As we delve into the penultimate episode of the first season of A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder, episode 5 delivers a potent mix of revelations and suspense, perfectly setting the stage for an explosive finale. For those following along, you might want to catch up on the reviews for episode 1, episode 2, episode 3, and episode 4 to fully appreciate the escalating tension. Be warned, spoilers for both the TV series and the book series are ahead – proceed with caution if you’re not caught up!
Episode 5 Breakdown
Length: 50 minutes 29 seconds
Content Advisory: Mature language, depictions of sexual assault, smoking, substance use, death, murder, mentions of suicide, blood, grief, drug use, drunk driving incidents, car accidents, animal death, and kidnapping scenarios.
Synopsis: A startling confession dramatically shifts the direction of the ongoing investigation. Pip, grappling with this new information, is immediately confronted with another threatening message, raising the stakes even higher.
Episode 5 masterfully builds upon the cliffhanger from episode 4, where Naomi hinted at a concealed truth involving Jake and Max. The episode swiftly unveils their dark secret: the hit-and-run incident. The portrayal of Max in this scene is chilling. His utter lack of remorse after hitting another vehicle and leaving a person to die is deeply disturbing. While Naomi is visibly shaken, urging them to call for help, Max coldly instructs her to get back in the car and enlists Da Silva to cover up their crime. This scene isn’t just about the horrific act itself; it’s about Max’s chillingly detached reaction and confidence that his privilege will shield him from consequences. His sociopathic tendencies are glaringly apparent.
The tension escalates further in the classroom scene featuring Naomi, Pip, and Max. The palpable hatred Max directs at Pip is almost tangible, creating a genuinely frightening atmosphere. There’s a real sense of potential violence, making Naomi’s clever manipulation of Max all the more satisfying. She reveals she never shared the incriminating photo with him, hoping for an opportunity to stand up against his control. This moment is a significant turning point for Naomi, showcasing her growing courage, spurred on by Pip’s investigation. Her prior reluctance to reveal the truth, hinted at in the episode 4 review, is now superseded by a newfound resolve.
The developing relationship between Pip and Ravi provides much-needed emotional depth to the episode. Their scenes together, particularly after Pip receives another threatening text, are highlights. Ravi’s visit introduces a charming first encounter with Josh, hinting at the beloved dynamic from the books that fans are eager to see more of. More importantly, these moments reveal a vulnerable side to Ravi. His poignant reflection on how Sal’s life, and consequently his own, might have differed had tragedy not struck is heart-wrenching. It underscores the Singh family’s suppressed grief, unable to openly mourn Sal due to the widespread belief in his guilt. Pip offers Ravi a safe space, someone he can trust to share his grief and deepest feelings.
The episode expertly weaves together multiple plot threads. The revelation that the mysterious “Secret Older Guy” number belongs to Mr. Ward’s hidden phone is a major turning point. Naomi’s apologetic call to Pip about Barney comes via this very number, creating a moment of intense realization for Pip. She’s about to get into a car with Mr. Ward, and must feign ignorance while reeling from this discovery. The writers cleverly incorporate Zach’s discussion of Jekyll and Hyde and The Double, emphasizing the theme of duality and the coexistence of good and evil within a single person. His line about these not being opposites but “indissoluble components of the human psyche” resonates deeply with Pip’s unfolding understanding of Mr. Ward.
Emma Myers delivers another stellar performance in this episode, particularly in the scenes depicting Barney’s death and her confrontations with Mr. Ward. The initial misdirection, suggesting Emma might step away from the case due to Victor’s hotel guestbook entry rather than Barney’s murder, is a clever narrative feint, making Barney’s death even more impactful. The scenes at the Ward’s old house are powerfully acted by both Myers and Matthew Baynton, who portrays Elliott Ward.
Pip’s reaction to the video of Sal in the interrogation room is crucial. It challenges her preconceived notions of Sal, a person she thought she understood through her connection to his family. However, it is the revelation about Mr. Ward that truly shakes her. He is not a distant figure but a trusted adult, almost a second father. Learning about his affair and hidden life shatters Pip’s perception of him. Her hurt and confusion quickly morph into anger, which Myers portrays with palpable intensity in her performance.
Conversely, Matthew Baynton’s portrayal of Elliott Ward is nuanced. He conveys the immense weight of the secret he has carried for five years. His confession to Pip seems to offer a sense of relief, a chance to unburden himself and assert his innocence in Andie’s actual murder. However, his attempt to minimize his culpability by saying Andie “called it off” regarding their affair is disturbingly inappropriate, given the power imbalance between a teacher and a teenage student. Baynton subtly shifts from relief to unease when Pip discovers the sounds upstairs, hinting at the darkness yet to be fully revealed.
The episode culminates in the chilling reveal of the girl in the attic. Her appearance in the shadows is genuinely unsettling. The biggest deviation from the book – the girl’s awareness that she is not Andie – is a shocking twist, adding a layer of complexity to the mystery and promising a thrilling conclusion. This change from the source material is a bold move that enhances the suspense and sets up a dramatically different finale.
Episode 5 is a tightly packed episode filled with critical information, impactful revelations, and emotionally charged moments. It successfully ratchets up the tension, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the finale.
Highlights of the Episode:
- Pip’s fierce loyalty: “I’d do anything for you” to Cara.
- The visually striking overhead shot of Pip surrounded by her investigation board.
- Pip’s Nancy Drew-esque tactic of using herself as bait in a video confession.
- The playful banter between Pip and Ravi during their card game.
- The quiet tenderness of Pip waking up to Ravi’s presence.
- Pip and Ravi’s comforting hug.
- Leanee’s consistently stylish outfits.
- The suspenseful cinematography and music during the brief moment of Josh’s apparent disappearance.
- Pip’s relieved and heartfelt hug with Josh at his party.
- Pip’s poignant moment of grief in Barney’s bed.
- The heartfelt “Barney was an absolute gentleman.”
- Cara’s affectionate “Okay weirdo” after Pip’s sincere hug.
What were your own reactions to episode 5? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Until next time!
