‘Sweetpea’ Recap: ‘Black Spots in the Garage’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Ella Purnell and Jon Pointing as Rhiannon and Craig in Episode 103 of ‘Sweetpea’ – ‘Black Spots in the Garage’. (Photo Courtesy of STARZ.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Three of ‘Sweetpea’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
When we think of origin stories for serial killers, we think of supremely dark tales. The kind that showcases an individual that suffers through great darkness in their youth and on. Wherein they learn that life isn’t precious to some, and the world simply does not care who lives and who dies. Combined with a grand examination of the darkness they harbor in their minds and how their bloodlust grows. So, we can understand they are a monster, and that we should fear them, and well… that is an impactful way to grow a monster in a story since it accomplishes all those goals. 

Which is why the new STARZ series, Sweetpea is of note. Simply because it bucks those conventions, out of a desire to point out that not all serial killers are formulated monsters born in the shadows. Some are the people who slip through the cracks of society. Who don’t get a fair shake and want what we want, but seemingly can never have it, and that has added real depth to this story, making it a tragedy of sorts, one that only went to darker places in this week’s episode. For ‘Black Spots in the Kitchen’ picked up shortly after Rhiannon’s second kill, and once again… she felt as though a burden was lifted, as though she was free and able to now move forward in life.

Which prompted her to take agency at the office when Jeff took credit for the article. Despite the fact that he demonstrated why he took credit, but she punished him none the less and found agency in it. She also punished the annoying girl at the supermarket that never paid attention to her, and she finally enjoyed the wonder of being with someone romantically by taking Craig out on a date. One that ended with intimacy and joy and well, that really made Rhiannon believe she had it all and that one more murder would likely pave the way for real sustained happiness. So, she made plans to go after Julia and well, that’s when she learned the hard way, this was a not a path to healing and nor would she find what she wanted in this manner.

Simply because the police called her in for generic questioning and the second body was discovered. Which reminded her that there were still potential consequences lurking about, and she came to understand that Craig’s time with her was hollow in nature. Because he was also flirting about with Julia, who announced that she planned to buy the house instead. All of which broke Rhiannon and shattered her false worldview and pushed her to new and awful heights. Wherein she set a trap for Julia to bring her back to the house to kill her. Granted, that was a nightmare too since Julia fought back, mainly because Rhiannon was caught monologuing like a Bond villain, but it would seem she will get her wish and finish the job and who knows what she will become when she kills her nemesis.

Because if there is one lesson that we learn about those who are not too far gone, it is that revenge causes more harm than good to the psyche, and she will find no fulfillment, but that perhaps… should come as no surprise. For there was nothing in this episode for Rhiannon. Just brief bursts of desire as to what she wants and a belief she cannot have it. All because, Rhiannon is indeed lost and indeed someone that slipped through the cracks, and needs help in understanding how to get what she wants in her hands, and once again, all we can feel for her is pity in this tale, and curiosity as to whether or not she can come back from this darkness and pay a penance or if she will end up being another lost soul statistic. Until next time.

---

Watch ‘Sweetpea’

Powered by JustWatch