I predict a riot.

What will the women of the world do to move forward past this, to survive, to rebuild? Well it doesn’t start with huddling together in a sewing circle, that’s for sure. The fear and panic unleashed by such global loss and grief is no less violent and bloody than if it were the men focusing their collective anger on any likely political target.

I’m not sure why this struck me so much as we move through day 1, day 8 and over 60 days after the males were lost, but it’s a narrative that strikes true. On a global scale, you can expect to witness every possible human reaction to an event such as this, even if there is significantly less testosterone rattling around than there was before.

This episode feels like a linking one, an extension of the pilot in some ways, as we see new President Jennifer Brown struggling, understandably, to rally her troops. She seems to have her priorities in order, though, as she puts basic human needs above previously cherished buildings. Agent 355, whose name is definitely not Sarah, quickly emerges as the most interesting character. Her mission and allegiance weren’t clarified in the first episode and that was clever – they are this time but there is still something compelling about her, and it’s clear that there is someone else who sees this too.

The fortitude of humanity is also evidenced in a surprising way in a scene between two survivors. I overlooked the coincidence in their meeting and the puzzling actions of the first woman when, in less than 10 words, the second expresses such acceptance and forgiveness. An unexpected and moving note.

Pieces of the puzzle need to come together before the story can move forward too far, at least in the direction of the answer to why only males have been affected. There’s relief, after some dark scenes, on that score, yet still underlined by something sinister.

Verdict: The world takes stock and tries not to drown in its own fear. 7/10

Claire Smith