After the jaw-dropping flashback episode of Who is Erin Carter? in 1×04, I was so excited about what was going to happen when Erin faced her family in 1×05. And this show did not disappoint, again going in a direction that I did not expect. Because yes, I knew that lies were going to be involved. And I knew that Erin would try to find her way out of the tough situations she found herself aka in a random hospital after getting knocked out and running away from those gunmen. But the truth came out, and not all is basura.
First up, Harper. I did not expect her to remember her past in the way she did. I understand that some kids remember when they were little, but I don’t so maybe others don’t too. And despite that creepy kid moment earlier when she threw the dish on the floor, she handled herself well. She knew that there was something wrong with the life story that Erin had always told her. But when it came down to it, they talked and Harper got the truth. Harper also didn’t throw something against the wall and yell, “You’re not my real mom!” For such a young lady, she’s got range and understands Erin did her best to give Harper a good life. And that counts.
Then there’s her husband Jordi. He has a right to be mad and express himself. He’s been lied to and he feels like their entire relationship was based on a lie. But it’s like the lady at AA said about love and lies. And if they can’t work past this, then maybe they weren’t meant to be in the long run. That in itself is okay too. Sometimes you don’t stay married or end up living your life with that partner you think is forever. But I do think that it’s not over for Erin and Jordi. He loves Harper if anything, and he’ll be around to see that she has the life she deserves. And hopefully, he’ll see Erin’s fight, fire, and poise and give her another chance.
Emilio is a whole other case. I appreciate what he’s done for Erin in Who is Erin Carter?, especially at the beginning of this show. But he’s made it clear multiple times, including in 1×05, that he’s here to solve this case. He’s not here for his best friend, partner, or even justice. Emilio is here for the score and to bring down this mysterious gang that’s actually run by Daniel. And if that means he puts Erin’s life at risk, he’ll do it. That means his relationship with Erin is super complicated. Because I feel for Erin and the screen she let out at the bullring. But Emilio brought this on himself and I don’t feel bad for him.
What comes next for Erin and fam is drama, drama, drama. Because Daniel knows that Erin is the one that Emilio has been working with. The problem is that he has gotten to know her and she him. On one hand, they’re parents trying to make sure their kids grow up safe and loved. But on another, he’s the head of a gang and she just saw him stab/possibly kill Emilio. He will come for her in the day, with threats colored with kind words and a polite accent. What he doesn’t know is that she’s always been a survivor. And she will survive Daniel.
The question is, will she survive Lena? I sure hope so.
Who is Erin Carter? is now available on Netflix.
This piece was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes. Without the labor of the writers and actors currently on strike, Who is Erin Carter? being covered here wouldn’t exist.
