Ep 2. New Colossus

The OA season 1 episode 2, "New Colossus," picks up where the previous episode left off, with Prairie's return to her parents' home. As she settles back into her old life, Prairie struggles to reconnect with her parents and readjust to her former routine. The episode explores the tension between Prairie's desire to reclaim her former identity and her need to protect the secrets of her time away.

From the outset, Prairie's parents are understandably concerned about their daughter's sudden return. They worry about her health and safety, having no idea what she went through during her disappearance. Prairie, meanwhile, is aloof and distant, struggling to reconcile her previous experiences with her former life. She rebuffs her parents' attempts to reconnect, instead focusing on the ways in which her home has changed during her absence. This dynamic sets the stage for the rest of the episode's exploration of Prairie's dual identity.

As Prairie struggles to adjust to her old life, she begins to reconnect with a figure from her past: a high school teacher named Betty Broderick-Allen. Betty was Prairie's mentor and confidante before her disappearance, and Prairie sees her as a kind of surrogate mother figure. Reconnecting with Betty is a lifeline for Prairie, a way to anchor herself in the familiar world of her past. But Betty is also connected to Prairie's time away: as the episode progresses, it becomes clear that she played a role in Prairie's escape from her captor.

The tension between Prairie's past and present selves comes to a head during a family dinner party, which Prairie attends at the insistence of her parents. The dinner is a surreal experience for Prairie, as she struggles to connect with the friends and acquaintances of her former life. She is particularly struck by a young girl named Rachel, who reminds her of a fellow captive from her time away. As the night wears on, Prairie's attempts to keep her two identities separate begin to crumble, leading to a dramatic conclusion that sets the stage for the rest of the season.

Overall, "New Colossus" is a powerful exploration of identity, trauma, and memory. The episode introduces a range of complex themes and characters, all of which will play a role in Prairie's journey over the rest of the season. While it is a slower episode than the first, it is still compelling viewing, building on the tension and mystery of the premiere while expanding the show's world in meaningful ways. Whether you are a fan of the supernatural or a lover of character-driven drama, "New Colossus" is a must-see episode that will keep you engaged from start to finish.