The Purge Season 2 Episode 4 Recap: Ben spirals willingly on ‘Grief Box’

The Purge’s latest chapter “Grief Box” examines the act of Purging causing a spiraling addiction to violence rather than the NFFA’s promise of release. Its lead case study? Ben [Joel Allen].

This recap contains spoilers for The Purge Season 2 Episode 4 (“Grief Box”).

Ben shows no signs of turning back or having any desire to do so post unauthorized mid-year Purge (read: murder). Instead of regret over the farm incident, the troubled Ben is slowly but surely giving fully in to his newly awakened primal urges to maim and hurt. Taking control of his victimizer’s ‘God’ mask has Ben walking in his shoes, doing his perceived deeds, almost living a day by day tribute to the man. Any chance at straying from this path ended when Ben met another Purger at a local weaponry shop.

For the first time, Ben admitted to Purging but was told he doesn’t have to say it in a whisper. Unlike the others that surround Ben in his daily life, this Purger was on the same wave length, speaking proudly of revenge and lists. Feeling a sense of comfort and camaraderie, Ben would invite the stranger for a house drinking party on ‘Remembrance Day.’

During the party he would be semi-frat bullied by the ‘brother’ who left him for dead back on Purge night. Ben’s new pal was beside himself that Ben hadn’t already been scheming to waste him next Purge night for his betrayal. He mentioned how he never forgets misdeeds done to him during the year and fantasizes about his eventual revenge… Ben seemed to agree, embracing the concept.

Ever the impatient one, Ben watched his theoretical prey head up the stairs after bothering a girl. Instead of waiting for Purge night, Ben would look to get his vengeance then and there. He went up the stairs to find his ‘friend’ sobbing while looking at a Purge remembrance box as he took out a hunting knife. Suddenly, Ben received a real apology, stifling his thirst for violence. His friend spoke about recently losing his brother. How he imagines his brother suffered the fate Ben could have, being left alone, everyday… And he can’t forgive himself for ditching Ben like that. That they should have never gone out on Purge night. Ben decided to put the knife back in his pocket and spare him, making up a story about cutting fruit with it when questioned.

However, Ben’s desire to Purge could not be quenched… A anti-Purge party goer who told him he’s on the wrong side of history became the new prey. He put his hood up, donned the ‘God’ mask, and followed the anti-NFFA, anti-Purge party-goer when credits rolled. Leaving a ‘Will he actually do it?’ cliffhanger.

Marcus’ paranoia has him turning to Ivory Road

THE PURGE — “Grief Box” Episode 204 — Pictured: (l-r) Rochelle Aytes as Michelle Moore, Derek Luke as Marcus Moore — (Photo by: Alfonso Bresciani/USA Network)

Marcus Moore’s [Derek Luke] past was explored on the latest Purge episode, including a prior failed relationship before Michelle was in the picture. Desiring an opportunity to get a way from it all after his girlfriend was almost murdered in front of him on a prior Purge night (from a community local no less)… Marcus detailed plans to move to a new house and detach from their community but his girlfriend wanted none of it… And none of Marcus either, as the plan had her send him off packing on civil terms. Marcus would return to his old neighborhood, in the hopes of finding the person who called a hit on him, to no avail.

He confronted a friend based a flag emblem and similar car to his would-be Purger but it was the wrong individual. Instead Marcus embarrassed himself and exposed his real reasoning for arriving. It wasn’t about old friends. Not to mention, adding a friend to a list of future revenge suspects come next Purge. Michelle [Rochelle Aytes] seems uneasy about his search but it’s not obvious to the audience why as of yet.

Marcus would logon on Ivory Road, inspired by a now defunct service that used to start with Silk on the dark regions of the internet. He asked the question point blank, ‘Who wanted me Purged?’ offering ‘$$$ or pharma’ in return for information. No dialing back the clock now, no turning back for Marcus.

Esme Carmona’s lost sister

THE PURGE — “Grief Box” Episode 204 — Pictured: Paola Nunez as Esme Carmona — (Photo by: Alfonso Bresciani/USA Network)

Esme [Paola Núñez] had her world turned upside down when she was given a case study on Purging spiking an addiction to more violence rather than a yearly release. After discovering a list of deceased, she headed down to find a girl named ‘Olivia,’ using her NFFA credentials to go inside her apartment. Olivia was found with her wrists slit in a bathtub, presumably a suicide. However, Esme noticed an open window, and felt she’d been murdered. The detective on the scene did not believe Esme’s theory but agreed to wait for Esme’s video footage analysis. However, Esme’s video feed was cut off.

Upon calling the detective she was told the corner had ruled the case a suicide and to let it go… That he knows the situation is touchy because of what happened to her sister. Esme, asked how the detective knew about her sister and he again said the case is closed and hung up. It was then revealed Esme’s boss was watching her on a live feed on his computer. He’s onto her. Are Esme’s NFFA days numbered?

Ryan Grant’s Heist

On the other side of town, Ryan Grant [Max Martini] hatched a pre-Purge scheme to steal millions from a bank. He utilized his connections on the force to see the jailed Tommy Ortiz [Jonathan Medina] to assist. He provided a name, one he said can’t hold a secret. A loose speaker. Ryan spoke to the contact anyway, promising a cut with strings attached. If he screws his team in anyway, Ryan will ‘kill him.’ Is the warning enough to stop the heist from leaking?

Be sure to watch my interviews with The Purge’s Paola Núñez as well as James Roland & Krystal Houghton Ziv (The Purge’s Executive Producers/Writers).