Joe Carroll begins to show power in "The Following"

Connor Getz By Connor Getz
on March 08, 2013 at 6:30 AM, updated March 15, 2013 at 10:35 AM
LetMeGoTheFollowing.jpg Joe Carroll (Purefoy) has really begun to show the true potential of his power in "Let Me Go".  

Ever since seeing what Joe Carroll (James Purefoy) was capable of in the early on in the season I've been dying to see more flashes of brilliance. Finally, he begins flexing his muscles, and yet again, continues to show we really have no clue what he's capable of.

Before finding out that the girl locked up in Bo's (Jacinto Taras Riddick) back room is the warden's daughter, it seemed like Carroll's transfer was extremely unlikely to get away with in real life. However, in a very Saw-like fashion, that information is withheld from us until the actual transfer is taking place, right before Joey (Kyle Catlett) helps her escape. It is only then, when we begin to realize not only the intelligence put into the story, but what Carroll is really playing at.

Emma (Valorie Curry), who in my opinion remains to be seen as Carroll's head follower, has stepped her game up. She's learning that a bigger plan is unraveling at the same pace that we are, making her reactions that much more troublesome for the good guys. She constantly keeps Bo and the others on task, making sure they understand that they are a part of a much larger plan than originally anticipated.

I should probably take this time to address earlier comments I made about the poor dialogue and acting performances by Curry. At first, when the story was in a docile, "prepare for lift off" state, I couldn't really get into her or her character's role. As of late, the story has caught fire, taking numerous unexpected turns into realms I didn't think it was going to. In a similar manner, Curry has risen with the action, putting forth a much better, believable effort. I particularly enjoy when she becomes angry or extremely intense. The way she holds on to the "head follower" title and attitude is enjoyable to watch. We can only hope nobody undermines her, because if she decides to go rogue like Maggie Kester did, things could end up a lot worse for the Hardy and company.

Carroll's escape is genius. There's something nagging at the back of my mind saying the scenario playing out the way it did isn't likely, but situations like this aren't common in the real world, so we just have to ride with it. The two new followers he meets at the shopping center after finishing off Olivia (Renee Elise Goldsberry) are nothing less than creepy, and I get the sense that he has a MUCH larger following than we've been led to believe. On the other hand, it's nice to see Hardy (Kevin Bacon) looking past Carroll's mind-games (i.e. calling him while choking out Olivia in the car) and thinking ahead to where he can cut off the plan before it's executed.

I hate to be repetitive, but Claire continues to hold the title for most obnoxious character. She's made nothing but stupid choices throughout the entire show thus far, and still has the audacity to cop an attitude with Hardy whenever he comes up short or visits her. She needs to cool it, because at least he's making progress.

Don't forget to catch an all-new episode of The Following Monday night at 9 p.m. on FOX.