‘P-Valley’ Recap: ‘Mississippi Rule’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season two finale of ‘P-Valley’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Truly, one of the most difficult episodes to assemble for the writers’ room of a television series… is the season finale. For fans have high expectations about how those episodes should go and any level of disappointment regarding them, can make or break a series. Which is why so many work hard to wow audiences with stunning finales, so that expectations are met. But now and again, you run into shows that worry less about the spectacle of the finale and focus harder on the story and the logical conclusion to a particular year of storytelling, and it just so happens that the season two finale of P-Valley on STARZ followed that more organic edict.

For ‘Mississippi Rule’ was a story devoid of catered shocking moments or unexpected twists and turns… everything here instead felt natural and fitting to this universe. In fact, it reflected the ups and downs of life to a tee by giving us a story that focused in part, upon the wonder of new chapters in life. For this story opened up with a new day in Chucalissa. Wherein Patrice was voted in as the new mayor, much to Andre’s chagrin, and where the casino referendum went through as well. Making it clear that a great deal of change was coming to this town, the kind that was going to be both good and bad. Since a hardcore religious mayor could lead to some unique conflicts while the casino prospered and well… those two revelations led to all kinds of ups and down in this story. 

In fact, the gaming referendum passing… actually led to quite the powerful reckoning for Hailey. Because she didn’t get her five million dollars for The Pynk and the land it sits upon, thanks to Uncle Clifford’s behind the scenes deal with Corbin Kyle. For the new casino would go up on his land, next to his body of water and that gave Clifford a chance to be rid of her at last. By using the finder’s fee that Corbin paid him… as a payout to Hailey. A move that prompted her to simply up and disappear (with some interest from the club of course) since she gambled and lost big before the casino ever went up, and she wasn’t the only one dealing with some hardships in this tale. For Keyshawn dealt with a horrible end around courtesy of Derrick. Since he figured out what she was up to and called the cops on her instead and demanded a divorce and sadly… it would seem Keyshawn is off to jail now for crimes she did not commit.

However, while it was devastating to watch Keyshawn be betrayed by Derrick in the worst possible way, there were a lot of bright spots to be found in this tale. After all, Mercedes finally has her daughter home again thanks to a long overdue rehab stint for you know who… and Ernestine came home from the hospital at last, and she was Covid-free and ready to party. In fact, her return home brought about a grand celebration at The Pynk. One where another moment of majesty took place. For despite running into some road bumps regarding their love, since Uncle Clifford flippantly asked Murda to shove off because of the tour… Murda didn’t hear a word Clifford said. Instead, he opted to attend the party and declare his love for Clifford at last, giving these two the shot they finally deserve and well… that’s about as happy an ending as one can get for this season of storytelling.

Since there was a dangerous gang related surprise at the end of this tale, the kind where the proverbial chickens came home to roost. But aside from that… this was indeed a bittersweet tale, one that truly reflected life, and that is what this show has always worked toward and offering up a finale that speaks to new chapters and new beginnings and unfortunate sorrow, makes this the perfect finale for this show. One that reminds storytellers everything that the end of the season doesn’t have to be epic, it just has to be good and reflect what the show stands for and well… now that we’ve reached the end of a powerful and incredible season, all we can do is hope for more of this amazing world. For as of press time, this series has not yet been granted a season three, and hopefully STARZ does so quick. For this is a series unlike any other and deserves to continue… so we can learn more about life in Chucalissa and see how these incredible people continue to grow. Until next time.

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