‘The Purge’ Series Premiere ‘What Is America?’ Recap: Commencement

In an alternate universe, the US government sanctions a yearly holiday called The Purge.  During this holiday, all crimes, including murder, are legal for twelve hours. Once the commencement begins at seven in the evening, non-participants must barricade themselves. However, individuals who venture into the streets have two simplified fates: live or die. In light of the Purge festivities, some must go to work, while others embark on a journey to find their loved ones.

In this week’s episode of The Purge, Rick (Colin Woodell) and his wife Jenna (Hannah Emily Anderson) head to the New Founding Fathers of America’s Annual Purge Party. Elsewhere, Jane (Amanda Warren) works on the holiday night. Meanwhile, former US Marine Miguel (Gabriel Chavarria) risks searching for his sister, Penelope (Jessica Garza). However, Penelope, along with other teens, embrace their fates in ‘The Giving.’

Strictly Business

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Rick and Jenna reluctantly go to the NFFA Annual Purge Party, hosted by their founders Albert (Reed Diamond) and Ellie (Andrea Frankle) Stanton. They do not have a choice since they need the NFFA’s investment to help kickstart their new company. As they got closer to the venue, they become visibly anxious. Both troubled by a secret affair they had with the founders’ daughter, Lila (Lili Simmons), they enter the mansion.

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Rick fails to find Albert. The mansion is full of guests, so it was tough to see the most important people such as the hosts. Meanwhile, Jenna comforts a maid named Catalina (Paulina Gálvez) after witnessing Ellie scold her. Moments later, the couple reunites. The Purge finally commences, so the mansion is placed on lockdown. As the crowd disperses after the short program, Rick and Jenna see someone they least expected to be there: Lila.

Under The Table

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After paying a visit to her mother, confined in the hospital, Jane goes to her office. She has to work on Purge night, just like her employees. After a short meeting, Jane is visibly agitated by something. As a result, Jane snaps on one of her employees, Alison (Jessica Miesel). However, Jane receives a message from an unknown number, so she immediately leaves the floor despite the Security Officers’ warnings.

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Upon arriving at the ground floor, Jane sees a man sharpening a machete. Jane runs as fast as she can to head to the exit. As she looked outside, she sees an empty parking lot. Suddenly, a woman appears in front of her, telling her not to open the door unless Purge begins. When Purge commences, Jane hands over money to the woman, Bracka (AzMarie Livingston), fully armored and prepared for Purging.

Reunion

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When Miguel finally returns from his deployment as a US Marine, he decides to visit his sister, Penelope. However, when he reaches the Rehabilitation Center, Penelope was not there. Because of this, Miguel risks staying outdoors to look for Penelope. Elsewhere, Penelope joins a cult with other teenagers, led by a woman called Good Leader Tavis (Fiona Dourif). Their strange practice works this way: every Purge night, those who are deemed ready head deep into the city bounds, sacrificing their life. They believe that helping the Purgers unload their sins serves as a ticket to heaven.

USA Network

Miguel’s search is a long and seemingly unfruitful one. After encountering a group of Purgers, he rescues a young lady named Kaylee (Maddie Nichols) from them. In return, Kaylee gives him a lead on where Penelope could be. However, Miguel still has not found her by the time of the Purge’s commencement. Simultaneously, Penelope, along with the other cultists, finally reach their destination. Good Leader Tavis chooses a teenage boy named Arthur (Ben Sanders) as the first to make the sacrifice. Penelope watches in horror as the Purgers brutally chop Arthur down. In contrast to this, the other cultists loudly chant while they witness Arthur’s butchering.

The Purge continues on Tuesday, September 11th, with ‘Take What’s Yours’ at 10/9c on the USA Network.