‘Jack Ryan’ Recap: ‘Our Death’s Keeper’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘Jack Ryan’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It is definitely safe to say that this season of Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan on Prime Video, has been a season unlike any other for the show. Because the first three episodes of this series have not only flipped the script on how spy and espionage stories are told, but it has also opted to really take its time with the story. Allowing for a slow burn to take place, one that is quietly setting the chess pieces upon the board, and well, we’ve all been wondering… why? Because this just isn’t how the show operates. This is a series that likes to wow us often, and it has been jarring to see the series slow down so much. But there is of course, a rhyme and a reason to go this route. One that is designed, to basically lull us into a false sense of security so that all of the plot threads that we’ve been settling into, can be escalated in a tense and unique manner, which in turn is designed to lead us to something more. 
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Which ‘Our Death’s Keeper’ revealed to us, by having those escalations play out. Take for instance the whole plot with Luka. Who confronted Petrov about his plans to rattle the saber a bit, as part of his own plan to gain leverage over Petrov and his associates through… disruption. Because giving them something else to worry about could potentially delay the launch of Sokol out of paranoia. In fact, he’s so committed to this plan of disruption, that he is even taking lives after gaining confessions to really strike fear into Petrov and his lackeys. Which while brilliant, comes with great tension and danger. Because it could also backfire and move the timetable up. Because the possibility of being exposed could be enough to force Petrov to go for broke and unleash Sokol upon the world.  

But that wasn’t the only plotline filled with tension and possibility, for the whole matter in the Czech Republic was ramped up as well. Courtesy of the fact that Greer was not satisfied with the win he achieved in the last episode. For having Patriot missile batteries on Czech soil wasn’t enough. He wanted all the players involved in the assassination and that pushed him to investigate Radek and Petr, and he played a most dangerous game with both men in this tale. Since he took the time to be near them and read them and play nice in a manner that was both uncomfortable and daring, and already… this particular plot thread is accelerating into something darker and more. Since his investigation of Radek’s home was one reason the special agent panicked, and he may potentially hurt the President as a result of his worry.

As for Jack, well… his plot thread set that worrisome moment in motion. Because he knew he needed actionable intelligence to curry favor with CIA at last, and that brought he and Mike to Budapest to talk with the arms dealer that was moving Sokol into position. Which went poorly at first since we came to learn he is a paranoid dude that takes every last precaution. But… when you play into that paranoia and ramp up the pressure on a man like that, eventually, you get what you want. Because they did just that and were able to get him to flee to the safehouse they were staying in, to get that location. One that Jack quickly sent to Wright in the hopes of showing her he’s not a criminal and that a real threat awaits. But of course, having the dealer in hand, and silent, spooked Petr who called Radek, who flipped out after that call over the reality that he was on the radar.  

All of which made for an episode, that truly began to turn up the heat on all the plot threads we’ve been settling into over the past few episodes. Because just like that, there’s worry in Russia, the bad guys are nervous and Sokol might finally be exposed. Giving rise to a potential change of pace for the story. Since such moves can escalate everything further, and likely will. Because this is a hardcore spy drama for certain, one that always features explosive finales and that is what this slow burning first half of the season has been all about. To properly set the stage and the stakes for a dynamic back half, one that will undoubtedly culminate in a stunning finale and well, that makes this slow first half quite brilliant in nature since it has manipulated us, and it will be interesting to see how quickly things begin to spiral out of control as season three barrels toward its explosive ending. Until next time. 

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