As Claudette begins to assert her own independence, LaDonna wonders what will be next for her. Keisha has some relationship problems. Andre makes a troubling discovery.

Love is very much in the air for various members of the cast in this episode of 4400, as we learn a fair bit more about Claudette and get an insight into exactly why she might have such an instinctive distrust of Isaiah specifically and reverends generally. It’s been clear from the outset that Claudette is somewhat of an outlier for a woman from her time and now we begin to see in flashbacks how much trouble that used to cause her.

But in the present, she’s got a place of her own and Jharrel even manages to find her a new job – it may not be glamorous but it pays the bills and allows her to assert her independence still further. Jharrel’s interest may extend beyond the purely objective interest in the wellbeing of a 4400 of course, but then that’s been obvious for a little while now.

Elsewhere, LaDonna has a lot to think about as she tries to work out what she wants to do next. Torn between a longing to return to her old life and friends and her loyalty to the found family represented by her fellow 4400ers, she buries herself in what she does know, enlisting the assistance of Soraya to build a new computer and continue her research.

Speaking of Soraya, she finally decides to make her own move on Keisha after the latter’s unsuccessful attempt at having a normal date with her partner. This could well be the sort of relationship that Keisha absolutely needs as it is clear that she is not happy, but can she really give Soraya what she so desperately wants?

Andre, meanwhile, is feeling particularly unwell since his escapades at Ypsi Med, which at least helps him to postpone his appointment with Shanice’s anger at his involving her daughter. But Andre may have bigger issues to face than the wrath of his (maybe) girlfriend, as it appears that his power has finally manifested, and it isn’t one which offers straightforward benefits or even a clear use.

And speaking of Shanice, she has trust issues of her own with Isaiah, who she believes may be actively working against the best interests of his ‘flock’ – something of which she becomes even more convinced when she discovers the true depth and meaning of the ‘contracts’ his followers are happily signing up to with the government.

After the previous episode’s flight of fancy into X-Men-esque territory, this instalment feels like it gets back to what the show does best. Confrontations between the 4400 and those who wish them ill are more low-key and feel more real as a result, and the various personal struggles of the characters mesh well with the overarching drama. It’s good to have it back.

Verdict: Back to what it does best, and providing lots of fresh intrigue. 8/10

Greg D. Smith