I didn't have particularly high hopes for this episode to begin with; Fintan Ryan was one of the writers of the previous episode and the whole episode was a complete mess. However, my expectations for this episode, which were low, were not only met but also greatly exceeded. Maybe Fjntan writes best when he isn't co-writing? Maybe, but the main point is, this was an unexpected burst of brilliance and for once, the series has finally matched the brilliance of the first series. Although it's also simultaneously troubling to know that it's far better than any episodes penned by Dom himself
For once, we get a direct continuation of the previous episode. Fintan Ryan actually understands what the show likes. Philip is also finally given some proper character development; the subplot involving a tape of him visiting a PDS brothel is suitably tense and he, for once, becomes a likable character. Furthermore we get some proper development of his relationship with Amy. Of course, we already knew that Amy and he got on well. But it's taken a step further here and the show is better for it
More development is given to Simon and Kieren. They love each other but Kieren is troubled by the group that Simon is in. Things aren't made better when two members of Simon's group free rabids from the lab they were helping at. The scene is well executed suspense thanks to both tight as air pacing from Dom and some great acting. But we also get more on their new relationship. Of course, Poor Amy sees them betray her, in a touching scene where she sees them kissing and starts to cry. She is adorable and endearing largrely in part thanks to Bevans' performance
Ultimately the best scene is when Kieren and Simon come to dinner at Kier's family's house, and as expected with Jem's slimy boyfriend, it's an unpleasant experience. Not only can the PDS not eat, but they have to listen to all the stories about zombie killing. Which leads to an excellent and powerfully performed scene where Kieren gives an impassioned and stunning monologue about what it's like to be a rotter. Alright, it's got the subtlety of a clown with his dong hanging out, but that hardly matters when Luke recites such a memorable speech. It's one of the best scenes I've seen in TV and stuck with me long after the episode ended
Save for a rather unnecessary fan service moment near the end where Kier and Simon wipe each other's makeup off, which felt thrown in there just to give fangirls another scene to fawn over, this is 56 of the most stunning minutes of television ever. It's just a shame that it's in a season that is mostly unsatisfying
For once, we get a direct continuation of the previous episode. Fintan Ryan actually understands what the show likes. Philip is also finally given some proper character development; the subplot involving a tape of him visiting a PDS brothel is suitably tense and he, for once, becomes a likable character. Furthermore we get some proper development of his relationship with Amy. Of course, we already knew that Amy and he got on well. But it's taken a step further here and the show is better for it
More development is given to Simon and Kieren. They love each other but Kieren is troubled by the group that Simon is in. Things aren't made better when two members of Simon's group free rabids from the lab they were helping at. The scene is well executed suspense thanks to both tight as air pacing from Dom and some great acting. But we also get more on their new relationship. Of course, Poor Amy sees them betray her, in a touching scene where she sees them kissing and starts to cry. She is adorable and endearing largrely in part thanks to Bevans' performance
Ultimately the best scene is when Kieren and Simon come to dinner at Kier's family's house, and as expected with Jem's slimy boyfriend, it's an unpleasant experience. Not only can the PDS not eat, but they have to listen to all the stories about zombie killing. Which leads to an excellent and powerfully performed scene where Kieren gives an impassioned and stunning monologue about what it's like to be a rotter. Alright, it's got the subtlety of a clown with his dong hanging out, but that hardly matters when Luke recites such a memorable speech. It's one of the best scenes I've seen in TV and stuck with me long after the episode ended
Save for a rather unnecessary fan service moment near the end where Kier and Simon wipe each other's makeup off, which felt thrown in there just to give fangirls another scene to fawn over, this is 56 of the most stunning minutes of television ever. It's just a shame that it's in a season that is mostly unsatisfying