‘Carrie’ Episode 3 Recap: Social Studies and a Party Rite of Passage

Episode 3 of the new series, titled "Social Studies," delves into the complexities of teenage social dynamics, historical persecution, and the burgeoning psychic abilities of Carrie White. The episode begins with narrator Kate Siegel introducing the historical context of psychic phenomena, recounting the stories of five women across centuries who exhibited psychic abilities and faced accusations of fraud, occultism, and ridicule.

Carrie herself is shown researching witch trials and the persecution of women with supposed magical abilities in the school library, a stark contrast to the social pressures she faces. Emaline checks in, questioning the reality of these phenomena, to which Carrie responds that the "consequences were certainly real."

Meanwhile, Chris is dealing with the fallout from her past actions. After being prompted by Sue, Chris apologizes to Carrie for her behavior in the locker room and invites her to a party at an empty mansion as a "rite of passage." This event is presented as a significant social hurdle for Carrie.

Margaret, Carrie's mother, is seen installing security cameras and consulting with an empty chair, reflecting on her late husband's perceived opinions and her own anxieties. The funeral home is pressuring her to collect Ralph's ashes.

Chris also faces academic pressure when her advisor, Mr. Morton, discusses the unlikelihood of her securing financial aid for Duke University, suggesting community college as an alternative. Morton emphasizes that her social standing in town holds no weight outside of it, pushing her to define her future identity.

Sue, in a more positive trajectory, spends time with Tommy as he works his delivery job. She convinces him to skip work for the evening, intending to deepen their relationship at the party.

Carrie prepares for the party, altering a shirt from the lost and found. Margaret begins a night shift at the S-Mart, facing unpleasant conditions. Carrie gets a ride to the party and, despite an initial awkwardness, is welcomed. Chris guides her through the party, advising her on how to navigate the social scene and even includes her in a beer pong game. Carrie begins to enjoy herself, dancing and interacting with her peers, though she is surreptitiously filmed by Tina.

The party takes a turn with the arrival of Billy Nolan, selling drugs. Chris uses her ID to gain his attention, leading to a flirtatious encounter that reveals tensions regarding Chris's family, including news of her mother filing for divorce.

Later, a euphoric Carrie connects with Emaline outside, expressing her long-held desire for friendship and belonging. Emaline shares a similar sentiment, and Carrie feels she has found her "people."

Sue and Tommy share an intimate moment, followed by a quiet reflection on their relationship. Tommy then offers to ensure Carrie gets home safely. During the drive, Carrie experiences a moment of tranquility, gazing at the stars, and Tommy shares a monologue reflecting on humanity's impact on the world, quoting from Ray Bradbury's The Martian Chronicles.

As they drive home, Carrie, feeling a sense of peace, unintentionally causes the car to lift slightly off the ground, a subtle display of her growing powers.

Meanwhile, a intoxicated Chris begins posting vindictive captions on her "Carrie Red" Instagram account, sharing party photos and targeting others, eventually making the account public.

The episode concludes with a student showing Carrie the damaging Instagram posts at school, causing the lockers to rattle. Emaline notices this, and the credits roll, set to the song "Villains Aren't Born (They're Made)" by PEGGY.