‘UnREAL’ season 2, episode 4 review: An arrest and master plans as show finds its way
It took a few weeks in order for it to happen, but Monday night’s new episode of “UnREAL” is the first time this season that we started to feel like the magic of the first season was back … and it all comes down to Rachel.
Do we appreciate that there is a certain aggressiveness to Shiri Appleby’s character? Absolutely, but at the same time we also like that there is a tenderness there, and an understanding that at times, people do matter. That’s why she did her part in this episode to not have Darius injure his back further by taking part in a football game with some of his women. She understood the benefits of him being a part of “Everlasting” business-wise, and also thought she could figure out a way to still make an interesting show.
Then, enter Quinn, who deliberately tried to injure Darius by having some of the contestants set him up without them knowing about his condition. From there, she tried to manipulate an audience ride … and this is all while she just found out that her father was dead. She remains a terrifying force to be reckoned with, and yet, there was a certain kinship that came through with her and Chet as he helped her to make the show as terrible as possible. Here’s the kicker: He was arrested before the episode was over, mostly because he crossed yet another line and abducted his baby despite a custody agreement. This was absolutely crazy, and we’re left impatiently awaiting the next episode for answers.
Also, we’re left to wonder what in the world is going on with Yael, otherwise known as the woman who paid Jeremy a visit and the two got rather close. We have to imagine that she is operating with a specific endgame, whatever it is. While they got together and Darius started to get closer to Ruby off-camera (hey, he may actually have someone on the season he likes), Rachel did the same thing for Coleman. Sure, it was entirely unrealistic to reality TV that a handler would have allowed this for Ruby, but “UnREAL” doesn’t necessarily follow anything that closely. In the end, we’re just glad that we have some people worth rooting for once more, and this episode was the right combination of crazy, funny, shocking, and interesting. Episode Grade: B+.
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