Apple TV+ ‘Where’s Wanda?’ Episode 3 Review - A Family Fractured

Episode 3 of Where’s Wanda?, titled "The Roths," is a simmering slow-burn that escalates tensions within the Roth family. As Holly continues her desperate search for her elusive sister Wanda, she is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about her family dynamics. The Roths are portrayed as a tightly wound, enigmatic family, and this episode offers a deeper dive into their complex, almost claustrophobic relationships. The show’s German-language foundation, mixed with a darkly mysterious plot, gives off strong Noir vibes, blending suspense and emotional depth.

From the beginning of this episode, you can sense that it’s about to go in a different direction. Where episodes 1 and 2 had a broader scope in terms of setting and pacing, “The Roths” feels more intimate and focused. Much of the action takes place within the family home, adding to the feeling that the walls are closing in on Holly as she begins unraveling the layers of deception surrounding her sister's disappearance. The episode paints a vivid picture of the Roth family’s dark secrets and underlying tensions, forcing Holly to dig into painful memories she’d rather forget.

The positive aspects of this episode lie in its excellent character work. Holly continues to be a strong lead, her emotions layered yet subtly played, as she wades through a sea of manipulative and unreliable family members. The Roth family, as a whole, shines with their complexity. They're messy, broken, and clearly hiding something, making for some riveting scenes. The tension between Holly and her father is palpable, and we see glimpses of past wounds that haven't healed, adding depth to both characters.

Visually, the episode doesn’t disappoint either. The production design brilliantly captures the Roths' cold and sterile home environment. There’s a stillness in many of the scenes—long, quiet moments where the camera lingers on a character’s face or the static of the room, making you feel like something could snap at any second. This slow-paced build-up does wonders for maintaining suspense, and it gives the viewer a chance to absorb the small, telling details in every scene.

However, this episode does suffer from its pacing at times. While the slow-burn style suits the dark, introspective nature of the show, there are moments where it drags just a little too much. At certain points, you might find yourself wishing the plot would move along quicker, especially after the faster pace of the previous episodes. A few scenes feel unnecessarily extended as if they’re stretching the suspense to the breaking point without delivering much in return.

Also, while the dialogue is often sharp and loaded with emotional subtext, it sometimes veers into being too cryptic. There are a few exchanges between the Roths that feel more like puzzles than conversations, and it can be frustrating trying to piece together the meaning behind every sentence. It works in small doses, but when overdone, it risks losing the audience in an overly cerebral back-and-forth.

Still, the strongest aspect of Where’s Wanda? Continues to be its central mystery. Episode 3 hints at much deeper layers to Wanda’s disappearance, with some unsettling revelations about her relationships with various family members. The show skillfully balances giving us answers while leaving enough ambiguity to keep us hooked. Even as more pieces of the puzzle fall into place, there’s still an ever-present sense that things are not what they seem, which is a testament to the tight writing and clever plotting.

To wrap up, “The Roths” is a strong episode that pushes the central mystery forward while delving into the darker corners of family dynamics. Though the pacing can feel sluggish at times, the emotional depth and character complexity more than makeup for it. Holly’s journey continues to intrigue, and by the end of the episode, you’re left with more questions—and a deeper appreciation for the tangled web of lies that surrounds her family. This episode solidifies Where’s Wanda? as a show that is not just about the search for a missing person, but about uncovering the buried truths that everyone would rather keep hidden.

Final Score - [7/10]