Once upon a time…

Spoilers

The name Klara means bright, or shining. That might give some clue as to the significance of this week’s episode. We finally do get Harper’s story, as Kirby’s is paused, and it’s as sad and troubling as you’d expect.

Beginning in the chaos of the First World War, we first get to witness the birth of Harper’s ruthless streak, and how it bonds his relationship with Leo. Then his first ‘Shining Girl’, Klara, is introduced to us, and it’s easy to see why he is enraptured, it’s a worthy moniker for her. I particularly enjoy a narrative thread that weaves together pearls that were dropped into the story at earlier points, that can add new meaning and give deeper understanding of character. There are a few moments like that in this episode and they hit exactly the right (profoundly upsetting) tone.

We also uncover more about an inanimate character: the house that Harper was so desperate to return to. It works in mysterious ways – but Harper was warned of this, and he chose not to heed that warning, descending into chaos destruction as the control he wants to exert is challenged. There’s probably a lesson in that somewhere for any control freak…

Armed with our antagonist’s backstory, I’m ready for the penultimate episode to take us back to Kirby and Dan as we head for the conclusion of this dark and thrilling tale.

Verdict: You reap what you sow, but not necessarily in that order. 8/10

Claire smith