Wild Cards Season 2 Episode 6 Review: Séance and Sensibility
Max and Ellis uncover more than one truth when investigating a murder wrapped in a ghost story on Wild Cards Season 2 Episode 6, “Séance and Sensibility.”
This episode, written by James Thorpe and directed by Alexandra LaRoche, pulls back on the show’s ensemble to reacquaint itself with the central partnership.
“Séance and Sensibility” does so with a murder mystery that secludes the duo in a house with a vengeful family, one member of whom is the killer. As if that’s not creative enough, Wild Cards incorporates the one bed trope for Max and Ellis.
From start to finish, this episode proves that Wild Cards is what consultant procedural drama and romance fans’ dreams are made of!
“Séance and Sensibility” blends those genres seamlessly with an engaging case-of-the-week that brings a dialed back yet fascinating Knives Out energy to TV.
The episode takes its time to introduce the key players in the Hawksmoor family. Unfortunately, their depth never goes beyond their questioning. Therefore, it’s challenging to imagine Gil, Holly, or Ivy as even a misdirect from the real killer.
Dick, the lawyer, shows his hand when he gets defensive about the safe. So, by Act 3, the real mystery of “Séance and Sensibility” becomes the extent of Dick’s involvement. It’s wonderfully in-character — and fun to watch — that Max pretends to be Cassandra, a special police psychic consultant, to get to the truth.
Wild Cards leans into the bit but also gives it substance for Max and Ellis.
On the one hand, “Séance and Sensibility” establishes Max’s opinion of psychics as those who prey on people in their lowest moments. However, it also frames her role as Cassandra as another chance to stretch her con-artist muscles.
She even expresses her knowledge of “the classic spiritualist con.” That lands as another direct reflection of her Jonathan Ashord homework.
On the other hand, in one of the episode’s best scenes, Max impacts Clara, the housekeeper and the love of Alistair’s life. Max — or Cassandra — gives Clara closure that she may not receive if the case doesn’t wrap up. It’s more enjoyable for Max to see the appeal of a psychic, even one who fakes their abilities.
Being Cassandra also brings out the best of Vanessa Morgan’s comedic talents.
It is laugh-out-loud funny to watch Max roll with the séance as new information comes to light — no one questions it. It’s equally hilarious to watch Ellis get on the scheme. But nothing is better than Alistair’s ghost being there all along.
The classic TV tag of the thing that’s not meant to exist being real never gets old.
Wild Cards utilizing it so well on “Séance and Sensibility” reiterates its dedication to its medium. This show knows exactly what it is and thrives because of it. Every episode feels fresh and fun for the characters while appreciating the consultant procedural subgenre and TV’s long-standing conventions.
It’s exciting to imagine how Wild Cards would have tackled “Séance and Sensibility” if it were an actual bottle episode. That anticipation extends to another episode — there’s no use in doubting that this show will pull off an authentic bottle episode at some point in its run.
Alternatively, this episode loops in the cast who aren’t at the house. Since Li remains off-screen, it seems Wild Cards will stick with Max and Ellis on “Séance and Sensibility.” It’s a pleasant surprise when Yates and Simmons appear.
It’s also great to see the show continue incorporating Olive, the coroner.
However, there’s no denying that the best parts of “Séance and Sensibility” are inspired by Dorothy’s laced chocolates. It’s almost a shame that the show kills the tension from the idea of the one bed trope as quickly as it introduces it.
However, Wild Cards builds it back through a montage of Ellis and Max with lowered inhibitions. Their true feelings and thoughts come out in the most hilarious and genuine exchanges (Crying at pictures of Marc!) — it’s so good.
It’s also an excellent method for accessing different sides of Ellis that he doesn’t often show — not even to Max. Giacomo Gianniotti plays that dimension with such honesty. His performance — and Morgan’s supportive performance — makes Ellis’s story about Daniel, crickets, and grief all the more moving.
Those revelations alone are profoundly personal and character-driven. They create more than sufficient development for Max and Ellis’s partnership for the episode. But “Séance and Sensibility” punctuates the emotional intimacy with their first kiss since Wild Cards Season 1 Episode 1, “The Infinity Thief.”
Wild Cards could let that tension build for episodes — or even the rest of the season. Refreshingly, “Séance and Sensibility” lets Max and Ellis address the action. However, they ignore the feelings behind it. It’s perfect for their slow-burn.
What did you think of this episode of Wild Cards? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!
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Wild Cards airs Wednesdays at 8/7c on The CW.
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Shelby Elpers
Shelby is a TV enthusiast and pop culture writer. She's an avid podcast listener, green tea drinker, and soccer fan. Her brand can be summarized in rom-coms, superheroes, teen dramas, and workplace comedies.