‘Mrs. Davis’ Recap: ‘A Great Place to Drink to Gain Control of Your Drink’

Written by John Edward Betancourt  

MRS. DAVIS -- “A Great Place to Drink to Gain Control of Your Drink” Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) Ben Chaplin as Schrodinger, Jake McDorman as Wiley, Betty Gilpin as Simone -- (Photo by: Sophie Kohler/Peacock)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Mrs. Davis’. To revisit the four-episode Series Premiere, click here.

​It is definitely safe to say, that the new Peacock series, Mrs. Davis, offered up one of the finest series premieres to hit the airwaves in years. Simply because our introduction to Simone and Wiley and the wild world that Mrs. Davis controls… was about as epic as it gets. Courtesy of a stunning and original plot, magnificent commentary, and quality performances through and through, and even some comedy thrown in for good measure. But above all, the mystery presented to us in the premiere, revolving around the Holy Grail and its location is what truly captivated us and engaged us. Because this story simply did an incredible job of leaving us to wonder if the Grail was actually real, or another gimmick set up by the algorithm to have people do its bidding, and shockingly, this week’s episode answered that question. 
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Shocking is the word used here, simply because answers that critical are oft reserved for a season finale or a penultimate episode. But a series this refreshing and original… doesn’t follow those kinds of rules and well, that led to some epic revelations in ‘A Great Place to Drink to Gain Control of Your Drink’. All of which came forth on a deserted isle we are familiar with. For the very one that saw a man be rescued from in the opening moments of this tale was revisited by the story. Because that man, Doctor Arthur Schrodinger, had returned to the island to keep the secrets of the Grail safe. Secrets that he only shared with Wiley and Simone, for several reasons. Such as how it was obvious, they’d done their homework on Clara, and were determined to find the Grail and another reason… we will get to in just a moment. Simply because, what Arthur had to offer… provided us with the answers we’ve been seeking regarding the Grail.

Such as the fact that It was real, and that indeed, a secret society watched It over regularly and coddled the Grail as well. For It desired to be seen regularly, and It desired to be treated with love and care… otherwise It would emit one stunning odor. And we came to learn that Mathilde and Clara were mother and daughter and that Mathilde’s wild plan to have the Grail be seen via a Super Bowl Commercial for British Knights brought forth a falling out between mother and daughter. One that led to the theft of the Grail on Clara’s part and a reunion with her biological father, the good doctor in question. And all of these bits and pieces and backstory regarding the Grail and the odd encounters that our heroes have run into were important to put together, simply because… all of it connected… to Simone and Wiley. 

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MRS. DAVIS -- “A Great Place to Drink to Gain Control of Your Drink” Episode 105 -- Pictured: Mathilde Ollivier as Clara -- (Photo by: Sophie Kohler/Peacock)

For we also came to learn that eventually, Clara died. For she tried to sip out of the Grail, which was the most forbidden rule of all in handling It. But her death was not totally in vain. Because on the day she died, a young girl named Lizzy… took a crossbow to the liver, and a young kid named Wiley, was in the hospital as well in need of a liver. And those two kids, received a portion of Clara’s liver, which may make them immune to the effects of the Grail, and allow for them to destroy It, based upon Arthur’s scientific musings. But what mattered most about this reveal, was that it gave Arthur the confidence to reveal where the Grail was hidden so he could task our heroes with Its destruction. A task that Simone is ready to take part in.
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All of which made… for a brilliant and bold episode. Because as mentioned before, the grand reveals we seek are oft relegated to the end of the season. So, to learn everything we need to know now… is indeed a brave move, one that could signal bigger moments on the horizon. And the sheer brilliance of this particular episode, lies in the show’s now trademark subtext and commentary. Because the backstory of the Grail and Clara’s subsequent attempt to be free of her religious path, speaks volumes to how Religion has oft tried to be ‘hip’ and ‘relatable’ to people, only to crash badly in such efforts because it insists upon others so hard. Not to mention Clara’s journey is reminiscent of those who leave organized religion and speak of their disdain for how it treats members of the congregation when they challenge core teachings or struggle with them.

Yet, since this series always likes to look at every angle regarding religion and faith, it also spoke volumes to how religion and faith persist… because of perfect moments like the one Simone and Wiley experienced here. Where those strange collision of moments that appear to speak to divine intervention and pre-ordained fate makes us wonder if by chance… there is a God out there. Who does in fact, have a plan for us. But all commentary aside, this episode was also, a lot of fun to watch. Since the comedy once again provided balance and the performances were once again top notch and well, in the end, all this episode does, is prompt us to count down the minutes to next week’s adventure. One that clearly will focus on the hunt for the greatest treasure in all of modern Anglo-Saxon religion… The Holy Grail. Until next time.  

To learn more about the assembly about this series and its characters, check out interviews with Co-Creators Tara Hernandez & Damon Lindelof, and series cast members, Betty Gilpin (Simone), Jake McDorman (Wiley), and Andy McQueen (Jay).

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