SurrealEstate Episode 7 Quarantine Review-A Near Perfect Episode Was Anchored By Sarah Levy

Smart writing and incredible performances elevate SurrealEstate Episode 7 from the obligatory possessition story to something more relatable and ultimately more concerning for the gang.

SurrealEstate is hitting its stride. The ensemble cast has developed a dynamic that showcases each of their backstories while driving the narrative forward. Savannah and Augie have yet to have their moments, but enough of their inner workings are coming through that the big picture of how each of these cogs fit together within the Roman Agency. The magic of SurrealEstate Episode 7 was in the personal moments. The effects were well done, but the toned-down verbal attacks gave everyone something to chew on. Genuine fear and respect are built in these subtle moments that proved the writers understand the dynamics of a good series.

The wolf in sheep’s clothing episode is horror canon. You can’t have a scary television series without at least one of these types of episodes. Of course, some are better than others. Supernatural had an entire season where one of the beloved Winchesters was possessed. Penny Dreadful’s Vanessa, an amazing Eva Green, spent the entirety of her existence bouncing from one harrowing event after another. The “which cup hides the ball game” of quick-changing possession in SurrealEstate Episode 7 allowed for unsaid truths to come to light while also paving the way for deeper, more meaningful relationships.

Susan’s big day is here. Yet again, she is being honored for maintaining her hilariously named Platinum Ring of Esteem in the real estate arts and sciences. Unfortunately for everyone, the entire office has to be quarantined until they can capture a demon jumping from one to another. This Nordic demon, similar to the Wendigo or the Kitsune, is a nasty piece of work that not only stretches the bodies it inhabits but seeks to destroy bonds by exposing beliefs that we usually keep hidden. As it moves from group member to group member, it uses its hosts’ own feelings to drive wedges between everyone. Luckily they are able to capture the demon before it completely destroys the group. Or so they think.

SurrealEstate has always been a balance between genuinely unnerving scares and quirky humor. The ebb and flow of humor, fear, and heart are effective. Each episode is well-paced and intentional. SurrealEstate Episode 7 was a prime example. The intimate episode was timely for an audience desperately hoping to get a handle on the Delta variant of COVID-19. Unlike the Roman group, demons aren’t infecting us, but a potentially deadly virus could be. While still inducing tension in the close quarters, the episode never let the audience descend entirely into the dark. The delicate combination of intimate effects, angry retorts, and unexpected jokes kept the episode from feeling too heavy. Never did I think I would laugh so hard at a joke about ghostly Rumspringa.

Quippy jokes from Susan about not wanting to look like the hag from the Overlook’s room 237 are both funny and reveal her deep insecurity. Her former boss and lover nearly broke her. Luke and the others are beginning to build her back up, but it is hard work undoing all the damage. August’s chaotic and stunning mind is often misunderstood, as witnessed by Savannah’s admiring but teasing descriptor. He clearly thinks differently than the rest of the group, which can often make him feel isolated in his intelligence. Even though Savannah describes his space as “Marie Curie and Edgar Allen Poe giving birth to Steve Jobs,” Augie doesn’t appreciate the joke.

He, in turn, goes after Savanah for her past career and love choices. Everything said isn’t strictly untrue, just unkind and ineffective in actually helping the character it is aimed at. Each team member is forced to face the others’ thoughts, and it comes close to breaking them apart. Very smart writing uses realistic dialogue to show each of the members’ growth without disruptive expository dumps.

SurrealEstate Episode 7 solidified that this ensemble cast and the interesting storyline have longevity. These aren’t just cookie-cutter characters who were recycled from a billion other here shows. The combination of interesting story arcs and talented performers make the Roman Agency likable and relatable, which is no small feat given the absurd subject matter sometimes. These people feel lived in. They are fully fleshed individuals with traumatic pasts, insecurities, and quiet triumphs.

This was especially true tonight of Sarah Levy’s Susan Ireland, who showed once again why Schitt’s Creek wouldn’t have been the same without wise and calm Twyla. Her acceptance speech at the ceremony channeled Twyla’s quiet confidence. Just like Twyla, Susan is a deep well of hopes, dreams, and secrets. Although she came to the Roman group because of an embarrassing affair with her former boss Bob, she isn’t just a weak-minded mess who lets men take advantage of her. She is finding her voice and her power with her new group. Despite Bob’s best effort, she isn’t willing to be gaslit anymore. It’s true progress for Susan and speaks volumes about where her character is headed in the future.

As the group deals with the agency secrets coming out, they will also have to deal with the demon which has found a new host in Megan. Luke was just beginning to open up, and this development will surely set back any progress the cautious man has made. Tim Rozon, who was so brilliant in Wynonna Earp, is barely recognizable as Luke except for the pitch-perfect vulnerability that he displayed in both shows. He is a fan favorite because of that sensitivity. He is powerful and successful but damaged, and those flaws make us love him.

These people genuinely care about one another despite the acerbic banter and occasional unfortunate slight. They will need to rely on that bond as the Roman Agency’s dark work comes to light. Hopefully, the group can navigate the tricky waters of the media, sensing blood in the water and a newly demonized Megan. Those ghosts Megan lives with ought to be able to help with that. Find all our SurrealEstate coverage here.