The Purge episode 8 recap: Major twists on The Giving Time Is Here

The Purge delivered one of the best episodes of the season, with major surprises and twists, as things aren’t always what they seem at first sight …

*Major, no seriously major spoilers ahead. Do not read if you intend to watch.*

What an episode! The Rick, Jenna, Lila love triangle came to a final conclusion with a breakup to remember on The Purge. It appeared Rick would indeed be the odd man out as Lila made another play for Jenna’s affections, only to be turned down for the last time. Jenna told Lila in no uncertain terms, that they were “done for good.” But Lila wouldn’t have it, and she would actually try to manipulate Rick by kissing him only to be pushed away. It was all part of Lila’s plan to try to prove to Jenna that Rick was violent in order to convince her to leave Rick … When in fact, as Purge fans found out tonight, it was Jenna who was actually always the violent one. Once a Stanton, always a Stanton.

At one point, Jenna discovers the golden knife Rick had hid in his jacket that had been given from Stanton. Ross’ wife shows up at the door asking for her husband with a knife; Rick tells her to go home but Jenna tells her the truth as her commotion attracts a Purger. Rick asks Lila why she would do such a thing, and she tries to lure him into attacking her but it fails.

Instead, it’s Lila who hits Rick from behind in his bedroom and grabs his gun with intention to kill him. Jenna arrives in time and tries to talk Lila out of it but she won’t listen to reason. She tells Jenna she’ll thank her for this one day, and Jenna uses the golden knife on Lila, killing her and saving Rick’s life.

Above: In a flashback early on in the episode, Lila is having doubts about going through with Purging. Lila tells Stanton family maid Catalina about her doubts. Catalina responds by telling her she doesn’t have to do this if she doesn’t want to. Now, it’s clear why Catalina told Rick and Jenna no Stanton is safe during the revolutionary ambush on their mansion, as Lila does indeed Purge.

Above: A man is delivered to the mansion and sits in front of a presumed final dinner. Lila is greeted with a choice of a knife or gun and chooses the gun then shoots the stranger without much thought. As claps ring throughout the room, she smiles a bit with her parents especially father Albert Stanton proud.

Above: Miguel and Penelope go to Pete’s Cantina (run by Pete the Cop, naturally). Pete tells Penelope the truth about Good Leader Tavis, how she’s funded by the NFFA, and that the New Founding Fathers even have to approve members of her cult/new religion by who’s most disposable.

Above: Pete is almost shot down if it wasn’t for Miguel literally leaping to take down an assailant with a gun. It turns out it was someone getting vengeance for Pete putting his brother behind bars. Pete simply kicks him out of the Cantina and does not Purge in response.

Above: Meanwhile, Penelope uses the opportunity to slip out in order to warn other members of Good Leader Tavis’ group that they’re being used, that Good Leader Tavis has no intentions of actually helping them.

Above: Miguel notices his sister left the bar as Pete tells him maybe he shouldn’t have told her the truth about Tavis. Penelope locates the blue lit bus, and Tavis believes she’s rejoining the bus. However, Penelope instead warns the others of Tavis’ lining her pockets with NFFA money. Tavis denies choosing members, saying they chose her. It looks like Penelope is almost about to rejoin her but instead punches her out.

The bus’ driver tries to restrain Penelope but is shot by Joe, who also shoots Tavis. Joe tells Penelope he’s taking her somewhere safe, even though she said she wants to go back to the Cantina …

Above: Joe takes Jenna and Rick to add to his collection along with Penelope. The audience is greeted to a whole host of hostages with tape on their mouths including Jane, who had been rescued from David Ryker’s live human art show party last episode. It appears Joe is not just a pure good guy after all, he has must more nefarious, sinister plans in store for those he rescues …

Catch exclusive clips, behind the scenes footage, and the last seven episodes of The Purge over at USANetwork.com.