Bernard Marx is preoccupied with recent events in New London as he and Lenina Crowne take a trip together. John struggles with a dilemma.

Having spent the greater part of the first episode in New London, we follow Lenina and Bernard on a mini break, visiting the Savage Lands, and coming to terms with the forbidden feelings that they are developing for one another. They’re like teenagers on a first date, having to think about making small talk rather than going straight to meaningless sex.

But while all of this is going on, tensions are rising behind-the-scenes. A resistance movement is growing to counter the poor treatment of the outlanders, and the fake bullets used in the tourist displays are replaced with real shells. Carnage follows, with Bernard, Lenina and John all caught up in the fallout.

Verdict: A stronger episode than its predecessor, already we’re getting to see more of the world than suggested in the show opener, though with such a significant set piece happening so early in the run, one wonders where we’re going next. 8/10

Nick Joy

Read our interview with showrunner David Weiner here