Burn baby burn – that’s how this third episode started off. A guy was actually lit on fire in the opening scene as part of Joe Carroll’s obscene cult. From the ashes of this tragedy we continued the hunt for Joe’s son (Joey) and the trio. The journey took us deeper into the formation and working of his followers. It was a baddie of the week episode but there was enough real story to make up for it. Overall another good episode and I’m still hooked.
The show seems to be finding its footing with the right balance of present day, back story and horror. We found out that his cult is larger than expected and they’ve planned things out in excruciating detail. They’re all taken by Joe and want to exact revenge on everyone that was out to get him. As sick as that is what I like is how they’re all determined to do it differently than Joe did. They’re even encourage to put their own signature on it. Hence the fire. Poe mask guy wasn’t good with knives and told Joe that. Joe encouraged him to be himself. He’s not just looking for blind copycat followers, he thrives on their devotion but loves teaching. He’s such a well cast character that I can see why people want to follow him so much.
The trio is having quite the drama. They’ve been living such lies for the past couple years that their secrets have just kept piling up. Emma scares me a little bit and plays the queen bee role well. The gay guys (Paul and Jacob) are in fact gay – I knew something like that happened. I wonder what’s going to happen when Emma finds out. I’m sure it’ll be worse than what went down this episode. Paul is really losing it, he hates being the third wheel and feels betrayed by Jacob. He tried to make a connection with a convenience store clerk and just ends up abducting her. I don’t think that’s in Joe’s grand plan. He’s the first one to show potential of ruining the plan. I’m guessing he’s the weak link. They’re my favorite storyline thus far.
In FBI land both Parker and Hardy as wallowing in their sadness that they were fooled. They’re allowed to make mistakes because that makes them better agents but I understand why they’re down on themselves. Thankfully Hardy knows Joey is stil alive. Claire received an email at the end of the episode showing proof of life. Great, right? Not so much because of what they’re doing to him.
They’re teaching him about killing. They’re ruining the innocence of that boy. He’s been shielded from his father’s ways for most of his life and it isn’t good they’re converting him. I not sure that’s really part of Joe’s plan. Even as twisted as he is I can’t believe he’d want to subject his young son to that. I could be wrong but I guess I’m an optimist. I hope they can get him back before permanent damage is done.
We’ll have to keep watching to see what happens next. Will the FBI make big moves and get Joey back or will the followers stay one step ahead and leave a trail of bodies. If they keep racking up the bodies I’m going to need a 24 style count.
What did you think?
Follow The Following Mondays on Fox at 9PM ET.