Ep 7. The Bucket List

Set in the mid-20th century, Ratched is an American psychological thriller streaming television series that revolves around the character Nurse Mildred Ratched who is a nurse in a mental health institute and follows her journey of becoming the monster we know from the classic novel, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Ratched season 1 episode 7 is titled "The Bucket List".

In this episode, Nurse Ratched is confronted with another patient, Mr. Osgood who is on his deathbed and has a list of very unusual requests to fulfill before he dies. Osgood is a wealthy man with a past full of secrets. Ratched agrees to fulfill his wishes in return for information about the institute's policies, practices, and its inner workings.

The episode takes us through a series of requests that seem easy and harmless at first, but as they keep getting more strange and absurd, Nurse Ratched begins to suspect that there's more to Osgood's requests than meets the eye. As the nurse indulges in fulfilling Osgood's requests, she realizes that it's all a part of his plan to get closer to her and to gain control over her.

Meanwhile, Nurse Bucket, a senior nurse at the institute, is trying to take over Ratched's position leading to a power struggle between the two. Nurse Bucket has been suspicious of Ratched for a while and is now using her influence to gather support and turn people against her.

The episode takes us on a rollercoaster ride as we see Nurse Ratched desperately trying to fulfill Osgood's demands while trying to figure out what he really wants from her, and trying to navigate through her personal and professional conflicts. The writing of the episode is engaging and keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat throughout.

The performances in this episode are brilliant. Sarah Paulson pulls off yet another amazing performance as Nurse Ratched and we see her character's layers and internal conflicts in a very nuanced manner. She shows vulnerability, strength, and determination, all in one go. Sharon Stone, who plays Osgood's daughter, is outstanding as well and delivers a complex and convoluted character with ease.

The cinematography of this episode is breathtaking. The lighting and camera work create a sense of suspense and anticipation, and the production design fits perfectly with the overall aesthetic of the show. The music and sound design are equally impressive, and add to the overall eerie and unsettling atmosphere.

In conclusion, Ratched season 1 episode 7 is a must-watch for fans of the series. The episode delivers on both, the overall plot of the show, and an engaging storyline in its own right. The writing, performances, cinematography, and sound design all come together to create a thrilling and entertaining hour of television.