The second episode of Season 2 of "Nine Perfect Strangers" kicks off with a nostalgic glimpse back to 2014, painting a vivid picture of Masha's arrival at Zauberwald, her demeanor shattered and desperate. In the wake of Tatiana's passing, Masha is adrift, grappling with the void left behind and uncertain of her path forward. It is amidst this turmoil that she embarks on her psychedelic journey of self-discovery.
Switching gears to the present, Masha remains steadfast in her resolve to push the boundaries of conventional wisdom, citing Helena as the beacon guiding her unconventional endeavors. A revealing twist unfolds as we learn that Masha has deliberately concealed Brian's suitcase, a calculated maneuver aimed at provoking an emotional response from him. She subsequently returns the suitcase to Brian, using it as a catalyst to draw him into a heartfelt confession.
Brian, unbeknownst to many, moonlights as an entertainer at the Crabapple Clubhouse, a venue once held in high esteem by Tatiana. The suitcase harbors a cherished puppet, a character he employs to engage children in conversations about their troubles. The choice of Brian for this role blurs the lines between aiding Masha's healing process and addressing his own unresolved issues. The plot thickens when Brian, seemingly under the influence of mushrooms, beholds his puppet conversing with him, hinting at a deeper immersion into the surreal world orchestrated by Masha.
Imogen has inadvertently indulged in unsavory habits during her stay, attempting in vain to slip out of Peter's bed unnoticed. Intriguingly, despite her apparent commitment phobia, Peter's irresistible charm keeps her ensnared. At breakfast, Martin announces their upcoming foraging adventure, prompting Peter to chirpily mention drugs—a remark that stirs up a tempest of hostility among the group. As they unburden themselves of their struggles, Victoria’s soft praise for Tina’s piano melodies floats through the air, but Tina, now retired and reluctantly thrust into this gig without her consent, remains disgruntled.
For the grand foraging expedition, Brian is unexpectedly chosen as the leader, to his and Imogen’s astonishment. Imogen recalls how Brian was once “cancelled” due to his overbearing demands, though the full story remains concealed until later in the episode. Meanwhile, the group descends into a cacophony of squabbles and arguments, until Agnes silences them all by placing her unwavering trust in Brian. However, Martin harbors suspicions about Masha’s true intentions, questioning her refusal to commence therapy until David’s arrival, arguing that the meticulously balanced “equation” of the group has been disrupted.
Despite Martin’s skepticism, the group’s dynamics remain as elusive as a complex algebraic problem. In the wild, Brian and Wolfie converse about Tina’s reluctance to open up, while Tina and Agnes confide in each other about their own personal struggles. Tina reveals how she lost her passion for music, her ears deaf to its melody. Similarly, Agnes seeks redemption from God, haunted by her own losses.
During their foraging expedition, the snow began to accumulate, compelling the group to trudge their way back to the villa. Upon their arrival, David made his presence known, yet he found himself secluded from the rest of the group. For the time being, his arrival remained a closely guarded secret, as Imogen couldn't help but let out an audible sigh upon seeing Brian being chosen to assist in preparing dinner for everyone.
Haunted by the specter of a puppet from his past, Brian felt compelled to unleash his frustration on Imogen. The significance of this confrontation stems from an incident on a film set, where Brian had lost his temper and shouted at a cameraman in Imogen's presence. His tirade had escalated into curses, table-flipping, and a complete loss of composure. This single episode had been sufficient to bring down his entire television show and shatter his career, branding him as unsuitable to teach children—a role for which he had harbored deep aspirations of imparting compassion and resilience.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Imogen had used Brian's show as a sanctuary following the loss of her father. Once obsessed with it, she had clung to it as a coping mechanism, explaining her enduring connection to the program. Brian then delivered a heartfelt monologue about the harsh realities of the world, which resonated silently with many of the guests, though none dared to voice their agreement.
Later, Tina confronted Brian outdoors, prompting him to reveal that he had found chocolates on his pillow that morning—a clear indication of how he had been drugged.
Intriguingly, Tina once graced Brian's show in the bygone days, where she enthusiastically confessed her aspiration to become an astronaut as she matured. However, this revelation sparked fury within her overbearing parents, who seemed insistent on steering her towards discussing her piano talents. This could subtly imply that Tina might have been compelled into a musical career she never truly cherished, merely to satisfy others' expectations. As the episode draws to a close, Masha arrives to visit David, culminating in a tender kiss, but only after asserting that he holds an indispensable position within their circle.
