This One Early Clue In ‘Nine Perfect Strangers’ Explains The Entire Second Season

You may have missed it, but in the very first episode of Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2 Annie Murphy’s character, Imogen, starts pelting pharmacologist Martin with questions about Masha’s model for the retreat.

She name drops everyone from Bettelheim’s The Uses Of Enchantment to Jungian archetypes—which she claims are tied to an “ancestral memory of psychedelic ritual in pre-Christian Europe”—and a fictional New Yorker review from a Mr. Lars Lee dubbing Masha’s therapeutic approach “metaphysical Bacchanalia”.

Now, you probably took this at face value as character development. Imogen is an overeducated, hyper-therapized, neurotic individual who is fan-girling over Masha and Zauberwald, much akin to Nicholas Holt’s overzealous character from The Menu. Maybe you even stopped, like I did, to Google Jung’s archetypes, saw there were twelve, three more than our count of “perfect strangers”, and moved on.

Except I discovered my mistake this week, while wondering what Martin and Helena’s backstory contribute to the plot. It was only then that I realize that they and Masha bring us to an even dozen. Imogen’s reference was an intentional hint after all. Even though Martin and Helena are the vehicle to get Masha to a new location and clinic, as well as the underlying financial crisis that makes David’s fortune necessary, we don’t need them as characters to get there. Masha could have inherited the estate from a dead relative, or an angel investor. But they are necessary to flesh out Jung’s full lineup of archetypes.

Let’s break them down below:

The Hero

Wolfie embodies the hero, who is described as someone representing courage and strength, but most importantly a willingness to overcome an obstacle. For her, this is clearly Tina’s creative block, which has brought their shared music career to a standstill.

The Ruler

David embodies this archetype linked to order, stability, and prosperity. He’s portrayed as a business mogul who is not averse to hostile takeovers and questionable ethics. He needs to control and dominate, as exhibited with his savage attacks on Martin.

The Caregiver

This one feels very self-explanatory, but for good measure, we’ll clearly state that this archetype is associated with support, protection, and compassion. Agnes has devoted her entire life to serving others through a religious order, which we see evident through her care for the others, and willingness to carry Brian’s luggage.

The Innocent

Honestly, Matteo was the character who convinced me this theory actually holds water, and I wasn’t just forcing characters into unrelated molds. His archetype is associated with purity, optimism, and simplicity, all of which are perfectly exhibited in his one on one with Masha.

The Explorer

Imogen’s thirst for knowledge and healing align perfectly with her archetype, which is typically associated with adventure, discovery, and personal growth. We see how committed she is to these endeavors, almost to the point of obsession.

The Rebel

Tina is another character that hits the archetype right on the nose, as the rebel is known for challenging authority and breaking free from constraints. In her case, that is being forced to play the piano her entire life, first by her mother, and then repeating the cycle with Wolfie.

The Magician

Martin’s scientific background makes him the perfect magician, an archetype associated with transformative powers, and a deep understanding of the universe. His laboratory especially parallels a Fantasia-like environment that highlights his knowledge in the field.

The Sage

As Masha’s personal therapist, Helena represents the archetype associated with seeking truth and understanding. She pushes Masha both to heal after the loss of her daughter, as well as carry on her family’s legacy by taking over the treatment center.

The Jester

Brian’s career and archetype go hand in hand, known for playful humor and challenging conventions, the jester both teaches and amuses. We see him embrace these qualities, but also buckle under the pressure they impose on him to be the perfect role model all of the time.

The Lover

Victoria’s over-the-top lude comments aren’t just a front for her terminal illness, they fit right into her archetype as well. Known for passion, intimacy, and connection, her relationship with a much younger man brings all of these qualities into focus.

The Everyman

Even though Peter comes from an extremely privileged background, we see him embodying many of the qualities of this archetype, in his universal struggle to connect with his father, and perhaps find love with Imogen. His attempts to pass for a regular guy in the first episode reinforce these tropes.

The Creator

Last but not least, we have our fearless leader, Masha, embodying the archetype associated with creativity, innovation, and bringing new things into existence. This is highlighted through the creation of her new technology and penchant for spontaneity and improvisation.

All in all, we’ll have to see what showrunners have planned for this analogy, which is only reinforced by the too crazy to be coincidental connections between the characters, but we love the framework it created for this suspenseful season.