'The Rook' finale review: Myfanwy comes full circle as redemption and unfinished business demand Season 2
Starz’s ‘The Rook’ aired its final episode of the freshman season Sunday night and it certainly was the conclusion to one chapter in Myfanwy’s (Emma Greenwell) life, but by no means was it the end of her story. Over the course of the season, we were taken on a journey with Myfanwy, memory wiped clean, as she tried to piece together her life – the people in it, the circumstances that made her and the very things that make her who she is.
While she drew a question mark in the beginning when it came to understanding her past self, the last couple of episodes saw her actually finding the essence of Myfanwy. On the way, we also happen to understand who Linda (Joely Richardson) is, and how her loyalty to the Checquy drives her to make controversial decisions.
In fact, we get to see redemption for many characters, including the Gestalts (Jon Fletcher, Ronan Raftery, and Catherine Steadman), who came across as creepy to begin with, Conrad (Adrian Lester), who despite his idealism is willing to do what it takes to protect his own, and Monica (Olivia Munn), whose only fault was loving the wrong person.
Speaking of Monica, we saw that she approached Nazim (Michael Karim) to have her memory and pain eased, however, things do not go according to plan. The last we see her, a panicked Nazim – who we are happy to note finally has a place to belong – calling for her.
Despite her very questionable choice in men, and clear distortion of memory, and possibly lack of judgment, she is a very relatable character. She is someone who went too far for someone she loved too much. We need to know what happens to her, just as much as we need to what happens to Linda.
For all the underhanded moves she made over the course of this season, Linda more than made up for it by taking all the blame for what happened at the Lugat. Despite her strong desire to be with Chequy, Linda was also quick to give it all up when Conrad informed her that the organization they have protected together for so long is on the verge of being dismantled.
Her story this season ended with joining hands with Myfanwy’s sister on a covert mission. We cannot help but speculate that she may be joining her enemy – the Rebellion. Only a season 2 can prove this theory though – or debunk it.
Although Myfanwy got her closure, we see that she has made certain decisions about what is to come – decisions she is sure the old Myfanwy would be proud of. Much like Conrad, she may be going against her instinct to follow instructions; she may be going rogue. There is much to be told of her story. Not only has the show fully covered everything that happens in Daniel O’Malley’s ‘The Rook,’ there is more content to be inspired by, thanks to its sequel ‘Stilleto.’
Starz has given us a show we can root, imperfect as it may have been at certain points, and we intend to follow the story to its end. Although season 2 is yet to be confirmed, we are hoping for an announcement later this year.
