The Last Ship Review: Allegiance (Season 4 Episode 5)

A sailor belongs at sea.

Tom Chandler is back on The Nathan James on The Last Ship Season 4 Episode 5, “Allegiance,” and after some soul-searching, he’s back in uniform and ready to lead his ship once again.

Thank goodness. The decision even comes with a ceremonial shaving of the beard, which if I’m being honest, I’m going to miss.

The crew has mixed emotions about the return of their captain, and rightfully so. As Miller points out, it’s not as though he came looking for them. Chandler’s return to the ship was a coincidence — or destiny.

Still, for Chandler, it’s not an easy decision to return to the helm, and the crew has a right to feel that he could leave them again at any minute.

It’s also not just that he left, but for how long he was gone, and for how long he stayed completely off their radar. Slattery says he wondered sometimes if Tom were dead, and Master Chief admits Tom needed to take that time away, but that no one thought it would be that long.

The real apology from Chandler goes to Kathleen, Tex’s daughter.

Chandler: Tex saved my life. I owed you more.

Kathleen isn’t afraid to express her feelings. Tex’s death is still a hard one to get over, but seeing this version of Kathleen is such a nice tribute to that character. I think she’ll warm up to Chandler eventually.

Speaking of daughters — Chandler finally talks to his. I have a hard time accepting that he left his kids in Greece, but it sounds like Ashley is handling things just fine, and just like the last time, understands that her father needs to be on that ship.

Not everyone on the ship is working together, though, it turns out. I never trust new characters who appear so suddenly, but you know, this one is a bit of surprise. That distress call? It’s not a trap — not exactly. But it certainly is planned.

We meet Harry, who knows Fletcher, and the two of them begin making their own plans. Chandler’s idea that they work with Velleck, no matter how horrible he may be? It’s a good idea, but the British have already beaten them to the punch.

The crew boarding that boat to begin rescue of the passengers during the distress call turns out to be one of the most tense moments of the episode, particularly with Burke exhibiting some erratic behavior.

He remembers seeing the young boy from The Last Ship Season 4 Episode 1, and how such an innocent boy quickly became dangerous and caused his brother to be severely injured. Now, he trusts no one, and he takes thing a bit too far.

It actually looks as if he’s going to just start shooting, and even once they’re back on the James, he’s still not trustworthy. I’m interested to see what else they’ll do with his character moving forward.

Other thoughts:

• Slattery listening to the recording from his son is so heartbreaking. He’s really struggling after having had those visions of his family.
• Vellek really is a mad scientist. His thoughts on controlling evolution? Terrifying.
• Could anyone hold back tears watching Tom Chandler take his oath? I’m guessing not.

What did you think of this episode of The Last Ship? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Reviewer Rating:

User Rating:

 

The Last Ship airs Sundays at 9/8c on TNT.

Follow us on Twitter @telltaleTV_

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!

24 New Fall TV Shows You Won’t Want to Miss