‘The Watchful Eye’ Recap: ‘The Nanny Vanishes’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Four of ‘The Watchful Eye’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
When we last settled in to discuss the fascinating Freeform series, The Watchful Eye, we talked at length about the sense of urgency that Elena was putting into her mission to find the precious ruby she seeks. One motivated through fear since things were getting a little creepy at the Greybourne, and the push in which she was making to be free of this place with her prize in hand, made it seem as though this week’s episode, was going to be a mad dash to the finish line. Because when we caught up with Elena in ‘The Nanny Vanishes’, she was hard at work in digging further into the history of this strange building to find that ruby… and she even managed to land a little face time with the former nanny. 
​
Which was… a conversation that didn’t quite offer her all that she wanted. For there were discussions of secrets and lies and strange behaviors from the families in that place, which was nothing new to Elena. Plus, there was talk of the NDA and how it seemed as though eyes were on this nanny everywhere. A notion that spooked Elena for a little bit, until she came to learn quite the wondrous surprise. In that, Ginny and her assignment in this place might have been everything Elena ever needed. For she was in charge of the top family in this building, and that meant with the right play date in place, Elena could search the source and likely get her hands on what she needed.

But that proved to be nothing more than a snipe hunt, one that wounded her relationship with Ginny since Elena did get caught snooping, and well… that forced her to regroup and work with Rowan and anyone that would listen… to learn that perhaps it was under her nose all along. Because there was a chance her work apartment was home to everything she ever needed, and after mending fences with Ginny… she prepared to get to work on finding the ruby at last. But alas, a strange encounter with Tory, one that seemed… prophetic in nature, combined with the discovery that cameras were everywhere in Matthew’s place, made it clear this was going to be a difficult leg of the search. One that might take longer than expected.

Not to mention, it proved the nanny was right and that eyes are all over Elena and that could be problematic for her as well. In part because, the nanny has gone missing. Proving certain worries right. But also, because this episode took the time to inform us more of Elena’s past. Wherein we came to learn that she basically sent her mother up the river without a paddle because she came to realize that her mother was toxic for her and her little brother, and that she needed to change the course of her life. Which means, this could be her last score, the greatest score of all. One where she can finally be free of her past, provided of course… whomever is watching doesn’t learn about her past and the truth about her… and her relationship with Scott.

Who as it turns out… just so happens to have a relationship with Matthew and was even called ‘Mommy’s friend’ by Jasper, adding a whole new wrinkle to the job and Elena’s relationship with him. But while we wait to see what comes out of that stunning revelation, we can take a moment and reflect upon… a solid episode through and through. One that found a way to add new challenges to Elena’s journey, all while fleshing out the dangerous madness of this family. Plus, it was incredible to learn about Elena’s past and understand she’s not quite the villain in this tale, and more of a person operating in the grey area to find peace. All of which adds newfound depth to this story, one that continues to impress, and it will be interesting to see what other surprises and madness await us as season one continues along. Until next time.  

---

Powered by JustWatch