock to strengthen that bond that usually exists through quick visits or brief phone calls, and “Con with the Wind” succeeds in spades.

The father and daughter’s conversation over custard tarts is one thing, but George’s heartfelt recollection of consoling Max after her first heartbreak is one of the episode’s strongest scenes. After episodes of Max discussing key memories with her parents, it’s meaningful to hear George do the same.

Ellis and Max’s partnership (and potential, slow-burn romance) may have taken a slight (Max sacrificed time with her father to help Ellis!) backseat during “Con with the Wind.” Still, Wild Cards proves it can make entertaining TV with its ever-growing ensemble. If that’s not the recipe for a classic TV show, what is?

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Wild Cards airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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