Episode three continues our narrative, slowing down the pace as Carol gradually becomes accustomed to this new way of life. Much like the neighbor in Rose Nylund’s St. Olaf story in the featured episode of The Golden Girls, Carol has a rough exterior. It isn’t that she’s not a happy person. She delights and finds joy in many things. But she chooses to keep them in her inner circle. Being the independent person she is, this new pervasive community challenges her comfort level, leaving little room for individuality. And the one person who understood her perspective is no longer there.

Speaking of Helen, the episode opens with a great flashback showing the couple’s dynamic. Helen was truly the yang to Carol’s yin. Helen’s curious spirit and half-full outlook paired well with Carol’s more rational and logical view. In a way, Helen was the Rose to Carol’s Dorothy.

Back in the present, Carol has returned home from meeting the survivors. Alone again, she now has time to grieve her loved one. Unfortunately, she can’t do it alone, as Zosia and the “us” are constantly monitoring Carol, seeking to make her at ease. It comes to a point where Carol restricts “them” from utilizing Helen’s likeness for anything. Carol feels those memories and momentos should be hers and hers alone.

A solo run to the grocery store turns into a full-fledged event as “they” restock the entire store within minutes. She realizes “they” assert themselves like a personal Amazon wishlist with items delivered quicker than Jimmy John’s sandwiches. After a flippant comment about needing a hand grenade, Zosia arrives with it, unsure whether Carol was being facetious.

Here, the episode excels as Carol and Zosia discuss how much time before she’s forced to become one of them. Zosia has no clear answer, which infuriates Carol more. Fooling around, she disarms the grenade, not realizing it is live. Zosia acts quickly, tossing the weapon through the window before it explodes. Zosia, shielding Carol, is taken to the hospital for upkeep. Here, Carol realizes the lengths to which “they” will go to appease her, even willing to gift her access to an atom bomb.

“Grenade” took its time, allowing viewers to settle after the whirlwind of the first two episodes. Seehorn continues to shine, demonstrating her range with background actors who are frankly tasked with a high level of synchronicity. And Karolina Wydra is doing great work as Carol’s scene partner. It is unclear whether Karolina is a villain, but the situation continues to explore themes of individualism in a sea of homogeneity.

Rating: 8/10