For better or worse, the Phelps reunited on the season two premiere of Shining Vale. Terry returns home from rehab but the axe attack has left him a shell of his former self. Meanwhile, Pat is booted from the asylum since her insurance ran out and has nowhere else to go. Despite the inspirational ending, last week, “She’s Real” shows that the good times are short lived as the family revert back to their typical dysfunction.
The episode’s title refers to the appearance of Rosemary Ruth, the new neighbor. Her presence causes Pat to spiral exposing that even though she made progress mentally, she is far from healed. At least she’s taken what she’s learned about herself during therapy and can explain the resemblance between Ruth and Rosemary.
Shining Vale effectively uses Pat’s emotional state to keep viewers on their toes. It’s difficult to decipher what occurs in reality and what is only in her mind. That’s what makes Courtney Cox such a joy to watch because you never know what to expect. She can be obscene and comedically hysterical one second, and totally vulnerable and genuinely fearful the next. Pat’s unhinged and unstable state produces an unsettling feel ideal for horror.
Speaking of the horror, the juxtaposition with the levity make the scarier moments more impactful. Scenes can lull you into a false sense of security with a lighthearted and fun scene, and then have a hidden door creepily open or a disturbing thing in the background to snap you out of it. You can never relax for too long.
The series continues to explore generational mental health. Gaynor is stressed trying to keep the family and home together, and that added responsibility seems to be affecting her. Similar to Pat years ago when she was forced to grow up sooner than expected after committing her own mother.
Whether it’s seeing disturbing images in mirrors or dancing to 80s music from a Walkman, it’s a shame to see Gaynor following in her mom’s footsteps. Probably more disturbing to her is the dark black streak that mysteriously materializes in her golden locks. Her change in appearance is a stark contrast to Pat’s after drinking herbal tea to combat the effects of menopause. The hair and make up team is able to turn back the clock to transform Courtney Cox.
Once again, it’s the Phelps men of Shining Vale that provide the comic relief. Jake with his sweet innocence, particularly when having to awkwardly read Pat’s trashy sex novel to Terry. However, Terry’s helpless nature creates tension as he tries to piece together the dramatic night of the season one finale. Axes find their way into his paintings during art therapy subconsciously reminding him what happened. It’s a gradual process of retrieving his memories, and building the eventual blow up towards his wife when he it all comes back to him.
“She’s Real” explores the mental states of the Phelps to further develop the drama in the house both supernatural, psychological, and familial.
New episodes of Shining Vale air Fridays on Starz.
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