‘Ragdoll’ Recap: ‘Episode 4’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘Ragdoll’.
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It is definitely safe to say that the AMC+ series, Ragdoll, is one of the most refreshing crime dramas out there right now. Because not only is it funny and quirky and twisted, but it also digs deep into some moving and powerful topics. Specifically, of course, mental health and how it is viewed and handled in the 21st Century. Which has led to some powerful moments that have definitely given the audience pause, as they ponder upon how they should care for their own minds and how they should treat others that are going through it, mentally and emotionally. But while it has been wonderful to enjoy such cerebral storytelling week in and week out, this is the type of the story that sadly cannot stay focused upon such matters forever.
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After all, The Ragdoll Killer is out there, and he still has three people on his list. Which means it is only a matter of time before this series opts to focus on more traditional crime drama elements and it just so happens that the next episode of this fantastic series, was the perfect time to bring that to fruition. Because once more, the team is beside themselves when we catch up with them here. For they simply cannot reconcile the effort and guile that went into sneaking a snake into the car before playing both Baxter and Edmunds akin to a fiddle, and they know they need to make something good happen and soon and well, that sense of urgency puts the commentary aside so that Rose can ponder upon a new plan. One that might actually save a life for a change thanks to its complexity and bravado.

For Rose believed the best way to keep Judge Wingate (#4) safe, and to bring their nemesis to justice… was to get ahead of the Ragdoll Killer and attempt to kill the judge themselves. With the help of special effects of course. For then he wouldn’t be able to harm the judge… who would be whisked away to protective custody and in turn, the killer would make stupid mistakes after having his precious list and process be broken to pieces. Which was… a hell of a plan, one that they actually managed to sell to the judge no problem and for a time it seemed as though… this was it. That at long last, Rose and Baxter would bring this monster to justice and be the heroes we know they are. But alas, they really didn’t count on the Ragdoll Killer’s resourcefulness.

For he was watching all along and waiting patiently to see if cracks would appear in the plan and of course… he used the fear and uncertainty he has brewed amongst the team to keep them on their toes and afraid and that kept things quite interesting for the team, and well, that’s all we are going to say about that portion of the story. Because to dive deeper on the killer’s journey, would spoil as to whether or not the judge lives or dies and whether or not the killer is indeed brought to justice. So instead, we will praise the fact that this whole segment was some downright old school crime drama storytelling. The kind that really did feature a perfect cat and mouse game between the police and the killer, which outright kept us on the edge of our seats. Because the tension here was simply top notch.
 
If anything, this episode just goes to show that Ragdoll is also a supremely versatile series. Since it can clearly shift between crime drama and psychological study, and it definitely deserves our awe for that. Because that is no easy task when it comes to crime dramas, since they stick to either the basics or the commentary. But this one does it all and truly, this is another episode that leaves the viewer completely and utter hungry for more. Because that ending really is something else, since it drops your jaw with surprise and sadly, we are going to have to wait yet again for a fresh story and resolution, but that’s okay. Because this series makes the wait worth our while and this writer has no doubt that next week’s entry in this harrowing case is going to be as epic as it gets, and it will be quite interesting to see what other surprises await us when this incredible story continues. Until next time.  

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