Vic tries to convince the police that Bing killed Sharon, and then gets an invitation to meet Manx alone.

After the shocking discovery of Sharon’s body in a shallow grave, Vic is struggling to get the authorities to believe that school janitor Bing could possibly be her killer. Manx convinces him to go in to the police station and give his side of the story, and in the absence of any evidence to the contrary they can’t hold him for anything.

The meat of this episode is in the coming together of Manx and Vic, in the most unlikeliest of places – a bus terminal waiting room. Maggie has agreed to go along for support, but Vic leaves her sleeping, knowing this is something she has to do alone. Zachary Quinto’s Manx is youthful and fresh, mocking Vic for being a child, explaining his MO because he arrogantly doesn’t see her as a threat.

Manx boasts that he will live forever because he’s found a way to replenish what the Inscape takes away from him – feasting on the life force of children. He had given his kids everything but a mother, and invites Vic to fill this role back in Christmasland, unaware that Maggie has spotted the Wraith in the car park and is trying to break in. The demonic car goes the full Christine, chasing down Maggie – who in the heat of the moment thinks that running in a straight line might save her – and tossing her into the air before driving away with Manx.

Verdict: The confrontation between the show’s leads is more low-key than imagined, but I suspect there will be a more significant face-off further down the track. At the half-way point in the show, NOS4A2 – the car and the show – is showing no sign of running out of juice. 8/10

Nick Joy