Andy tries to break free as Marcus and Tomas start to understand the nature of the evil on the island…

One of the best episodes of The Exorcist yet, this successfully juggles all the different plotlines, with character growth not just for Marcus and Tomas, but also for Bennett, and the inhabitants of the island. The episode picks straight up from the end of the previous one, with Verity forcing Andy to engage with what’s going on, which upsets the delicate equilibrium of the house and its residents. There’s a really chilling performance from young Amélie Eve as Grace, refusing to let Andy go, while John Cho ensures that his performance never becomes melodramatic. And the others in the house are also given plenty of good material which they run with – watch Hunter Dillon’s Caleb and Cyrus Arnold’s Truck as they realise what the consequences of events will be.

Marcus and Tomas similarly have plenty to be dealing with. Inevitably there’s been some internet fuss over Marcus’ kiss on the boat which seems to have overshadowed the absolutely stunning performance from Ben Daniels in the monologue that precedes it – I’m getting chills up my spine just from thinking about it again to write this review. We knew bits and pieces of Marcus’ background from the first series, but this raw emotion helps us to understand who the man is – and why, when he finds someone who understands that, there is a connection that expresses itself in physical contact.

And as for Tomas, you have to suspect that Alfonso Herrera is starting to pick the scripts up with some degree of trepidation to find out just what Jeremy Slater and the team have in store for him this week. His visions are a very useful way of connecting past and present, even if it means Herrera is put through the wringer physically as Tomas is linked to what’s happening.

We’re only halfway through this second year, but the show has continued to throw curveballs that keep the audience engaged. With the larger plotline continuing via short scenes with Bennett and Mouse, it’s a fascinating dissection of the seductive power of evil.

Verdict: An excellent episode. 9/10

Paul Simpson