Ep 7. The Reluctant Taxidermist

When Marius Josipovic left his old life behind and took on the identity of Pete Murphy, he likely didn't anticipate the constant stream of danger and drama that would follow him. But in Sneaky Pete season 2 episode 7, "The Reluctant Taxidermist," Pete finds himself trying to navigate yet another tricky situation when he's called upon to help his estranged mother.

As the episode begins, Pete is still trying to get his bearings after the tumultuous events of the previous few episodes. He's gotten back in touch with his real family, including his younger brother, but he's having a hard time getting anyone to trust him. Still, he's determined to keep his nose clean and do whatever it takes to stay out of trouble.

That resolve is put to the test when he receives a call from his mother, Maggie, who he hasn't seen in years. It turns out that Maggie is in trouble; she's been swindled by a shady taxidermist who promised to preserve her beloved pet dog, but who instead stuffed it poorly and took her money. Now Maggie's desperate to get her dog back, but she's afraid to confront the taxidermist on her own.

At first, Pete is hesitant to get involved. He's got enough on his plate, what with trying to keep his cover and fend off the suspicious Gladiolas. But as he listens to Maggie pouring her heart out, he realizes just how much he misses his mother and he decides to help her out. So he heads to the taxidermist's shop, ready to confront the man and hopefully get Maggie's dog back.

Of course, things are never that simple in the world of Sneaky Pete. The taxidermist turns out to be a weird and unsettling character, with a penchant for gruesome artwork and a hidden agenda. He immediately sizes Pete up as a threat and refuses to give up the dog, which sets off a tense confrontation. Pete tries to reason with the taxidermist, but when that doesn't work, he resorts to more underhanded tactics, stealing a valuable item from the shop and holding it for ransom.

But even as Pete tries to play the game, it quickly becomes apparent that he's in way over his head. The taxidermist is slippery and unpredictable, and he seems to have his own connections to the criminal underworld. Pete finds himself suddenly embroiled in a dangerous game of cat and mouse, with his own life and freedom at stake.

As the stakes ramp up, Pete turns to his newfound family for help. He enlists Julia and Carly's assistance in trying to track down the taxidermist's secrets, and he reaches out to Marius's old acquaintance Bernhardt for assistance. But even as he tries to rally his team, he realizes that there may be more going on with the taxidermist than he can handle. He may have put his mother and himself in even greater danger than he anticipated.

The Reluctant Taxidermist is a thrilling and intense episode that showcases Sneaky Pete at its best. With its tight plotting, well-written characters, and surprising twists and turns, it's a standout installment in an already-strong second season. Fans of the show will love the high stakes and constant tension, while newcomers will find themselves quickly drawn into the complicated and unpredictable world of Pete Murphy's life. Whether you're a diehard fan of the show or just looking for some quality drama, Sneaky Pete season 2 episode 7 is a must-watch.