Earlier this season, we learned about the infamous serial killer of Widow’s Bay, the Boogeyman. Patricia talked about her encounter with the figure when she was in high school, and the mayor’s son almost stepped inside the murderer’s house. In “Your Baggage,” the Boogeyman has some unfinished business.
The episode initially creates the false sense of accomplishment and security after Loftis and Wyck return from dispatching Richard Warren. The mood is so much lighter, the weather is nice, and the mayor and his former foe are on good terms. Then, Widow’s Bay does its best to tear it all down through little clues. A break in at the history museum with a stolen mask. An opened door at the Boogeyman’s house. One of the show’s greatest strengths is the attention to detail that helps provide a path to the greater conflict.
The introduction of the Boogeyman is such a well crafted sequence beginning with the trope of a defenseless woman all alone at home in the evening. Curious events occur from a car alarm, mysteriously turned off lights and closed doors. It’s a steady crescendo of suspense with each sudden noise heard including creaky wood floors, a dog howling in the distance, and barely audible heavy breathing. The absolute silence in between only increases the anticipation for the reveal.
Afterwards is less scary and more a playful romp throughout Widow’s Bay as the Boogeyman chases Patricia. Kate O’Flynn plays it more for comedy than as a helpless damsel in distress. The way she expresses her frustrations and the constant cursing under her breath during the pursuit add humor to the situation. Even completing the mundane things while in danger are funny such as paying for the gas pump to light her assailant on fire.
What also makes Patricia such a joy to watch is, unlike most victims in slasher films, she isn’t an idiot. She can detect dangerous situations, can think off her feet and improvise clever plans, and she never lets her guard down. Her over exaggerated use of the shotgun until the Boogeyman is disposed of reinforces her commitment to finishing the job.
Of course, it wasn’t all about Patricia in the episode, although the subplots seem disjointed and don’t transition well into the main narrative. The heart to heart between the mayor and his son serves as a change of pace and a break from the slasher elements. It’s a little touching to have them both remember the positive side of their wife/mom, especially for Evan who never knew her. Wyck trying to come clean to his high school sweet heart seemed to give the character something to do and also kick start the Boogeyman storyline.
“Your Baggage” is an entertaining and funny take on the slasher genre without losing the horror and suspense.
New episodes of Widow’s Bay release Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
