Ozark season 2 episode 3 kicks off with a literal bang. When Senator Blake, the last hold-out on the casino bill, is questioned by a reporter about why he skipped out on voting, he escapes to his office. As the reporter bickers outside with his secretary, Blake shoots himself behind closed doors. Wendy meets with Wilkes about the news. Wilkes explains that all he had on Blake was his secret history of clinical depression. While at his home, Wendy spies Wilkes' model of their casino and a new development. He's counting on her to sway the Snells to let him build on their land. Good luck with that. Meanwhile, Cade continues to be a black hole. He joins Marty at the Blue Cat, who asks for his help on the renovation. Cade surprises him by turning him down; he wants an employer in name only, not the work. Elsewhere, the FBI dissects Marty and the cartel's activity. Agent Petty promises to get a warrant within the month. Marty confronts Ruth about Cade's extortion attempt and, in turn, she tells him for the first time about the bug in Russ' trailer. They're interrupted by an official who shuts down Lickety Splitz for "improper layout." The shutdowns don't stop there; soon the Blue Cat is taken down until Rachel can speak with officials, then the funeral home. Wendy speculates that it might be Wilkes, telling Marty about his plans with Snell land. Ruth takes matters into her own hands by approaching a local dock owner about investing in his business. Unfortunately, he shoots her down. The Snells are waiting when Marty and Wendy get home. They, too, know about Wilkes' plans. Jacob insists on speaking with Marty and brings along Jonah and Buddy to hunt while they talk. Jacob gives Marty 24 hours to persuade Wilkes or the Snells will step in. Altogether, episode 3 was a smart, but not too in-depth look at mental illness. I want the show (and think it still can) to dive deeper into those heavy things we can't let go. How will Wendy proceed after using her own emotional trauma to manipulate the widow of a suicide victim? Will Jonah ever "get over" almost killing someone? Can Ruth break the cycle of abuse? As last season's finale asked, what will be the toll for these people's actions?
