To Our Deaths and Beyond Plot Summary:
Plot: In an effort to save Barbara (Erin Richards) from her own demise as the Demon’s Head, Tabitha (Jessica Lucas) recruits Selina (Camren Bicondova) and Bruce (David Mazouz) for a dangerous game. As Lee (Morena Baccarin) keeps the Riddler (Cory Michael Smith) close, Oswald (Robin Lord Taylor) tries to move in on their big heist.
“Ed Nygma, you are a riddle.”
That quote sums up this episode fairly well. After taking a week off to give Jerome center stage, the Riddler was back in full force. There’s no doubt Cory Michael Smith’s portrayal of Nygma/Riddler has been one of the highlights throughout the series. While I’ve never loved the heavy split personality angle, this is where it was used to great effect. The two characters are finally melding together as the Riddler’s relationship with Lee took a major turn. In many ways, this episode was very much about our villains having a heart of gold for those closest to them. There were a lot of twists and turns this week, but let’s start with the man in green.
Nygma and Lee’s burgeoning romance has been one of the underrated highlights this season. It just fits. What suppresses the Riddler from fully taking over Ed is his weakness for falling in love, which was on full display in the episode a couple weeks ago when he gives up his game show in the Narrows for Lee. While they drive this point home, the Riddler completely turns the table in a way you don’t expect. Not only does it add another layer of complexity to this already great character, but the Riddler ends up using Nygma’s weakness to his advantage. This is where the Riddler goes from criminal mastermind to a truly dangerous, multilayered villain. He’s so compelling that Lee even gets on board. This episode showcased the best chemistry the two have ever had. I can’t wait to see where this goes.
The Riddler’s story also invited a nice return to Oswald and Nygma plotting together. There was nothing earth shattering here, just pure entertainment. It was the perfect blend of respect and betrayal.
While there was plenty going on in the Narrows, the real crux of the story was Barbara Kean’s desire to understand the Demon Head’s power. She’s obsessed. Barbara was a real whirlwind in this episode. At times she was classic, cunning Barbara. Other times she was just plain dumb. This episode really kept you guessing on where she’d end up. Barbara’s ultimate choice was shocking. This was something I could never envision the character doing, and ironically, the most human choice she ever makes leads her to get exactly what she wanted all along. Outstanding.
One of the best parts of this episode was how odd the character pairings were. At one point, we see Barbara, Tabitha, Selina, Bruce and Alfred (Sean Pertwee) hanging out at Wayne Manor. Bruce and Selina were another highlight, per usual. While we saw the Riddler and Lee have a perfect understanding of each other, we also see it with Selina when it comes to Bruce. We think Selina betrays Bruce, but she ends up doing what’s best for him. Classic Catwoman. Selina sums it all up with one of the best lines of the entire episode. We also get a couple real fun Selina moments. Alfred even gets along with her at one point. As much as I want this show to go on for years to see David Mazouz become Batman, I want to see Camren Bicondova become Catwoman just as much.
While this episode didn’t have any major weaknesses, the Barbara/Demon’s Head shenanigans moved a bit too slow. This was one of those classic cool down episodes from last week’s adrenaline rush, but still very solid. If for nothing else, we got a sinister vision of events to come, which should make for an epic final few weeks of the season.
Rating: 7.5 out of 10 (Very Good)
