In the fourth episode of "Who is Erin Carter?", viewers finally get a deep dive into the complex life of the main character, Erin. Orphaned at a young age with a mother who abandoned her and a late father, Erin found herself between foster homes. As an adult, she took charge of her destiny. She joined a police academy where she ranked in the top 5% of her class. However, a clash with a jealous peer-led to her expulsion.
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Soon after, Erin was scouted by DI Jim Armstrong, head of Central Intelligence and Operations (CIO). Specializing in undercover work, the division offered her a second chance, contingent on her success in infiltrating a gang led by a man named Thomas. The gang includes several unfamiliar faces, such as Margot, Gaspar, and most shockingly, Lena. Lena is the real mother of Harper, previously thought to be Erin's daughter.
Erin's role in the gang is as the driver for an impending high-stakes bullion heist. The gang, notorious for numerous successful robberies, demands sharp skills and thorough planning, challenging Erin to maintain her cover while discovering the source of the gang's funding. Intelligence indicates foreign involvement, which makes Erin's mission even more critical.
In the episode, the relationship between Erin and Lena deepens, notably during a scene where they pilfer a Smertle toy for Harper's birthday. Unlike Erin's own absentee mother, Lena's frequent absence from Harper's life is work-related, adding complexity to both characters. Erin also begins to form a bond with Harper, an important element for the story's progression.
Pressured by Jim to probe Lena for crucial information regarding the funding, Erin grapples with divided loyalties, especially as Lena even invites her to relocate with them to Barcelona post-heist. Adding another layer of tension, Thomas grows suspicious of Erin, particularly after discovering heightened security measures for the heist night. Fortunately for Erin, another gang recruit, Scott Micky, fumbles under pressure, misdirecting Thomas's suspicions and resulting in Scott’s unfortunate death.
The heist scene, which should have been the highlight, disappointingly falls flat, lacking both credibility and attention to detail. Though there are some intense moments, such as Erin saving Lena's life from an armed officer and the gang realizing they are being pursued, the episode doesn't contribute much to the understanding of Erin’s character. It concludes in a cliffhanger, with Lena shot and police trailing the gang back to their hideout.
Erin manages to escape with Harper and some stolen bullion, furious at Jim for essentially treating her as expendable. She decides to start anew and absconds with Harper to Barcelona, a decision alluded to in the series' opening episode.
The episode fails to satisfactorily answer the question it poses: Who is Erin Carter? While it succeeds in elaborating the relationship between Erin, Harper, and Lena, particularly mirroring the emotional void left by Erin's own mother, it stumbles in creating a convincing backstory for Erin. Her character, depicted as physically and mentally strong in present-day scenes, deserved a more plausible past. Overall, the episode disappoints by mishandling what could have been a defining moment: the heist. This not only leaves the audience uninformed but also dampens the narrative’s current events.
Who is Erin Carter? is now streaming on Netflix.
