Wild Cards Season 3 Episode 6 Review: Return of the Corkscrew Killer
Wild Cards Season 3 Episode 6, “Return of the Corkscrew Killer,” unites Max, Ellis, and Jessica for an investigation in a small town haunted by its past.
This episode, written by Veronika Paz and directed by Alexandra La Roche, finally puts all three characters in the same room — and on the same case.
The professional and personal blend together in a much more compelling story than the case of the week for “Return of the Corkscrew Killer.”
The procedural element takes predictable twists — down to revealing Finneas as the copycat killer. Even so, Michael Taylor really takes the reins.
The scene where Max helps him take the first steps outside of his house is moving and a great trust-building exercise for them. There’s a noticeable shift in his performance when he literally and figuratively unmasks in Act 6.
Still, the story never fully leans into the horror genre beyond the surface and Max reciting the rules. It feels like a bit of a wasted opportunity because this show is usually great at leaning into a theme, especially if it gives Max an excuse to go undercover, like on Wild Cards Season 2 Episode 9, “Barking Bad.”
“Return of the Corkscrew Killer” even lacks any substantial jump scares.
Despite that, it is revealing that Max has confidence in her knowledge of the genre, yet she empathizes with Finneas and misses all the glaring signs right in front of her.
It’s also fascinating to watch Max encourage Finneas to find control of his own narrative while hers is spinning so far beyond her control, with Vivienne returning from the dead and bringing Gedeon Varga’s threats with her.
That development lands similarly to Ellis seeing himself in Stuart.
For Ellis to even say, “I know what it’s like to carry around all that unresolved trauma. It will really pull you under if you let it,” exemplifies his growth from Wild Cards Season 1 Episode 1, “The Infinity Thief.”
Like Finneas and Max’s earlier work, the scene where Ellis has to tell Stuart about Wade really works. Even with the serialized story’s shortcomings, “Return of the Corkscrew Killer” finds honesty in those moments that make them stand out.
Beyond that, the best parts of this episode come from Max, Ellis, and Jessica’s interactions.
“Return of the Corkscrew Killer” already has a lot working in its favor for Max and Ellis, coming on the heels of Wild Cards Season 3 Episode 5, “Hot Tub Death Machine.” For instance, there’s instant tension in Ellis keeping Max’s secret when he’s dating an investigative journalist.
Wild Cards leans into that natural conflict between Ellis and Jessica by having them verbalize how protective they are of their respective professions.
While that seems like a conversation the characters would have already had by now, if off camera, it’s the communication that Wild Cards needs to understand this relationship. Their chemistry is also present in quieter moments, like when Jessica watches Ellis as he tells Stuart about his father.
Even smaller details like her being a romance book fan, Jessica having Max’s number, or talking about the hat and costume that Ricky sent to the boathouse for Marc help fold this character into Wild Cards better.
All of which are critical after little movement with Jessica after her introduction on Wild Cards Season 3 Episode 1, “Rack ‘Em Up.”
That’s part of the reason why it’s so exciting to see Jessica be a journalist on “Return of the Corkscrew Killer.” By pairing her up with Ellis, Wild Cards creates a natural comparison between the couple and the show’s dynamic duo.
Jessica comes across as a fresh start for Ellis because she didn’t know him before their time in Mexico, like Max. Giacomo Gianniotti does an excellent job of conveying a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it expression that suggests that he is hung up on being with someone who doesn’t know him before and after.
Even so, the show never pits Jessica and Max against one another, which would be boring and reductive. Instead, Jessica is key in rescuing Max from Finneas.
Wild Cards knows it is far more interesting and entertaining to explore how Jessica and Max bring different things to Ellis’s life.
Ultimately, “Return of the Corkscrew Killer” succeeds where it counts.
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 Mondays 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.