The Irregulars 1×08 “Chapter Eight: The Ecstasy of Life” really had us questioning what we’d do for the ones we love. And at the same time it asked the question, “What would you do for life?” Because as much as you love someone, are they worth destroying the whole world for and all the lives that are in it. The answer is a tough one but we all know it. You shouldn’t, you wouldn’t, pick one life over millions. And you would hope that the loved one would understand.
Watching Bea stand up to Jessie when the latter tried to close the rip…it broke our hearts. It was always going to come to this, two sisters battling it out. But Jessie used the power of her love for Bea and her love in return to show her that life is worth living. And personally, it reminded us of the movie Onward when the brother realized he always had someone with him growing up. He had his brother. And in the same way, Jessie and Bea had each other. It might’ve not been perfect, but it was real.
That’s why the mom didn’t fight tooth and nail to stay in this world. Her daughters had grown up without her, no longer needing her. Plus she knew, deep down in her heart, that what she was doing was wrong. But she was so alone and so desperate that she found her way back to her family in anyway possible. And she accepted her fate for what it was and disappeared back into the fold knowing her daughters were loved by each other and that they would be ok.
The Sherlock sacrifice…well we should’ve seen it coming. He’s been so lost without Alice and he failed her and their daughters. But he wouldn’t fail any of them again. He went into the rip because Alice needed someone to keep her company in that endless void. And he also did it because he wouldn’t fail Bea and Jessie again. He would fix what was wrong and he would start at the beginning with Alice and the Rip. And we respect him for doing what was right and not what was easy.
John’s heartbreak over Sherlock choosing Alice was a pivotal moment for the doctor. He’s held onto Sherlock so tightly and this time around he let him go. He did it knowing that his brilliant friend would be ok and that the priority was following in Sherlock’s steps and choosing the kids before anything else. That’s why he helped Bea and Jessie and why he made a promise to the former that he wouldn’t leave her, not this time. And honestly, we believe him.
Bea in those final moments…she devastated us. She loves Leo and he loves her. But he did the right thing in making a deal to save Billy. They both know it. And they both love each other even more for the sacrifices they’re willing to make for their makeshift family. And we have hope in our hearts, that if this show gets another season, we will see Bea and Leo reunite. Something as loving, gentle, and kind as what they had without each other doesn’t just disappear. It lingers long after.
Same thing goes for Jessie and Spike. They love each other. They might’ve not said the words in the same intent as Bea and Leo, but it’s true. They would do anything and everything for each other. And when Jessie found out that Spike’s greatest fear was her death, well, that cemented things for her and made it so that whatever comes next, they’ll face it together. Honestly, these two are like cute puppies and if we get season two of The Irregulars we want to see more of their story.
The one person we’re worried about and that didn’t get a satisfying ending was Billy. He accidentally sort of killed a man. And that pain doesn’t just disappear. It lingers. Combine that with watching the woman he loves be with someone else and finding out his entire past was a lie and you’ve got a full proof recipe for disaster. We’re hoping that the love of his family grounds him, what he’s going through, and gives him hope that everything will be ok.
Honestly, this whole show has been about family and hope. And we’ve learned so much about what brings people together and what keeps them there in the face of danger, spooky shenanigans, and a rip into purgatory. In season two we’re hoping that The Irregulars face even more spooks because there have to be other consequences to the rip and we want to see their bonds being strengthened to the point where nothing can break them ever apart.
The Irregulars is available on Netflix.