For a show that is able to make the most unusual of stories somehow work, Misfits hasn't really ventured into the crazier territory for a while. That all changes with the latest episode, though, which is easily one of the most bizarre instalments of the show. In the sixth episode of the series (yes, that means there are only two left), we see the characters go to a house party that gets completely out of hand when a suit-wearing, golf club-swinging killer rabbit is revealed to be roaming the halls.
Eventually we learn that the host of the party has a power that makes his drug-induced hallucinations real, and that's why the murderous rabbit exists. Additionally, the gang end up affected by another power that displays their number of sexual partners on their forehead. This makes for some awkward and honest conversations among the group and is a great way to bring forward some character development.
Alex's secret is finally uncovered too, and it's definitely in keeping with the strange nature of the episode. After his relationship with Jess looks like it's totally broken down, Alex finally comes clean and admits that his penis has been stolen by somebody with a power. He's looking for a way to get it back but, for the moment, his nervousness around Jess seems unsurprising.
This episode also introduces a new member of the cast. If you were observant during the opening credits, you'll have noticed that Natasha O'Keefe is the new addition. She plays Abbey, a character who spends most of this episode blindingly drunk, but is the one who kills the rabbit in the end. We don't know much about her yet, so I'm reserving judgment. All I'll say for now is that I'm glad Jess won't be the only female character any longer, Misfits has been in need of some balance.
Throughout the episode, Rudy tries to encourage Finn to improve the number of women he's slept with. This leads to a really uncomfortable moment when Rudy suggests that it's fine to take advantage of how drunk somebody is (not once, but twice) and then decides that they should try their luck at a nearby funeral. I can't say that I'm a fan of much of this, but I like how Rudy stumbles into something genuine with the enigmatic Nadine, we'll undoubtedly be seeing her again next week.
What this episode proves is that Misfits still has plenty of fresh ideas to play with. It feels like the new characters are even more settled now and while I still dislike Finn, I really like what Jess is bringing to the dynamic. This is an entertaining episode that is memorably strange in the best way possible, cleverly getting characters to talk more honestly about their relationships and providing a threat that is both unnerving and hilarious. I'm looking forward to getting to know a bit more about Abbey and seeing where Alex's story goes in next week's episode.