Transformers… sisters in disguise…

Now Paper Girls is off and running, it picks up the pace in this heart-warming and heart-wrenching blinder of an episode.

Despite the insight we get into Erin’s backstory and her relatable estranged relationship with her younger sister Missy, the heart of this episode is Mac and her brother Dylan. Their bond is glorious and the light that he shines into his sister that he missed so much is crystal clear and so colourful. No spoilers, but It’s a real tearjerker.

We get more insight into this universe’s time travel ‘rules’ which I think is an important element of time travel fiction… it’s complex, naturally, but it makes narrative sense and that’s all I need.

There’s also tense action that’ll have you on the edge of your seat. ‘Old Erin’ referenced the transformers, I’m glad that it wasn’t just my brain that made that connection at the end of the last episode! Hot on the girls’ trail is The Old Watch and the relentless ruthlessness of their formidable foot soldier drives the fast pace of this chase, and it’s great… I was going to say ‘fun’ but that doesn’t feel appropriate. She’s killed without hesitation or mercy, yet her impact on Mac feels more personal and tragic.

Verdict: A cat and mouse race against the clock with tension and tears. 9/10

Claire Smith