SPOILER ALERT: The following contains spoilers for Anna Pigeon Season 1, Episode 9.
Episode 9 of Anna Pigeon is as functional as it is entertaining. “Nature vs. Nurture” is the season’s penultimate episode, meaning that writer Noelle Carbone has to move pieces into place for the grand finale. The episode does that with efficiency, even if it still has some of the more soap opera-esque elements that have become more prominent in the back half of the USA show’s season.
Most importantly, this episode gives Tricia Helfer the most to do yet, as it makes Molly Pigeon an actual part of the plot. It’s not just phone calls; she’s physically present in the park and interacting with a few other characters. Anyone who’s watched Helfer before—USA viewers may remember her from her guest starring arc on Suits—knows how talented she is. In fact, she led a series called Killer Women playing a character just as brassy and tough as Anna Pigeon. So it’s great to see her being used more fully, and that means she should be around to play a similarly large part in the finale, unless there’s a time skip and Molly is back in New York.
Speaking of New York, this episode welcomes back NCIS: Origins actor Julian Black Antelope as the investigation into Zach’s death progresses. Just as on the CBS procedural, he brings an extra spark to Anna Pigeon, and it’s also lovely to see Ronnie Rowe Jr.‘s Frederick Stanton have a rapport with someone who isn’t Anna. The only actor who’s underused is Rookie Blue and Chicago Fire alum Charlotte Sullivan, who’s credited for this episode but isn’t front and center like her former co-star Rachael Ancheril was earlier this season. However, if Anna Pigeon wants to keep bringing in Rookie Blue actors, that would be awesome.
Plot-wise, “Nature vs. Nurture” hangs its hat on a fourth-quarter reveal that Jesse has lied about his history, from his name to an outstanding warrant to an ex-girlfriend. The latter falls flat; it feels like when Chicago PD similarly brought out Jay Halstead’s previously unknown ex-wife. But the first two beats, while predictable, similarly make Jesse more relevant to the overall picture beyond just being one of Anna’s love interests. The audience will be able to predict who shot him well before Anna does, yet at least in the process the viewers feel like they know Jesse better. And he drops the big bombshell that ties the season-long plot together: Jeremiah Paulson has been poisoning the water, to encourage people to sell their land. Just like that, the audience can connect the dots and get excited for the ultimate showdown that’s been brewing ever since the series premiere.
The biggest weaknesses in Anna Pigeon Episode 9 are the more soapy moments that have become more prominent overall. The love triangle between Jesse, Stanton and Anna persists, though for obvious reasons the dynamic between Jesse and Anna gets most of the focus. It’s a common plot device for a character going through trauma to prompt the start or growth of a romantic relationship. “Nature vs. Nurture” also strains Anna’s personal relationships to create extra tension for the finale. It’s frustrating to learn that Manny has turned in his notice, as he holds a grudge against Anna for what happened in Episode 6. Even factoring in that Bethany is Manny’s wife, it still seems like he’s pointing the responsibility in the wrong direction. That also short-changes actor Manuel Rodriguez-Saenz, since Manny has one emotional note to hit all episode. It would have been great to see the entire conversation between Manny and Molly, because that would have been an emotional and maybe even eye-opening scene, but it also isn’t essential to the plot.
That sums up “Nature vs. Nurture” as a whole. This episode of Anna Pigeon makes the choices it needs to in order to deliver a satisfying finale, but like many penultimate episodes, that approach of looking ahead means that it misses opportunities in the moment. The acting by Helfer and Tracy Spiridakos really carries this episode, as viewers are able to get a much fuller sense of the bond between Molly and Anna simply by virtue of their being in the same place together. It’s wonderful to see more of Helfer and Cooper Levy, and another appearance by Julian Black Antelope. But the plot moves along without any major surprises, and there’s not as much room for the poignant emotional and character beats that helped make this show stand out early on. At least all the pieces are lined up for what ought to be an impressive finale.
Anna Pigeon airs Fridays at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on USA. Photo Credit: Michelle Faye/Courtesy of Versant Media.
Article content is (c)2020-2026 Brittany Frederick and may not be excerpted or reproduced without express written permission by the author. Follow me on Twitter at @BFTVTwtr and on Instagram at @BFTVGram. For story pitches, contact me at tvbrittanyf@yahoo.com.
