The ASA begin to tighten their grip on Freeland. Jefferson and Lynn clash over the best course of action. Anissa clashes with the needs of the Perdi community and Jennifer finds herself in a very different school.

The show continues to impress as we start to get an idea of how all pervasive the ASA is, how close the Markovians are and the people neither see coming. Starting with those first, Lala becomes the leader the remnants of the 100 were waiting for in what’s shaping up to the most interesting plot in the show. Disgusted by the way the gang have turned on their own, and empowered by his abilities, Lala is setting up as an ally for someone, and a big problem for everyone else.

Not that everyone else doesn’t have problems of their own. Jefferson and Lynn’s clash is especially interesting as it’s been building for a while and comes about as a result of a fellow metahuman. Maryam Lugman can project camouflage patterns over herself, the change is slowly killing her and Jefferson wants to help. Lynn does too, but the different between a hands on superhero and a hands off scientist is a gulf they have trouble crossing. Especially as the ASA watch their every move.

The Pierce kids have just as tough a time of it. Anissa’s clash with the Perdi is fascinating because if there is a bad guy there, it’s arguably her. Everyone’s trying to survive and everyone is near their limit. Anissa, like her dad, tries to solve problems with her fists first. Sometimes, as in the balletic take down of the Markovian scouts, it’s an asset. Others, anything but.

It’s a massive surprise then to find Jennifer, the hottest head in a family of literal hotheads, channeling her inner Principal. Jen goes toe to toe with Odell, almost talks down a fight at school and absolutely dismantles the two kids involved when they attack her. She’s articulate, on point, no one listens and she does it anyway. Heroism in extremis, just like everyone else in the family, Maryam and Gambi and Henderson who get a really fun subplot this week. None of them doing the entirely right thing. All of them doing their best even as the screws tighten further.

Verdict: This is the smartest show in the Arrowverse and this episode is no exception. 9/10

Alasdair Stuart