Batwoman‘s “Survived Much Worse” is a mixed back of what the fuck moments followed by did that just happen moments. Ultimately, what we ended up having is an episode that tried to keep us entertained but failed in holding our attention for more than five minutes at a time. And that sucks during such a pivotal episode where secrets were laid bare and heroes made their big moves.
One of the only saving graces of “Survived Much Worse” was Alice. She continues to be more interesting than anyone else. And it pains me to say that because I’m invested in Ryan, Luke, and Mary to the moon and back. Alice’s story has the gravitas and Rachel Skarsten is an outstanding actress that owns every scene that she’s in. Even scenes where she’s writing to her sister about how she wants to kill her.
Having her stab Ocean, who she was developing feelings for, was a sick and twisted way to kill whatever was brewing between them. Safiyah was going for the throat with that one. And then revealing that Kate was never there. Well that was cruel beyond measure. And who wouldn’t react in the way that Alice did. Hell, I would burn down her fancy beautiful roses in a heartbeat if I discovered someone had twisted me up and lied for so long.
What Safiyah does next is anyone’s clue. Because honestly, I don’t know how she can top what she’s done to Alice or what Alice has done to her in return. And it’s too easy to kill Alice. She would want her to suffer instead of just dying. That’s why I believe that Alice is going to have her mind played with again. That’s the only way that Safiyah can one up Alice and get the revenge she wants.
The other saving grace of “Survived Much Worse” was Ryan herself. We know a lot of people aren’t in it when it comes to Ryan but she’s our Batwoman. It’s not being taken away from her, the opportunity to fight as the masked superhero. And without that fear hanging over her head she can fully dedicate herself to being Batwoman and start working on what kind of hero she wants to be. And that’s more than ok. That phenomenal.
Her “almost” final moments with Sophie were heartbreaking. Despite their differences, Sophie was there for Batwoman. And Ryan, in the span of a second, was transformed from a hero to a young woman with the weight of the world on her shoulders and seeking some comfort at the end of her life. Seeing that transformation was eye-opening and kind of grounding for Ryan as a character.
What comes next for Ryan is going to be on her own terms. She’s pushed past the want to kill Alice (for now) and has the full support of her team. She’s different now and her focus when it comes to Gotham will become apparent in whatever happens next. And we’re here for it. We’re here for all of it if it means that Team Bat gets to fight another day to protect Gotham and its people.
Batwoman airs Sundays at 8/7c on The CW.
