Several shocking revelations lead Layton’s investigation to a confrontational conclusion. But what next for this Tailer cop once the dust settles, given all he’s seen? Josie and the Tailers concoct a plan to use Layton’s gift to her to establish some communication uptrain.

It was clear at the end of the last episode that Erik, the bodyguard to the Folgers, was the killer Layton and his investigation were seeking, so with that mystery out of the way there only remains the matter of determining his motive and capturing him. Neither of these proves all that easy – he’s an ex-marine and despite being stuck downtrain when the borders were closed after the prize fight, he has the skills and resourcefulness to be evasive. As to his motive – well that’s a whole other layer of complexity.

That second layer is one that Layton manages to unravel, and the choices he makes as he does are surprising. We know that ultimately, Layton is committed to the cause of his fellow Tailers – a revolution against those who rule the train. But he’s also an ex-cop and a moral man. Confronted with an exclusive choice between these two instincts, Layton doesn’t necessarily make the choice you’d expect, maybe even not the ‘right’ choice, depending on your point of view.

What’s further interesting as all this unfolds is the revelations which come about Melanie Cavill. Turns out, she didn’t come from a high social station at all – she, much like many at the backward ends of the train, is from humble beginnings. This perhaps explains the disconnect between her station on the train and her apparent sympathy for all of its passengers, regardless of class. Clearly, she’s a complex individual, although Layton may live to regret getting any closer to the secrets she keeps.

Meanwhile at the back end of the train, the Tailers consider Layton’s gift to Josie – a chip that will allow them to pass through to the higher sections of the train. Formulating a plan to make contact with another former Tailer and establish a chain of communication, Josie volunteers herself to be the one to undertake the task. But can she make it past the guards and achieve the mission in time? It’s definitely tense watching it play out.

There’s plenty here that’s great – Melanie’s playing of events so that Layton can ruffle First Class feathers while she appears to be appalled is a great little bit of theatre at the centre of it all, and the reveal of Erik’s motive is a little obvious but no less well-played out. The question is, with the murder solved and the investigation over, four episodes in, what comes next for the inhabitants of Snowpiercer?

Verdict: Does a lot of interesting things with its material, and suggests a whole bunch more twists to come before the series ends. 8/10

Greg D. Smith