In "Self-Exclusion," the seventh episode of The Curse's first season, the series continues its exploration of the complexities of deception, control, and the supernatural. The episode delves deeper into the lives of its characters, revealing new layers of their motivations and the consequences of their actions.
The episode begins with a focus on Nala, who is struggling with her newfound belief in her own supernatural abilities. At school, she attempts to use her powers to cause the climbing rope to fall as her bully, Josie, climbs it, but to no avail. Nala's frustration is palpable, and her inability to perform the task she believes she has been cursed with only serves to isolate her further .
Whitney, played by Emma Stone, continues to manipulate situations to her advantage. Her visit to Cara, a local artist, is a masterclass in emotional manipulation. Whitney opens up about the struggles in her marriage, using this as a tool to gain Cara's sympathy and trust. Despite Cara's initial reluctance, Whitney's offer of a $20,000 consulting fee for HGTV's "Native American consultant" role is too tempting to resist .
Asher's character takes a hit in this episode, as he is humiliated during a comedy class. His teacher insists that he tell a small-penis joke, which Asher is deeply uncomfortable with. When the joke offends class members, Asher is made the scapegoat, leading to his expulsion from the class. This scene is a stark reminder of Asher's lack of self-awareness and his inability to navigate social situations effectively .
The episode also explores the aftermath of the exposé on Whistling River Casino, where Asher used to work. The casino's practices of allowing known gambling addicts to continue gambling, only to apprehend them when they are about to leave with a jackpot, are revealed. Asher's involvement in this scandal is complicated by the fact that he appears to be complicit in the illegal activities, despite his claims that he was merely ingratiating himself with the inspector .
Whitney's dissatisfaction with her marriage to Asher becomes more pronounced in this episode. During a series of "confessionals" for their home-reno show, she admits to Dougie that she knows Asher less well now than when they first started their relationship. Her doubts about Asher's suitability as a father for her children are clear, and her willingness to share these thoughts with Dougie rather than Asher speaks volumes about the state of their union .
Asher's attempts to understand and control the situation are met with frustration. His obsession with the missing chicken and the curse he believes he is under leads him to review security footage and even record his conversations with Whitney. His behavior becomes increasingly erratic, and his attempts to salvage his marriage through manipulation are both desperate and pitiable .
The episode concludes with a sense of unease, as the relationships between the characters continue to deteriorate. Whitney's manipulation of Cara and her own husband, Asher's desperate attempts to regain control, and Nala's struggle with her powers all contribute to a tense and uncertain atmosphere. "Self-Exclusion" is a stark reminder of the series' ability to explore the darker aspects of human nature and the consequences of our actions, leaving viewers to wonder what will happen next in the lives of these troubled characters .