The Strain: Season 2, Episode 13: Night Train
Love this show. The Strain has officially proven its fearlessness. I complained in my last review about what I referred to as the unnecessary death of Vaughn, but I take that back now. His voice was awesome, but I understand that he had to go. It was simply a demonstration of the fact that anyone can go at anytime in this series. Kelly seemed tragic at first, but her death has served a pretty strong purpose. Then again, Jim was whacked pretty early on as well. After the first two deaths of this episode, I was genuinely afraid for Zach. I thought his mom was going to off him for sure.
I was disappointed in the fact that Nora mentioned the subway’s third rail, because I thought it was foreshadowing for it being used as a weapon. I couldn’t have been more excited about being wrong. It was still a weapon, but it wasn’t utilized in the way I had anticipated. I was much better than expected. It was used as a heroic sacrifice. After this season highlighting Nora’s past with Ephraim, I felt certain they were going to make a really strong romantic connection in the end. Again, I was wrong. They were only delivering the feels so they could crush them.
It’s interesting how parallel Ephraim and Eldritch Palmer’s story are right now. Eph has been going dark all season, but I thought he would be redeemed. It seems he’s being punished for his misdeeds as well. I’m wondering what’s the significance of the hearts though. Eldritch kept Coco’s heart the same way Setrakian kept his lover’s heart. I get the desire to keep something of a loved one, but it’s kind of weird. I do like it though. Eldritch crossed the Master and he was punished. His greed is strong, but I’m wondering if he’ll be able to get past it and continue working with his “partner.”
I’m now looking forward to seeing “The Born” continue his crusade against his ancient enemy. He seems to be pretty awesome and now that he has joined forces with Setrakian and Fet, things can only rise to higher levels of awesome with him, Gus, Angel and their army of prisoners. Let’s keep the party going! I’m expecting season three to surpass everything else. This series is a little slow moving, but I think it’s progressing considerably better than The Walking Dead. The story feels more driven and the pace is a little stronger.
Speaking of The Walking Dead, how about Zach? Is he not the worst child character since Carl? There was at least a moment in season four where I liked Carl, but I don’t think I’ve ever liked Zach. I get that he’s a kid, but he’s wholly irrational and ridiculous. I know he loves his mom, but there’s a point in time when he has to understand what’s happening. After all, he’s not a six year old.
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Jonathan Thomas Jones is a speculative fiction author and founder of geekhavenreviews.com. He has been passionate about all things geek for his entire life. See more about him at jonathanthomasjones.com and follow him on twitter @jtgloryjones.
