Wild Cards Season 2 Episode 11 Review: Bride and Doom
Wild Cards Season 2 Episode 11, “Bride and Doom,” asks if love really can conquer all when Max and Ellis find themselves wrapped up in a spy thriller.
This episode, written by James Thorpe and directed by Shannon Kohli, takes a sharp turn into an action flick and never stumbles over any speed bumps.
One of the best things about Wild Cards is how it rolls with the (literal) punches of any genre. “Bride and Doom” is an action-packed example of the consultant procedural never taking that genre-bending too seriously — until it does.
Just when it seems like Wild Cards may have steered itself off a cliff, the episode claws itself back with the character-driven stories behind it all.
The most successful component of this is the episode’s meditations on weddings or, even more specifically, love persisting in the face of conflict.
“Bride and Doom” takes some creative leaps by anchoring that story in Heather, a spy with a photographic memory who holds vital information that must travel from one country to another. Because, why not?
Nevertheless, Wild Cards never takes its feet too far off the ground because of the relationship between Heather and her very normal fiancé, Joseph. The scene when Joseph learns the truth is excellent. Praneet Akilla’s performance brings a resonance to the scene that could be lost in how outlandish this plot becomes.
“Bride and Doom” feels like Ellis and Max are inside a romance-led spy thriller. It’s easy to get lost in wherever this Wild Cards episode takes them.
It’s also beneficial to the show’s serialized elements that the episode has a clear perspective, even in the hazier aspects of its case of the week. Heather — or Emma — and Joseph’s conversations about trust and secrets closely mirror the ongoing dialogue between Max and Ellis.
Because the show is taking Max and Ellis’s relationship so slowly, it’s beneficial to watch the characters grapple with these topics — even as they dodge bullets.
Not to mention, “Bride and Doom” has a standout cast that spans incredible teen dramas. Akilla appeared on The CW’s Nancy Drew as Gil Bobbsey, and Stephanie Bennett was Lydia Branwell on Freeform’s Shadowhunters.
The show even stages a(nother — thanks to the Pop’s diner set appearing on Wild Cards Season 1 Episode 6, “Dead of Night”) Riverdale reunion with Lochlyn Munro, who starred as Betty Cooper’s father, Hal, on The CW teen drama, guest starring as Walter. So, those scenes between Walter and Max are extra special.
Of course, though, Wild Cards always has a teen drama icon in their midst with Beverly Hills, 90210‘s Jason Priestley appearing as Max’s father, George.
There’s no denying there are swoon-worthy moments between Ellis and Max.
Ellis telling Max that she hopes she gets that magical wedding day she always dreams of? Ellis insinuating that if he and Max can make it through this hurdle and come out the other side that they will be okay? No notes!
It’s only that “Bride and Doom” finds its emotional center with Max and George.
They spend most of the episode apart — only sharing the screen in its final minutes. Still, the resonance of the day hitting the characters in different ways and at different moments ties them together. Well, Ricky does, too.
It’s fantastic to see more of Ricky after Wild Cards Season 2 Episode 10, “Our Lip (Fillers) Are Sealed,” proved how useful he is to the characters and the show.
It’s great that Ricky facilitates a deeper scene with George. Assuming that he does make it out of jail by the end of the season, it’s smart of Wild Cards to flesh out that character and his dynamics with Ricky and Max.
It’s also great to hear about George and Vivian’s marriage. “Bride and Doom” could have made that backstory even better with a few flashbacks.
How nice would it have been to see George head-over-heels in love with a woman who is better at cons than him, or a scene where Vivian still chose George despite her family’s disapproval? Maybe there’s time for that in the future.
Wild Cards doesn’t pretend that George approves of Max and Ellis’s dynamic beyond the work that is getting George out of jail sooner. Then again, Ricky is the only one who seems to know the whole truth about Max’s feelings. Those star-crossed lovers’ parallels write themselves, and it would be even better to see them unfold on-screen.
Regardless, Max’s choice remains anything but clear by the end of “Bride and Doom.” With only two episodes left in the season, there is still plenty left for the characters to reveal. Primarily, what is Ricky doing with that office?
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.