“The Magpie” Brings Pure Magic in ‘Patience’s Third Episode

If you are still wary of Patience’s second season after the opening two episodes, as I was, I beg you to watch “The Magpie.” This episode is essentially a mini movie with film-quality sequences and outstanding cinematic direction. Top it off with eccentric suspects, magicians, and an exciting mystery, and this is absolutely the best and certainly the most fun episode of the entire season.

Beginning with “The Magpie” and going forward, DI Monroe starts inviting Patience to assist on cases as part of the team. Patience allows Monroe into her inner sanctum in the records department, and there’s even respect and good-natured ribbing, though Monroe still addresses her as “Headphones.” When they venture together on a fact-finding interview, Patience helps keep things grounded while Monroe gets slightly starstruck.

During a master class in theatrics and distraction, Patience is the only one to notice that a suspect has slipped his handcuffs. This is another nod to the benefits of neurodiversity, as Patience cannot be duped by misdirection. Unlike last week’s “super hearing” hyperacusis angle, which stretched the boundaries of definition, this trait makes complete sense for the character, the story, and those on the spectrum.