There's more plot development in this episode, but fewer impactful moments than the premiere. The most emotional story continues to be John and Helen Smith's struggle on multiple levels. Not only is John's murder of the doctor under scrutiny again but the health of the two daughters is being questioned as well. In the most intense scene, the two daughters playing is intercut with Helen and the doctor's wife's fight. It's also fascinating to see John using the power of his new position to stop further details about his family from coming out. If he is willing to use his position for this, could there be a time in the far future when he will use it to assist Juliana and her allies? That time is a long way off, but I'm willing to bet he will gradually turn into an ally this season as he becomes more disillusioned with the regime.
Juliana and Trudy get up to a lot, being captured and then released. I'm glad this season isn't wasting any time with their story. For Juliana this episode was really about getting her where she needs to be for the alternative timelines arc to develop. It would've been pointless to make that take up half a season. She also parts ways with Trudy, although I'm sure we'll be seeing her again. Kido is also cottoning on to what is going on. It's only a matter of time before he finds out about the alternative timelines, I think.
The subplots proved less interesting. We got a check in with Ed and Childan, and while it's nice to see them again (especially as their antics provide a bit of levity) their story has yet to transform into something remarkable. Meanwhile, the visuals continue to excel, with great shots of Japanese warships. I'm looking forward to seeing how the politics in particular develops. 8.1/10
Juliana and Trudy get up to a lot, being captured and then released. I'm glad this season isn't wasting any time with their story. For Juliana this episode was really about getting her where she needs to be for the alternative timelines arc to develop. It would've been pointless to make that take up half a season. She also parts ways with Trudy, although I'm sure we'll be seeing her again. Kido is also cottoning on to what is going on. It's only a matter of time before he finds out about the alternative timelines, I think.
The subplots proved less interesting. We got a check in with Ed and Childan, and while it's nice to see them again (especially as their antics provide a bit of levity) their story has yet to transform into something remarkable. Meanwhile, the visuals continue to excel, with great shots of Japanese warships. I'm looking forward to seeing how the politics in particular develops. 8.1/10