Apple TV+ ‘Sunny’ Episode 9 Review - Dancing on the Edge of Sanity

Episode 9 of Sunny, titled "Who's in the Box," is a bizarre yet captivating setup for the finale. The episode opens with Suzie, played by Rashida Jones, navigating a world on the brink of collapse—both literally and metaphorically. As the earth seems to crumble beneath her feet, Suzie’s quest to reunite with her son, Zen, and uncover the mysteries surrounding her husband Masa’s disappearance takes some truly unexpected turns.

Let’s start with what works. The episode does an excellent job of weaving together the tension and emotional weight that has been building up throughout the series. Suzie’s desperation and determination are palpable, and her interactions with Sunny, the AI robot, bring a sense of introspection that the show has been hinting at but never fully explored until now. The show subtly delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding AI and its potential to learn, evolve, and even make moral decisions, adding layers to an already complex narrative.

The character development is another highlight. Suzie’s journey from a grieving widow to a relentless seeker of truth is compelling. Her encounter with Sunny, who seems to be undergoing its own existential crisis, creates a thought-provoking contrast between human emotion and artificial intelligence. The way the episode handles Sunny’s inner turmoil—whether a robot can introspect or feel guilt—injects a fresh sense of mystery into the show, keeping viewers on their toes.

However, the episode isn’t without its flaws. While the surreal elements add to the intrigue, they occasionally feel overdone. The collapsing earth sequence, for instance, felt like an unnecessary attempt to force tension rather than letting the story’s natural suspense do the work. There’s a fine line between being mysterious and being confusing, and Sunny occasionally stumbles over it. The episode’s pacing also falters at times, with some scenes dragging on longer than needed, diluting the impact of key moments.

Moreover, the show’s ambitious blending of genres—thriller, sci-fi, and drama—doesn’t always gel seamlessly. At times, it feels like the series is trying to juggle too many themes, from family dynamics to AI ethics, without giving any of them the attention they deserve. This scattershot approach can leave the audience feeling slightly disoriented, particularly in an episode as dense as this one. On the technical side, the visuals are as striking as ever. The eerie, crumbling landscapes mirror the characters’ unraveling minds, and the cinematography does a commendable job of creating an atmosphere of unease. The score, too, complements the show’s tone perfectly, heightening the tension without overpowering the narrative.

In summary, episode 9 of Sunny is a bold and intriguing penultimate chapter. It’s not without its missteps, but the episode’s willingness to take risks—both narratively and thematically—makes it a standout. As we approach the finale, Sunny continues to dance on the edge of sanity, leaving viewers eager to see how it all comes together in the end. Whether it will stick the landing is anyone’s guess, but one thing’s for sure: this ride has been anything but predictable.

Final Score - [6.5/10]