Review by Carolyn Potts

Our story picks up right where we left off with a reminder that Anna is still trying to find acceptance at Kahnawa:ke. She is still at odds with Bailey, Caitlin, and Zoe over Thunder. Speaking of Thunder (because who wasn’t thinking about him?), tonight’s episode entitled “Beast” does not refer to “WOW! Thunder is so Beast!!”(even though Thunder IS so beast!); we will appreciate the journey that each of our protagonists undergo as their true characters – the inner “Beast”- struggle to fight their way out. Series creator Tracey Deer cleverly reinforces this theme played out in a bit featuring Zoe. Zoe opens a package to reveal some naughty reading just as her mother, The Chief (a final episode for Tina Keeper in this role), calls to remind her of her familial duty to help at yet another fundraiser.

This episode takes off with Bailey turning to Zoe and Caitlin for support as she considers if she wants to seriously date the forbidden white guy Jack (“Mr. Dimples”), knowing the battle she will face within her community if she does. Bailey is so distraught that even Auntie Velma notices. This gave us a great emotional scene played by Ashley Michaels. Auntie Velma reminds Bailey “who is going to think about you if you don’t?”, recalling her own unhappy past of always doing what was expected of her rather than what made her happy.

Catlin’s starting point is a reminder of how strong and supportive she is when she is with her friends and yet when it comes to the men in her life her insecurities come rushing forth. This time though the strong “Beastlike” Caitlin comes out to do battle with Butterhead; at first just testing the waters.

Several great bits are peppered throughout the episode featuring Zoe’s inner “beast”: Zoe perusing the BDSM web site again, Zoe pacing outside of a sex-shop, Zoe madly cleaning and organizing to regain control (I secretly hope we will be treated to an episode featuring more of Zoe’s back story as so far most of her story is told only through these little snippets).

Bailey, armed with the knowledge that she has a few allies*, goes to Jack “Mr. Dimples” and tells him she doesn’t want to end up like an old Lobster (a reference to episode 105 “The Lobster Club”). She wants to make a go of a relationship with him.

Anna, who up until now has been looking for a connection to her recently deceased father, finally makes that connection through Bailey’s father Sose (played by Glen Gould). He encourages her “to take her place among us and get in there and defend your turf.” He continues, “Your father was a proud Mohawk man and you are his child.”

Our “beast reveal” happens at the fundraiser (or in Zoe’s case NOT at the fundraiser – and Zoe’s Beast does not disappoint). Bailey shows up with “Mr. Dimples” and announces to all that yes, the white guy is her boyfriend. A furious Sose and Butterhead start to make a scene, Bailey stands her ground and Anna’s beast uses this moment to shine. Poor Vicky (Rachelle White Wind Arbez) ends up in the pool, heels still intact, producing a fabulous disruption to the party. Bailey and Jack are able to escape disaster.

Finally, we learn that Caitlin is pregnant by Butterhead (a fabulously poignant moment played by Heather White that every woman will recognise in herself).

Will Anna and our girls make up? How will Butterhead react to fatherhood, again? Is Caitlin doomed to be just another of Butterhead’s babymamas? What fallout will Bailey face after her declaration? What naughty things will good girl Zoe get up to next?

Another great episode. Keep ‘em’ coming ladies!

*This term “Allies” keeps popping up. I have to wonder is this a deliberate word choice? Time will tell.