Carrie S1E3 Review: “Social Studies”–A Big New World

This review contains spoilers for Carrie S1E3, “Social Studies” (directed by Kate Siegel and written by Justina Ireland)

Well, it looks like I jumped the gun a bit in my review of the last episode. I hadn’t realized a social media account needed to be set to “public” for the public to see it. At 38, it’s no surprise that I don’t understand these issues as well, but that speaks to how relevant this show is for the teen crowd (or the parents raising them). Anyways, Chris (Alison Thornton) toggling that switch furthers the show’s action in a way that will publicly humiliate Carrie and a few others. This isn’t the only dramatic turn in Episode 3; other events lead Carrie to explore the social world she’s missed since childhood, and Chris’s sense of betrayal by her mother reaches new heights. Overall, “Social Studies” is a marked improvement on the second episode, furthering the show’s character arcs and developing dramatic tension.

The episode opens with Carrie doing some telekinesis research, combing through books on mystics and witches. Reaching back through history and citing examples of women who claimed to have powers, only to be persecuted, not only by the public, but by men, sets up a good feminist angle for the show. Emaline (Thalia Dudek) approaches and asks whether Carrie believes that stuff. Carrie wisely denies it, but I have a strong feeling that there’s more to Emaline than is readily apparent. Is she really a spy, as she hinted at in Episode 2? Could she be a plant from that group that felt Carrie’s power?

Outside in the backyard, during the party, Emaline points out that Carrie needs to be careful about who she lets into her life. To Carrie, Chris’s apology rings true, but any viewer can see that it’s completely hollow. Sue is coming from a more benevolent place, but she still hasn’t gathered the courage to break from Chris. Bonds don’t break easily.

Speaking of Chris, she sure gets a lecture from Peter Morton (Tim Bagley). Mr. Morton straight up tells her that her clout will not earn her way into Duke University, the school of her choice. He advises her not only to attend a community college, but also to check her attitude. This advice hits deaf ears, and Chris instead makes out with Billy Nolan (Arthur Conti) that night. Billy is bad news not only for Chris, but also for Carrie, as it’s already been revealed that the incident that triggers Carrie’s massacre is instigated by Chris and Billy.

At the same party, Sue (Siena Agudong) and Tommy (Joel Oulette) both lose their virginity. They both claim they’re ready, but I can sense a bit of awkwardness from both parties in the scene that follows. This will definitely be brought up again in the future and will probably have major implications for their relationship going forward.

Back to Chris. Tina (Josie Totah) desperately yearns for Chris’s approval. We learn that Chris told her she only hangs out with people who get 100 likes on their social media post, just to send her into a tizzy. Chris still doesn’t give her any attention, even though she’s garnered a lot of likes. Tina, feeling jealous of Chris, uses Chris’ hatred of Brooklyn, Chris’ “nearly stepsister,” to rile Chris up and start a fight. Brooklyn, in a moment of defiance, lets it slip that Chris’s parents are getting a divorce. And then Chris spends the whole rest of the night drinking herself stupid. All before she toggles that switch.

To my surprise, I feel some empathy for Chris. I’ve never been in a divorced family, but she feels as if everyone is replacing someone she cares about. And her father isn’t exactly the kindest individual; he doesn’t treat his daughter with love. It’s not surprising that this is where Chris ended up in her life, and it’s sad to see her embrace the life of a bully. I know she makes that comment to Sue about asking if someone will replace her. That someone is no doubt, Carrie. With all this pressure, Chris is choosing to let her frustrations spill out into the digital world, where absolutely no one is safe. Not that she cares. Though I’m sure she’ll feel the brunt of it eventually.

Carrie’s experience in the party is much more positive. She drinks alcohol for the first time, has more time to connect with Emaline, and has some bonding moments looking at the stars and driving home with Tommy. It seems as if the two of them are becoming close friends. The contrast set up between Carrie and Chris’s drive home is a nice cinematic touch. As Carrie lets her hand ride the currents of the air, the car magically rises a few feet from the ground but settles back down without Tommy being the wiser.

Back at the White house, Margaret (Samantha Sloyan) is installing a security camcorder device so she can monitor Carrie’s movements. For the moment, though, since she was gone at work throughout the night, Carrie had the chance to sneak out.

And then that final moment arrives, the one in which Chris realizes that her account has gone viral. She says, “Oh shit,” but it’s impossible to read any care or concern in that line. She was, after all, the one who started it all. Carrie’s viewing of the video sends nearby lockers rumbling, and we get a cut to Emaline, who no doubt notices.

Episode 3 of Carrie definitely pushed the show further. Emaline has seen Carrie’s power (and she’s no doubt smart enough to put Carrie’s research and the lockers together). Chris has reached a low point both morally and spiritually. Carrie is happy and is widening her experience of the world. But it’s only a matter of time before what has been building up comes crashing down.

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