Anna Pigeon Season 1 Episode 8 “The Death Grin” might be my favorite episode of Season 1. It had everything. It had Anna bonding and calling her sister. It had some relationship drama with Jesse and worthwhile reveals. But it also spent time making Jesse his own character while providing context for the other rangers. Dare I say it, this might be the most balanced episode of the season so far.
Starting off with Anna, I’m glad that she was honest to Jesse in the midst of having this big investigation about what happened to the person who was discovered in a river by Jesse. The writers could have held off and milked this drama. But they didn’t. And I think it makes whatever possible relationship is going to continue for Anna and Jesse stronger. She told him the truth because she wanted to, but also because he deserved the truth. And his reaction wasn’t one of jealousy. It was one of understanding that showed that he is on the same level with her.
MORE: Need a reminder on how the last episode ended? Read our review for Anna Pigeon Season 1 Episode 7 “The Three Matt Skweikis”!
I also really like that Anna didn’t outright say this is the end for them. She cares for him, that’s very clear. But she’s not in the same place in life as he is. And it’s important for her to say that and it’s important for him to hear that. What I’m hoping and praying for is that him being injured doesn’t act as a trigger to make Anna change her mind and move in with him. Because that would cheapen both of their journeys. And I think that it would lead to some resentment down the line.
On a separate note with Jesse, most TV shows take a romantic interest and relegate them to a filler role. Like everything we know about them is due to the connection with the lead. It happens to women all the time when the main character is a man. And I expected the same thing to happen in Anna Pigeon, where Jesse would just fade into the background and we wouldn’t get more about him and his interests. I’m glad to admit I was wrong and that we got to see him interacting with others, but also expressing interests of his own.
MORE: INTERVIEW: Anna Pigeon’s Ronnie Rowe & Cooper Levy on Why Frederick and Jesse Are So Drawn to Anna
The expansion of Jesse’s interests or lore wasn’t the only surprise we got in Anna Pigeon’s “The Death Grin.” The death or mystery of the episode was used as a vehicle to show the ranger community’s strength but also their connections. And it led to moments like Geoff being something other than the boss or Frieda being more than just the office assistant with a lovely voice. Basically this episode made it feel like the other rangers weren’t an afterthought in Anna’s story.
That’s not to say that I don’t like Anna’s story and I don’t want to see the continued development of her story. I do. And every episode that drops I see how she’s shifting her perspective and coming to understand where in her healing journey she is. But she’s not alone in this show. She’s part of a collective. And I want to see more of this collective because it enriches Anna’s story and her place at this park.
I even liked the little bit of Manny that we saw when he interacted with Anna and Christina. Of course, he feels guilt for what his wife Bethany did and wants to separate himself, specifically from Anna because of guilt. But “The Death Grin” showed that he also has connections to Christina, who asks him to stay. And she asks him that not because she’s interested in him romantically. She asked him to stay because they’re a community. With only a couple episodes left, I need Anna Pigeon to continue enriching the world that she inhabits at this park.
But I do feel like there is a looming threat that is about to hit all of them, and that’s maybe why they’re showing a little bit more of the community of it all. Because there’s no way that Jeremiah isn’t involved in the poisoning of the water. And there’s no way that he wasn’t involved in the shooting of Jesse, which we hope he’s still alive because we really like him. So the community is going to have to be strong to support whatever comes next. Because it’s going to be bad.
Additional thoughts about Anna Pigeon Season 1 Episode 8 “The Death Grin”:
- I need to talk a little bit more about Frieda and Christina. Because this goes back to Anna Pigeon enriching this world with a little bit more context and information about the rangers and staff at this national park. And there has been a connection between Frieda and Christina. But now I see an actual spark that is ready to take the next step. And I love it. Do I remember how long it’s been since Christina’s relationship with the ranger that died in episode 1? No. But if Anna could try something new with Jesse and Frederick, why can’t Christina with Frieda?
- I do hope though that we see Frieda and Christina developing on-scren. Not just because I want a sapphic relationship and I think that the show desperately needs a little bit more representation. I want to see them developed because I always love a secondary romance.
- The kind of romance that isn’t the main storyline so it doesn’t have the same drama, is a little sweeter, and that you can’t help but cheer for.
- I’m even interested in learning a little bit more about Manny and Bethany. Because yes, Bethany is a little unhinged there and could be evil for all I know. But there’s dedication with these two that can’t be denied.
- But that was only a little segway about Manny and Bethany.
- Give me more of Frieda and Christina. Because natural and easy chemistry like that, that’s hard to find.
- While we’re at it, I want to know more about Zoey, even if she clocked millennials in the most hilarious way. Truly I wasn’t offended. I was cackling. But even that moment offered a little bit more nuance and character development that just makes her character and the entire show richer.
Anna Pigeon airs new episodes Fridays at 10 p.m. ET on USA Network.
It’s the Death Grin not The Deal Grin.
OMG you’re so right! *hides face* Thank you for letting me know!
You’re welcome. Keep on writing …