Containment Review: A Kingdom Against Itself (Season 1 Episode 9)

The timelines are caught up.

We can finally see why there is so much chaos on Day 13. We can see what led up to it, how it could have been prevented, and we find out some very crazy facts about who may be involved in creating, or helping to distribute, the virus.

This week’s episode of Containment, entitled “A Kingdom Divided Against Itself” gives us all of this, and so much more.

While I am absolutely heartbroken about the fact that Containment did not get renewed for a second season, I am ecstatic that the story-line is progresses.

There are no filler episodes, because they have a solid deadline, and suddenly, with the end near, the stakes are so much higher.

I think “A Kingdom Divided Against Itself” is my favourite episode so far.

To start, it humanizes Sabine.

Since the beginning of the season, I have not liked her – has anyone? I couldn’t tell if she was just mean, or if she was just a woman in a difficult world trying to prove herself.

This week, we find out that she’s just experienced.

Caring gets you killed. This is what Sabine has learned, which is why she has learned to just not care.

The virus doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t care that Lex really loves Jana, or that Katie has helped Jake become a decent guy. So if the virus is ruthless, than so is Sabine.

I get that now. I understand where she’s coming from. It’s taken me 9 episodes, and Sabine being stuck in a box with Lex, to like her. But I do now. I like her.

It is the way that she is relaxed, and speaks about “beautiful” and “dumb” viruses that makes me believe she has no idea that her husband is the one who created the virus with Dr. Canters. It will be heartbreaking to see her find out, but Sabine is strong. She can handle herself, and her husband.

Speaking of caring too much, I really hope that isn’t foreshadowing Katie’s fate. Because essentially, that’s what she does. She runs out with Jake, looking for her students, and of course, runs into a car full of blood — without her mask on.

Meese: “You know what happens to heroes? They die, Jake.”

And sure, he was talking about Jake as he yells it, but let’s not forget that Katie has become a hero too. She’s looked after so many kids during the outbreak, and she’s also been Jake’s safe place when he thought it was all getting too much.

She is a hero.

I am terrified that all of the subtle hints this episode spell out that she will die. Add in Jake literally sobbing outside the washroom as Katie takes a shower, and I’m not very optimistic.

It is a nice parallel. The two shower scenes show us two very important things that this virus has the ability to do.

Bring people together, and tear them apart.

It can all happen so fast, and it’s scary. By the end of the episode, we’re still not sure if Katie is infected, and I’m sure it will drive me insane for a week. But I will deal with it.

I will write fanfiction to deal with it. What are you going to do?

Random Thoughts:

• Honestly, what is the point of Bert?
• Teresa’s going to give birth next week. With the amount of bodily fluids that usually involve a delivery, I feel like this will be a worrisome episode
• A quick round of applause to Katie, who is teaching her son that woman are not just pretty. They are kind, humble, and smart. Good job, The CW. Good job.

What did you think of this week’s episode? Tell us in the comments below!

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Containment airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on The CW.