The Purge
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Last week, the klaxons sounded,kicking off another Purge Night.
This week we watch as everyone goes about their business in the early hours of the Purge.
Some have plans to stay safe by doing as little as possible.
Others have an agenda.
Miguel is on a quest to find Penelope.
Penelope, on the other hand, is on a quest to get killed.
He has plans, too, though the extent of them arent exactly clear.
They also involve an app with a womans picture on it.
As for the rest, well have to wait and see.
The second episode also reveals a bit more of how the series plans to work.
So whats Janes story?
Its apparently as straightforward as we might have guessed from the hints provided last week.
But the work hasnt been enough.
Their worst impulses havent just been permitted, theyve been encouraged.
She even notes, Now you dont even have to leave your home to Purge, do you?
Weve seen her snooping around Janes desk.
Lila gets a more hands-on treatment.
They speak twice, once exchanging meaningless niceties, then later exchanging kisses by the pool.
Presumably it wont be the last.
And, honestly, some cross-pollination of the narratives will probably be to the series benefit.
(Save it for your shrink is the best line of the episode.)
But Im not sure anyones story so far suggests it has enough to sustain interest for ten episodes.
The series, on the other hand, has no such restraints.
Did anyone authorize the street gauntlet that snares Miguel?
The partygoers at least know to tune in and its a professional-looking production.
Theyre out there because they want to help others.
They even see signs of hope in the way those participating in the Purge leave them alone.
The Purge notwithstanding, one explains, the natural human bent is toward order.
In the absence of that, people find ways to pay homage.
Survival Tips
Jenna isnt drinking, which she explains to Lila is because shes pacing herself.
She has a headache and an upset stomach, which she also tries to wave away.
Either these are all the reddest of red herrings or Jenna is pregnant.
Penelope remains a true believer.
Its these elements and the questions they raise, more than the masked ultraviolence, that makeThe Purgefranchise compelling.
That muscle car is sweet, but Im not sure its the best vehicle for urban Purging.
If this were automotive combat, it would be a different story.
(Idea for season two The Purge: Purge-y Road?
The Fast & The Purge-iest?)
