As we’ve seen so far this season, there are too many bizarre happenings in Widow’s Bay. Some have been hitting too close to home for Mayor Loftis and Patricia. Those two along with Wyck begin their search for answers.
The trio trace the steps of the recently deceased Reverend Bryce to better understand the religious leader’s final moments. Their search leads them to a local drug dealer whose home is both sketchy and yet, inviting. The self declared shaman is familiar with the psychedelic properties of the mushrooms they picked up from the reverend’s rectory. What follows is a completely hysterical segment filled with apprehension, misunderstanding, and panic.
The situation further emphasizes the difference in philosophies between Wyck and Loftis and their believer vs. skeptic relationship they have. A relationship not as antagonistic is between the mayor and Patricia. Kate O’Flynn has some good physical comedy as her character helps Loftis purge.
The mushroom induced trip has mixed results as a narrative device. A lot of it is played for comedy with the constant black outs at inopportune times and resulting awkward circumstances, which is funny at first. However, it loses the charm the more it’s used and it drags on too long. The blackouts are more effective when relaying key plot points like in the Widow’s Bay History Museum. The disorientation helps make the historical exposition seem like a tease since there is no context.
The episode does a good job showcasing how Loftis is losing his grip on his world. He’s unable to rein in his son’s disobedient behavior. The town is rebelling against his calls for a curfew. That all sets his mental state for his spiritual vision as he relives the tragic story of his wife. It’s a painful experience but also gives Tom a firsthand experience with the island’s curse with a local trying to leave.
More ominous are his prayers to protect Evan. The camera movement, facial expression, and close-up are unsettling combined with the deep musical tones. In his moment of desperation, it doesn’t seem the correct entity answered his call based off of the subtle growls.
“What To Expect on Your Trip” starts off strong with the comedy behind the mushrooms. It drags in the middle with the overuse of the blackouts, but picks up in the end with leaving an ominous feeling.
New episodes of Widow’s Bay release Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
