Sister Andrea comes under threat, as David comes to a realisation about the Church and Sheryl meets the boss…

Rockne S. O’Bannon and Erica Larson provide the script for this tale that starts (or at least goes into the titles) with an upending of the format of the season to date – this isn’t a story from the book of contemporary demons, but of angels. It starts in media res with a collarless David arriving to provide succour after a disaster and, instead of simply being an ear for those affected, discovers a survivor – or indeed more than one – with a quite shocking story. Were they warned of the forthcoming event and then rescued by an angel – and, not just any angel, but a very specific holy person whose second miracle is being sought by the church prior to canonisation?

There’s a lot thrown in the mix in that main plotline, not least the show turning onto something fundamental with the attitudes of the Church: why are the holy family and most of the saints portrayed as white? There’s no argument as to where they came from, and that’s not how people present in that part of the world… but for centuries, there’s an acceptance in art (including such things as Christmas cards!) that that’s just what’s right. Unsurprisingly this makes David challenge a lot of what he’s accepted, including elements of his visions, which take a left turn themselves mid-episode, and he’s not frightened to use this race element against those he needs to.

This plays heavily into the secondary plotline with Sister Andrea, who faces a board of priests who seem intent on removing her from the church. Leland is there of course, as is Kurt Boggs as a witness, whose own history would seem more relevant than Sister Andrea’s defender – David – is allowed to delve into. There’s some neat turning of the tables regarding what makes Sister Andrea unreliable – and Leland’s reaction at events is pure anger.

Leland’s not getting many things his way this episode. He tries to manipulate the investigation into the angel – and there’s a chilling moment when his plan is revealed, courtesy of the person acting on his behalf, with her speech taking us beyond the confines of a TV show for a few moments.

He’s also finding his protegee has plans of her own: Sheryl learns to be careful what she wishes for after demanding to see the Manager… and discovering that she can see who he really is. The demon builders on the show have fun with a multi-ocular creation, and there’s a great scene between Sheryl and Leland discussing what she’s seen.

Kristen and Ben take more of a back seat for matters outside the investigation this week – although Kristen does encourage her girls to face their fears, and there’s further unsettling moments with Andy…

Verdict: Some strong scenes and unsettling questions. 8/10

Paul Simpson