Time is running out for the fugitives on the Hemlock, they need to find a way to shake off the pursuit of the Commonworld forces and when they find a slightly dilapidated research vessel, they believe they have found their perfect escape route.

Unlike previous episodes this one is set in space, rather than on an alien world. To be more precise, it is set on a scientific research ship. It carries an environmental message at its core. The Hestia Reef is dying, and its native species are on the brink of extinction. The one man trying to save them from extinction and to release them back into the wild is perhaps more Doctor Moreau than David Attenborough.

The plot doesn’t seek to hammer this home but there are enough clear references, in this and earlier episodes, to assure the viewer that even in the future, humanity is selfish and destructive. The Professor, played by guest star Michael Smiley, at first appears to be a harmless, jazz-loving, benefactor working for good but unsurprisingly, he is not.

By the fourth episode, the audience has had time to familiarise itself with Intergalactic’s internal myth and world-building and now is looking to move the plot along, but this episode continues with its need to deliver further exposition in the form of old VT from 2024 to explain Emma Grieves’ backstory and a confrontation between pacifist Grieves and the rampaging Tula.

We realise that the Commonworld is tracking the fugitives and are aware of the increased bounty on their heads, but the authorities seem slow to react or to follow the trail of mayhem left by the crew of the Hemlock. Instead, we see Rebecca Harper slumming it in Old London and receiving “the usual” from a barmaid who clearly recognises her as a former regular.

We also witness the consequences of Candy’s casual love affair with narcotics and the way in which they neutralise her role or her effectiveness on the crew. Eleanor Tomlinson is a naturally charismatic figure, but her performance here was less than we would expect from her. I really want to see more depth from this character, she has so much promise.

Verdict: The episode seeks to deal with issues of environmental destruction, addiction, consent, abuse and the destructive behaviour of men and is partially successful. However, attention is drawn away from the plight of this band of misfits, to present these issues. Visually, this episode was terrific, but the story needs greater focus, rather than simply carpet bombing “issues”. 5/10

Andy Evans