Something was made very clear in "Surviviors:"

Haven has no intention of exploring the new persona that has been thrust upon Audrey/Lucy/Sarah during her last trip into the barn, so keeping Lexie around is a complete waste of time. It's also incredibly boring. Emily Rose and Colin Ferguson are too talented to throw the same phrases at each other over a bar the whole time they're on screen.

When Lexie picked up the gun, put the pieces together, aimed and shot, I literally groaned and said, "thank God!" Yet we still ended the hour with a useless cliffhanger of William telling Lexie once she knows her true identity there is no going back.

The only slightly interesting thing to note about that ending is the possibility that William might share with us the actual identity of whatever it is that initially became Sarah, and then Lucy, and then Audrey and now Lexie (and whoever she might have been previously). If that happens, I'll be back on board. Otherwise, give us back Audrey Parker and let's spend the next three years discovering a way to thwart The Troubles and the barn and all that will come again.

Vince as the big, bad owner/operator of The Guard isn't working for me. While I don't mind that they made him a bad guy, placing he and Dave at odds, walking around with thugs trailing behind him like a mob boss seems borderline ridiculous. If the Haven Herald is still going to all the trouble to cover up The Troubles with gas leaks, then I assume not everyone in Haven knows about them. Vince's sudden behavioral change would be a dead giveaway. 

Jordan's constant droning mantra about keeping Nathan safe so he can sacrifice himself, while instead everybody does everything with Audrey Parkerrrrrrrrr on their minds is also growing dull. Jordan is too hot, intelligent and gutsy to keep whining about Audrey to the same people when it delivers the same results. 

Even though I don't want to hear Jordan talking about the same thing every week, I completely agree that Nathan as the new Trouble whisperer isn't ideal. He's trying to hold down the fort for Audrey, and that's admirable. But, his technique is kind of boring. He doesn't have the panache that our Audrey did. It's not my fault - I'm just pointing out the obvious!

Essentially, second episode into the season and a lot has gone wrong. However...!!

Duke's storyline is fabulous so far. Pairing him him with newcomer Jennifer has given him some space from his own preoccupation with Audrey and somehow the whole barn experience softened him. He's protective toward Jennifer as well as his brother, Wade. Vince is threatening Wade, and Duke feels responsible for his well being, as well as Jennifer's.

Eric Balfour has really embraced his character in these first two episodes, as if he finally understands the secret of Duke's existence enough to truly bring him to life. Duke has lost some of his rough edges and gained a deeper strength that makes him a valuable asset to the people who rely on him. He's grounding what would otherwise feel like a very different show than we're used to watching.

I'm surprised how much I've taken to Jennifer in such a short period of time. There is true chemistry between she and Duke and even if they only become trusted friends, their instinct to rely upon one another and share themselves feels very natural. I hope Jennifer is around for the long haul.

Duke, Jennifer and Wade saved the hour. I had no idea Duke and Wade were half brothers, and I'm still looking forward to learning more about them as family. They even got all the good Haven quotes. 

I just pray that William tells Lexie something next week to get her the hell out of that bar. If not, my Trouble is going to be entering a fictional TV town and influencing the events that happen there. Keep an eye out for me. I'll be the blonde, stumbling around, looking amazed.

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.