Despite its strange title, “Pig Butcher” defies initial impressions. On the surface, this episode is about a long-term investment scam, but in reality, it’s about Agent Cheryl Barnes’s struggle with grief management. The term “pig killing” comes from the metaphor of fattening a pig before slaughtering it, which symbolizes how scammers “fatten” their victims at small profits and finally catch them all.
The episode highlights the exploitation of trust and vulnerability in cryptocurrency scams, with special agent Sheryll Barnes and missing children Jessie and Shandie going through divorce and foster care. The emotional toll is similar. The show doesn’t shy away from the complexity of these experiences, taking a raw and honest look at the challenges of moving on. For example, Barnes eventually clashes with her supervisor Remy, which adds a layer of tension and drama that leaves viewers thinking about the future of their relationship. Meanwhile, the crazy antics of criminal duo Carson and Danny Cobb (C and D) inject a sense of unpredictability and madness into the storyline. So, let’s get started.
“Pigs” – FBI: Most Wanted, pictured (LR): Dylan McDermott as Special Agent Remy Scott, Roxy Sternberg as Special Agent Cheryl Bar Enns. Photo: Mark Schafer/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved
The episode begins with Sheryl and Hana moving furniture around Sheryl’s house. Hana is acutely aware that Sheryl may be a little out of control. Cheryl’s obsession with rearranging the furniture and her reluctance to open her suitcases suggest she feels unstable, disconnected, and isolated. These unresolved feelings can impact her performance when she returns to work the next day. Incidentally, Hana also expressed feelings of insecurity and uncertainty about her often-absent lover, the Air Marshal.
On the way to work, Shirley received a junk phone call. She immediately hung up on the caller by identifying herself as an FBI agent. Caller Jesse revealed that she and others were coerced into making the calls. Aside from C and D, Jesse is unable to identify her kidnapper or the location where she is being held. However, the fear in the 17-year-old’s voice attracted Shirley. Since she is unmoored, she disobeys Remi’s orders and recruits Hana to assist her in her search for Jesse.
Sheryll and Hana track down Howard Merger’s VPN account, while C and D summon Jessie and the others to their office. Being scolded for not making enough money, they cut a child’s throat to make an example of him. When agents arrived at Howard Melger’s home, he was cleaning something, possibly blood, off his shirt. They found a similar substance in his car, which turned out to be soy sauce. C and D hire Merger to dispose of the body of the boy they killed. He accomplished this by placing the body in a suitcase in a dumpster behind a Chinese restaurant.
“Pigs” – FBI: Most Wanted, pictured (LR): Shantel VanSanten as agent Nina Chase, Roxy Sternberg ( Roxy Sternberg as Agent Sheryll Barnes, Dylan McDermott as Supervisory Agent Remy Scott, Keisha Castle-Hugh Keisha Castle-Hughes plays Agent Hana Gibson, and Edwin Hodge plays Agent Ray Cannon. Photo: Mark Schafer/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved
Sherry and Hana agreed it was time to call Remy. Remy and his team are on the case now, but boy, is he upset with Sheryl and Hana for rebelling. Shirley tried to talk to him, but he blocked her. He told her, “”You got what you wanted. Remember this! Jesse called the FBI several more times, her sense of urgency growing with each call. For example, she revealed that she interviewed at night because her best friend Shandie received $50 and a tote bag for recruiting others.
Jessica also revealed that someone put her into a van and blindfolded her. The team tracked the van rental company. In a hilarious exchange, the rental company employee asked Ray how many convictions you could have and still qualify for an FBI investigation. He didn’t say anything, and the guy was genuinely surprised by Ray’s reaction. Ray and Nina also manage to find the tote’s printer. Miraculously, Carson showed up at the store at the same time. They chased Carson into a diner, where he shot a waiter before escaping. In every episode of FBI: Most Wanted, I find it particularly interesting when suspects start killing people indiscriminately. This is Banana, I come here every week.
“Pig” – FBI: Most Wanted, pictured (LR): Shantel VanSanten as Agent Nina Chase, Edwin Hodge Plays Special Agent Ray Cannon. Photo: Mark Schafer/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved
Carson commits two murders and his sense of disorientation grows. He is determined to find the mole who alerted the FBI. Sandy knew it was Jessica, and Jessica begged her not to tell. Carson called Shandy into his office and began beating him. Jessica couldn’t stand her friend’s screams. As the fugitive task force found the building, gunfire rang out. Carson shot Shandy after Jessica admitted that she was the one who contacted the FBI agent through a pre-programmed phone call. The task force almost always wins, resulting in Carson and Danny being dispatched quickly.
Cheryl again asked Remy to stop and talk because his behavior in front of her “felt very personal.” Sheryl seems to be seeking praise and validation from Remy that they made the right decision, as following her instincts saved the lives of a bunch of kids. She was rejected. Shirley reminds Remy that the team helped him find his brother’s killer. This made Remy even more annoyed. Remy emphasized that he sought the consent and assistance of the team and that he had the right to decide what tasks the team would undertake. He concluded: “If you do something like this again, you will be kicked off the team. “Boom!
Remy’s rebuke helped Sheryl see her situation. The show ends where Sherry and Hana started. Shirley admits her wife Charlotte breaks her heart and she misses her children. She explained that she couldn’t open the suitcase because the loss felt too final, too real. Shirley even admitted to lying about having dinner with her parents. Her instinct is to be alone. Hana admits to missing the taste of Ray’s oatmeal. The most beautiful thing in this violent show is two friends lending a helping hand while the drinks are being poured. That’s it, it’s girls’ night.
“Pigs” – FBI: Most Wanted, pictured: Keisha Castle-Hughes as Agent Hana Gibson. Photo: Mark Schafer/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved
Overall, “Pig Butcher” is a compelling piece of work that combines emotional depth, strong character development, and an exciting storyline. However, to me, images of strong, supportive women are both empowering and heartwarming. This is a must-see for anyone looking for television that not only entertains but resonates on a deeper emotional level.
Do you think Hana and Sheryll will become closer friends? Are Shirley and Remy okay? What does the future hold for their working relationship?
Overall rating:
8/10
Lynette Jones