‘ Evil ‘ 4×07 Review:” How To Dress A Tear”

4×07 reminds us that, no matter how much we might want to escape what’s going on around us, it’s still going to happen, and if we’re at the center of chaos, we’re there — whether we want to be or not. In this case, everything from Sheryl, to Sister Andrea, to yet more talk of demons winds up right back in Kristen’s backyard. (Literally, at one point.) What does that mean about the inevitability of all these things? Nothing? Something? Everything? We’re halfway through what shouldn’t be the final season but, annoyingly, still seems to be. So, guess we’ll find out sooner rather than later.

We’re thinking it’s going to take more than Mama Kristen’s first aid kit, Sheryl’s 36 (that’s two whole !) stitches with a side of demon infusion, or even Ben’s late-night brick work to put us back together when we lose this series. Which, speaking of wounds: 4×07 doesn’t appear to have an optimistic message about those, like, at all. Although Ben closes off the hole in the basement and seems to successfully end the train engineer’s hauntings, most of this series’ big problems don’t ever really leave us. In even fact, building a wall in the middle of the night doesn’t manage to actually protect the house — assuming Lexis’ app provides her with accurate data, of course. Regardless, some wounds just might not be able to be patched up at all. See also: the state of a certain mother/daughter relationship.

But maybe we’re being a bit too philosophical here. The wall’s repaired; the “minor” exorcism either worked or didn’t. At the very least, Kristen and Sister Andrea seem to have come to some kind of understanding. And, if everything else is kinda up in the air — including the state of Ben’s….everything — well, that just means there’s more story to tell. Which, obviously, takes us back to our previous point: No way are we halfway through the final season of this show. Absolutely not. Get the churchyard bricks — we’re building ourselves a new network, from the ground up, to save .

“Too bad you’re a little short down there.”

4×07 begins exactly how its predecessor ended: With Evil Grandma about to f*ck Leland up. In fact, we even get what seems to be a total repeat of the final moments of “How To Dance in Three Easy Steps,” which would be fine by us. But if you take a closer look, it’s even better — this time, we’re seeing Leland’s entrance mostly from Sheryl’s perspective. (Which is obviously the superior one.) And while we thought we were obsessed with the way sat ever-so-casually in that chair, knife in hand, prepared to strike as we closed out episode 6, that pales in comparison to what she does in this episode. Even before we really get a good look at her, as she’s just a figure in the dark, uncrossing her legs and adjusting her stance, we. are. hooked.

As Leland tries to deflect, to play innocent, Sheryl remains cool, calm, and lethal. The way she casually tosses the pouch, has an answer for Leland’s every fake-innocent deflection, and eventually gets right up in his face is all the result of Lahti’s brilliance. And that evil cackle as Leland absolutely freaks out, fists pressed against the top of his head, in utter despair over her destroying his supply, is art. As Leland and Sheryl have their epic showdown, is, as ever, so deliciously deranged and evil in that smooth way we’ve always loved to hate. So, seeing him unravel like that — and knowing a woman made him do it — is extra fun, plain and simple. Watching these two do battle is always a special treat, and their literal battle in 4×07 is no exception.

Or, rather, it is an exception…but only because it’s exceptional, even after they’ve already set the bar so unbelievably high. (We’re nerds, playing on words in very corny ways, ok? Let’s just go with it.) Not to mention, how often do we get to see a grandmother do that??? I don’t know about anyone else, but my Grannie was a tiny, yet mighty, BAMF. So…thank for that.

“You’re not gonna survive this, coming after me.”

“If one of us is, I wouldn’t bet against me.”

We, too, would not bet against Christine Lahti Sheryl Luria.

But the fun times come to an abrupt end when Evil Grandma winds up in the hospital. Lahti’s scenes with are actually some of the most devastating ones we’ve seen on this series yet. There’s something particularly difficult — both to witness as a viewer and, to a much greater extent, to experience — about loving someone, needing them to be ok…and still having to set firm boundaries with them. Herbers perfectly embodies that here. Kristen is so beyond emotional when she gets the call, but when her mom wakes up, she shuts down, flips a switch, puts the walls back up…Whatever you want to call it, you can see the second it happens.

But, unlike in the premiere when we weren’t sure if Sheryl was “with” Leland or not, we know at this point that she’s trying to take him down. In her own weird and kinda evil way, she’s even trying to make amends. So, when her face just lights up in relief and joy upon noticing Kristen is there when it really counts, only for Kristen to reject her — even in a hospital bed — it hurts. Same goes for the later scene where Sheryl is, again, pleading with Kristen to believe her — believe she’s going to fix things — and Kristen just…can’t.

“Look. I’m helping you because you’re injured. But nothing’s changed.”

The whole time, for every “please, Kristen” and every attempt at mending things between them, Herbers makes it known how difficult this is for her character. Her stance is of someone who wants to be anywhere but here, yet also can’t imagine being anywhere else. And Lahti brings us all that sadness. Grief, is probably the better word for it. Not only that, but Sheryl’s so ashamed she can’t even make eye contact by the end. Which means she even misses the moment when Kristen leaves.

Again, let the record show that this hurts.

…soooo, we kinda prefer the BAMF Evil Grandma vs. Leland vibe. Because that’s pure fun, and this other stuff is…not. Well done? Without question. But fun? Not so much!

“Hm. God probably loves you.” “Well, if he did, he’d leave me alone!!!”

L-R Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir, Mike Colter as David Acosta, Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard and Andre Martin as Sister Andrea appearing in Evil episode 7, season 4, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo Credit: Alyssa Longchamp/Paramount+

That awkward moment when you think you have the night off from all the demon nonsense, but your coworkers-slash-besties call you from the haunted train tracks because a demon just did a backwards dive off the platform and into your backyard. (A mouthful? Indeed. But, well. That’s 4×07!)

Can we talk about what a legend Sister Andrea is, though? Here she is, counseling Lynn and thinking she has permission…only to find out she doesn’t. And how does she find out she lacks permission? Well, the storm that is Kristen Bouchard interrupts her prayers and accuses her of, essentially, helping Lynn sneak around behind her back. First, it’s implying Andrea never bothered to get parental consent at all; then, she tells the nun she knew the signature was a forgery. Even after all that, what does Sister Andrea do when she’s needed for the Bouchards’ exorcism? She shows up. And she stays.

Actually, Sister Andrea does more than just stick around in 4×07. She chases away the family’s demons — or as many as she can, at least — and she even goes into that hole in the basement, puts herself in danger by not having a clue what might be down there, and just doesn’t back down. Oh, the holy water doesn’t work against Lou the demon in the portal to Hell? Let’s get out a cross. That doesn’t work either? Gotta keep vigil right outside the hole in the wall so we can protect the family. If only we all had someone to look out for us like this.

“What burned you down there?”

“Well. You’re not going to believe me, so there’s no use in saying. I’m just going to stay right here tonight.”

But one of the best parts of 4×07, while it may have the series’ supernatural element as a catalyst and a backdrop, is just utterly normal. Obviously, we’re talking about Kristen and Sister Andrea’s late-night talk here. As if she didn’t have enough emotional heavy lifting to do as the betrayed daughter of a mom who, with Leland’s aim being a bit better, would be gone forever, Herbers now gets to nail playing the other side. She’s a mom, desperately afraid of losing her daughter to forces she can’t control and doesn’t even think she believes in. And Kristen is practically pleading with the Church, through Sister Andrea, not to take Lynn away — not to let God make her “turn off” her light like that nun at the silent monastery.

But, she’s also sharing things she normally won’t even let herself admit, to the point where it’s like she wants this nun — Andrea, specifically, and no one else — to hear her confession. It’s its own sort of religious experience. A miracle, if you will. After all, we so rarely get to see Kristen let her armor slip and let someone see how afraid she is, much less how heartbreaking some of her experiences have been as of late. Throughout it all, Sister Andrea patiently listens and validates Kristen’s feelings. She hears her — she even gets Kristen on a lot of it. But she’s also reassuring, also shows her another side. Kristen’s worried about Lynn giving up her will? Sister Andrea won’t give up hers. That other nun lost everything that made her fun in service to God? Well, Sister Andrea has an answer for that, too:

“Some people live their lives in the service of others, and that becomes their pleasure — that becomes their fun!”

Just as Sister Andrea is the perfect person discuss this Kristen, is the perfect scene partner for Herbers as she portrays Kristen’s vulnerabilities. There’s just something special about the way Martin has always played — and continues to play — the nun. She always knows exactly when to hit that quick response (ex: “I won’t give up my will”) and when to just…give it a second. Additionally, Martin brings a lightness and humor to even the most serious moments, and it makes scenes like Kristen and Andrea’s 4×07 incredibly heartfelt basement chat so much more meaningful. In this episode, Sister Andrea may have this moment of being all empathy and comfort, but that strong will is still just underneath it all. And it’s so damned good.

Almost like the best characters, and the best performances, are the ones that have layers. Wild, huh?

“Parents are difficult.”

L-R Katja Herbers as Kristen Bouchard and Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir appearing in Evil episode 7, season 4, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo Credit: Alyssa Longchamp/Paramount+

So, normally, we’re either obsessing over Kristen/David — and how that’s…probably destined to never happen, no matter how much we wish it would — or flailing over the trio as a group of really close friends. 4×07 says, “wait a minute, y’all. Kristen and Ben. Let’s remind you of how much power that has.” Not in a way that makes an already-complicated ship even worse, though. Just…their friendship! Is! Everything! And it’s timely. Because, well…See the heading for this section: “Parents are difficult.” Kristen knows this better than anyone else right now. Not only is she having to struggle with the Sheryl of it all, but she’s also having a difficult time as a parent herself. And, just as Kristen’s worldview is forever getting ripped apart, Ben is going through it.

Actually, let’s talk about that for a moment. More specifically, we have got to give it to . Every single time we see Mandvi in this episode, he’s delivering some of his best work yet. There is not any room for doubt — Ben has no idea what’s going on in his life, when he’s saying these totally out-of-character things to Renee, or how he can possibly not remember any of it. Not only does the situation confuse him and rip his sense of logic to shreds, but it also scares him. Then, to add the revelation about his dad cheating on his mom and blaming migraines into it all…It’s enough to shatter a person.

“I don’t know. Everything I do these days makes me humble. I thought I knew what I…believed. Thought I knew what I wanted. Life is a f*cking mystery.“

So, by the time we get to The Conversation on the Stairs™, we really do see a very different Ben. Arguably, even before that, when he’s asking Sister Andrea snarky questions about the ritual with the candles, there’s just something half-hearted (on purpose) about the way Mandvi delivers the snark. And we’d even claim there may even be evidence of a little bit of curiosity there, too. But anyway. Can we just say…”wow” and be done with it? My notes basically have that and every single line of dialogue, plus “I love them.” So…yeah.

Because just…wow. We absolutely love the way Mandvi portrays every bit of Ben’s quiet introspection, this sense that he’s at a complete and total loss and just absolutely about to give up if he doesn’t unburden himself. It’s such a raw, honest performance. And it’s so nice to get to see Dr. Bouchard actually stepping into that role of listening — really listening. Without being skeptical of whatever whacky case falls in the trio’s lap, no judgement whatsoever really, just…putting her skills to work while remaining Ben’s friend above all else.

TL;DR I love them together and feel for Ben. Oh. And also…

“People are…evil. I don’t know why; it’s not scientific. I just think…that is the way they are.”

Real talk: Who hurt these writers? (Other than, you know, *gestures wildly* all that stuff out there.)

More on Evil 4×07

L-R Mike Colter as David Acosta and Aasif Mandvi as Ben Shakir appearing in Evil episode 7, season 4, streaming on Paramount+, 2023. Photo Credit: Alyssa Longchamp/Paramount+

“I had one rule: Don’t ever touch my granddaughters. And if you did, I would cut off your d*ck.” She said! What she said! …and as much as this evil MF is trying to play it cool, he has a look on his face that is very much “FML.” As he should!
Leland really needs to work on his insults and his comebacks. “You bitch” is really…nothing. Some of us wear that one like a badge of honor.

“Sheryl, what did you think we were doing here? From the very beginning?” Ok. He had me here. Very much giving “leopards won’t eat MY face,” if you will. But then: “it’s a little late in the day to start whining about your granddaughters.” My dude, that is…not whining. Screw you.
If you were going to use a Jet song, why not “Cold Hard Bitch”?
“I’ve never had an animated pen mansplain to me before.” Guessing they couldn’t revive Clippy the Paperclip for copyright/trademark/WTFever reasons…

There will never be a time in my life when I don’t love Mother!Kristen. Ever. Even when she’s doing weird things like actually being mad at her kid for…not sneaking out to hook up. Maybe especially then.
Speaking of: “You’re angry because Lynn was sneaking out to become a nun instead of getting pregnant?” KING BEN.
But also: She is not having it.

“But I would make this argument to you, Dr. Bouchard. Don’t withhold any information from your daughter. She’s smart.”
Could not figure out why the train guy creeped me out from the start. Looked up the actor, saw who he played on …Oh. Once I got past that…oof. The way he described what happens on those train tracks at night? What is a stronger word than “haunted”??? Because it was that.
Like, who hurt you, writers??? “You can see as the train goes over ‘em. Sometimes, I just scream. By the time you stop, you’re 50 yards past ‘em, right? You get out, look to see what’s left…and it’s just, uh…it’s just blood. And sometimes, a body part on the engine. ”

“But I need your help. Please.” And Kristen gets that phone call. Again: Who hurt you, writers???
The way Lahti struggles to get that “watch…out” to come out. Oof. Who hurt her while we’re at it???
“Before you talk, you should listen to who’s on the other side of the line, motherf*cker.” Nothing but respect for my president.

“Is she dead yet?” “No. But you are.” Again: Bow. Down.
“You should ask your mother about all the ways she betrayed you. Ask her about—…” “Leland. I just realized what you’re most afraid of.” “What?” “Unity.” Same goes for certain pundits trying to sow dissent in the only party that can…eh. Y’all don’t want to hear it. But! Ok. If you haven’t totally checked out…If Kristen realizes this, how hard must it be for her to still not want to let Sheryl back in? Who hurt these writers.
“What are you wearing?” “What?!” Much-needed giant, hilarious WTF after that, though. Thank.

“Don’t blame it on some magical djinn, alright?” Counterpoint: His face.
“Can’t take any sick days?” “Can’t now.” Can relate.
Love how we see the train ride from Hell from the perspective of the engineer (and our boys).

We don’t get as much “big” stuff for David here as in some previous episodes, but wow, does sell the fear on that train. Also really love the level of intensity when he spots that demon, especially as we see Ben’s perspective of…nothing being there.
“Oh, come on. Do I have to deal with this now?” Can relate to this, too. It can never be just one thing — always all the things at once.
Ok, but Kristen, a pro-tip? When you hear your kids screaming, maybe don’t enter the room with a weapon raised toward the screams themselves? Dead.

“The demons are invisible to us, Mom, but they’re still there.” “Andrea sees psychological issues. As demons. It’s as simple as that.” Both things can be true!
“The only thing that’s scary about that is that you just gave the designer of that app a tour of our entire house so they can figure out what to sell us.” Louder!!!
So adorable with Laura. 🖤

“Ben, you had a quantum beam shot through your head. And lived. You’re an experiment in Physics right now. You’re so stuck in your atheistic ways, you won’t even acknowledge the overlap you represent.” ”What overlap?” “Religion and science. You’re not seeing a figment of your imagination; you’re seeing a djinn.” Any time Karima shows up and tries to get Ben to believe in literally anything while pointing out he can still be a big ol’ nerd is a good time.
Also: The overlap is literally the show.
“You’re blowing my mind right now.” “I can’t help it if you’re oblivious.” He’s a man, so he probably can’t help it either.

“I just have to say.” “No, you don’t.” I actually want to die.
“I’m sorry.” Ok. No. Now, I actually want to die.
[Googles how to bottle Sister Andrea’s joy when Kristen offers her her favorite cookie.]

“So, demons take their rules from horror movies.” “Hm! I don’t know how to answer that one, Ben. So, I won’t.” Period.
Did anyone else think “Sister Andrea go down the hooollllleeee” in a voice, or did you not rot your entire brain watching too much TV as a kid?
“I SAID I’M FIIIINE!!” And that, friends, is how we knew she would not be. When in the history of ever has anyone been “fine” on television?

“Are you haunting this house, Lou? “No. Just resting.” He seemed like he might have meant it? Do we…believe…demons…now?
That scream.
“This house needs protection. It’s under attack.” What was your first clue? The bazillion demons you smacked around at the end of last season? How about the bats? Kristen and her girls’ whole life, perhaps?

“It’s like I’m right back in Catholic school. Nun tells me what to do? I do it.” Listen to this nun, and you’ll be ok, bestie.
“We know about you: the nun who can see us.” “Oh, good. I like being known.” “It won’t end well for you.” “ I have god on my side. It will.” Hi. 1) I am now very afraid for my girl. 2) If it doesn’t end well for Sister Andrea, maybe they deserve to be canceled!
…j/k. #SaveEvil or bust. But also: #SaveSisterAndrea.

Oh! And also: Can we talk about what a BAMF she is for still believing, even after Lou left finger-shaped burns on her wrist from just touching her? A queen.
“You don’t need to stay. I’m fine.” “I know.” LOVE THEM FOREVER.
“I can’t change your mind, Doctor.” “You don’t have to call me Doctor anymore.” “I can’t change your mind, Kristen.” [insert your friendly neighborhood reviewer crying here].

“Even if others use them?” “Yes, I can’t stand idiots. A lot of priests I serve are idiots.”
“You have issues, buddy.” What was your first clue? Perhaps building a wall to block off the gates of Hell at 2:00???
The looks David and Kristen give each other when Ben mopes off…

That video. Stop. 😂
Uh, y’all…that app…had better be lying…And shoutout to for getting that final part all to herself and killing it.

What did you think of 4×07? Leave us a comment!

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