Episode 4 builds on the foundation of the 3 previous episodes, with twists, turns, double cross and a subtle reality check for those expecting just another Buffy clone. The acting was at times just breathtaking. If you want to see British TV at its very best. Fades is quickly becoming a UK TV classic before your very eyes. I just hope they don't stuff it up at the end. The plot moves forward at a pace in this episode, with sides being drawn and the sign of the battle to come, but equally showing the humanist side with the horror of war, through the medium of good verse evil but without the usual moralistic patter. No side. can take the moral high ground here. Who's to say the future is not the fades, as humanity dwindles. Who's to say that the rebirths are not the next step in the search for what we are. The religious overtones can be seen but also adapted to attempt to quantify what reality is itself, flesh ,spirit or just a re-jig of energy, here once before and here once again. In some ways it re- enforces all views with equal measure.
2 Reviews
Episode 4
Prismark1027 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
After being knocked down on the road. Paul is on life support but really he is dead. Neil can see him as a fade.
Meanwhile the fades that has been reborn in a human body is John. He seeks out Paul but realises that he cannot harm Paul now that he is dead.
John wants to save Natalie who is being tortured by Neil and the other Angelics. Instead John has to now manipulate Paul.
It is a distraught Mac who somehow has to find a way to bring Paul to life.
There was an insight as to how some fades ceased to ascend during the second world war. The ladder was broken because their were so many deaths.
John's tragic backstory gives a lot of grey as to the afterlife of the fades. Especially as the Angelics refused to aid them.
It blends in well with a teenage Paul not having enough life experiences to realise that he might be played by John as well.
For the first time, Paul's twin sister comes into some use.
Meanwhile the fades that has been reborn in a human body is John. He seeks out Paul but realises that he cannot harm Paul now that he is dead.
John wants to save Natalie who is being tortured by Neil and the other Angelics. Instead John has to now manipulate Paul.
It is a distraught Mac who somehow has to find a way to bring Paul to life.
There was an insight as to how some fades ceased to ascend during the second world war. The ladder was broken because their were so many deaths.
John's tragic backstory gives a lot of grey as to the afterlife of the fades. Especially as the Angelics refused to aid them.
It blends in well with a teenage Paul not having enough life experiences to realise that he might be played by John as well.
For the first time, Paul's twin sister comes into some use.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
