There are three sequences here that only Sense8 can do. The first works brilliantly, the second doesn’t quite land and the third is amazing.

The first picks up straight after the murder that closed the previous episode. As the police close in, Sun, then Lito, then Riley all tag in to help get Will clear. It’s a typically great sequence, subtle and character-heavy and high stakes and fun all at the same time.

The one that doesn’t quite work is a sequence where Capheus is caught up in a water riot, Neets is chased by Agent Bendix through the streets of San Francisco and Kala is caught up in a riot at the temple. The sensory overload is a great idea and it leads to a sweet character note for Nomi and Neets but the sequence doesn’t quite work. It doesn’t quite embody the urgency it needs but it gets close.

The third sequence positively soars. Lito, who last episode recognized a member of Jonas’ cluster as a journalist who interviewed him, goes to visit the man’s father. As the two men talk, we cut between the conversation, Will and Nomi running questions through a clearly slightly uncomfortable Lito and Lito’s past with Raoul, the other Sensate .It’s a sweet, sad, plot-heavy moment that moves the overall plot along and folds back around to the biological drones we’ve seen in the previous two episodes. This is the start of how Whispers does what he does and it’s horrifying and visceral. Miguel Ángel Silvestre is always fantastic but this is a standout moment for both him and Lito. There’s a sweetness, a genuine element to this man who specializes in pretending to be other people that makes every Lito scene a pleasure and this is one of his very best so far.

Elsewhere Capheus continues his journey towards being a national figure, Wolfie and Kala share a well-handled awkward moment and there’s a great sequence involving an old flame of Riley’s. Most importantly, there’s massive forward momentum in Sun’s plot. Doona Bae is another of the strongest elements of this ludicrously strong cast and she’s given brilliant material here. The sequence with Sun contentedly doing kata in the open air for the first time in months is glorious as is the bond she shares with the two delightfully disreputable older ladies who help her out. Best of all though is a throwback to the Christmas special. Sun’s Taekwondo opponent is back! And hot! And a detective now! And totally on the way to being her love interest!

Verdict: Sense8‘s only failures here are those of ambition and in the end that’s no failure at all. This season is still sprinting along, but it’s opening its stride up now and giving each one of those fascinating, complex characters room to grow. Unique, gripping and essential. 9/10

Alasdair Stuart