Ep 9. Balloon

The episode "Balloon" serves as the penultimate chapter of Servant's first season and is perhaps the most anxiety-inducing, as it sets in motion the events that will lead to the season finale's explosive conclusion.

The main focus of the episode is on Leanne, the mysterious nanny who has been living with the Turners and caring for their "reborn" doll. As we learned in the previous episode, Leanne's past is shrouded in secrecy – she has no online presence, no friends or family that anyone knows of, and seems to move through the world largely unnoticed.

This episode delves deeper into Leanne's past, as we see her receive a letter from an old acquaintance. It's a birthday card, and the message inside is simple: "I know where you are." This sets off a chain of events that culminates in Leanne's decision to leave the Turner household and return to her hometown.

Meanwhile, Sean and Julian are dealing with their own set of issues. Sean is becoming increasingly paranoid and erratic, convinced that Leanne is hiding something from them. He enlists the help of his friend and former colleague Dr. Roscoe, who has been experimenting with a new type of balloon that he believes could help treat Sean's condition. Julian, on the other hand, is struggling with the fallout from his impulsive decision to hire a private detective to follow Leanne. He's worried that his actions may have pushed her away, and he's also grappling with guilt over the fact that he's been keeping a major secret from Sean.

As the episode progresses, tensions continue to build. Leanne's departure throws the household into chaos, and Sean's grasp on reality seems to be slipping further and further away. Meanwhile, Julian receives a shocking piece of news that forces him to confront some hard truths about his own past.

All of these threads come together in the final moments of the episode, which sees the Turners confronted with a devastating revelation that will change everything. As the credits roll, it's clear that the stage is set for a dramatic and intense finale, and viewers will be left eagerly anticipating the resolution to the season's many mysteries and plot twists.

Overall, "Balloon" is a standout episode of Servant that deftly balances intense character drama with unnerving horror elements. It deepens our understanding of the show's central characters and sets the stage for a thrilling conclusion to the season's twisting narrative.