As Kovacs is whisked away from the Fight Drome carnage we find out more about how he became the killer who was put on ice.

As Episode 7 of 10, we’ve had enough of a build-up to allow an entire instalment to look back on what’s gone before. Pausing the action at the end of Episode 6, we get some much needed back-story on Kovacs the child, his first kill, and how he then became adopted into service.

Dichen Lachman (Agents of SHIELD, Dollhouse) is his sister Reileen Kawahara, and it’s heartbreaking to hear how both damaged siblings were fed lies to keep on another apart.

We also get to spend more time with Renee Elise Goldsberry and discover the complicated relationship she has with Kovacs as she trains him for combat. Location spotters will also recognise Vancouver’s Capsilano Suspension Bridge making a familiar appearance, reminding us where the show is shot.

Verdict: Useful to help fill in the gaps in our understanding of Kovacs’ motivations and relationships, but you can’t help wanting it to be out the way to resume the main storyline. 6/10

Nick Joy