As the rebellion begins to lose steam, Layton finds himself with a crucial ally who may help turn the tables once and for all – but at what cost?

Pike’s treachery last time out was a shock (to me at least) although in hindsight anyone who’s seen The Matrix really ought to have predicted it. What’s interesting is that the show avoids the tired cliché of having Pike weasel his way back into Layton’s affections to betray him from the inside. He just straight up goes to the Rebels and lays it all out: if Layton gives himself up and surrenders, mercy will be shown to the rest. Once he is executed, life will return to normal and Pike will get his reward.

And Layton is a good man – this has been one of the crucial factors of the character as a whole from episode 1, and as Pike predicted, the bloodshed and the enormity of the task before him threaten to have him give in forever. That is, until the unlikeliest ally of all drops in with an offer he can hardly refuse, even if he may want to.

Up in First Class, the Folgers are suspicious of Ruth and Grey and their intentions to assume power once Melanie has been executed and the rebellion officially crushed. Egged on by their daughter, they make moves to assure themselves of being at the centre of the historic events unfolding, so that they might retain and expand upon their own power and influence, a decision they may come to regret.

As for Melanie – well, she didn’t hold onto power and keep all these plates spinning by accident. She’s a survivor, and somewhat of an idealist, though one hiding a pain more deeply rooted than any guilt she feels for how Snowpiercer is run. Melanie has done her best to save humanity in her own way, and she’s smart enough to know when things have run their course and it’s time for change.

It’s been fascinating to see Melanie’s character explored and developed as the series has gone on, and here, with the last vestiges of her authority stripped away from her, we begin to see who she really is. Tough and resourceful, willing to do whatever is necessary however distasteful, but also kind, and concerned for others. She’s a complex individual indeed.

As the episode races to its conclusion, Layton is faced with one opportunity to gain victory for the rebels once and for all, but it’s a chance that comes with a terrible price to pay. As the credits roll, it’s fair for him and the audience to ask just how much difference there is between him and Melanie Cavill.

Verdict: Complex, emotional and taking some interesting character decisions along the way. 8/10

Greg D. Smith