Into the Badlands Review: Black Lotus, White Rose (Season 3 Episode 13)
Going back is the only way forward on Into the Badlands Season 3 Episode 13, “Black Lotus, White Rose.”
For a bombastic episode, there are moments of quiet clarity that leave a lasting impact, like that of Minerva and The Master or Sunny’s flashback to his first request of taking a life. It’s scenes like these, on a show whose fame comes from fantastical action, where it leaves a unique impact.
The Bajie death fake-out from Into the Badlands Season 3 Episode 12, “Cobra Fang, Panther Claw,” comes off a little cheap, since Ankara simply comes back long enough to take away the shock. But at the same time, the show wouldn’t be the same with Bajie gone, so it’s forgivable, even if disappointing.
The introduction of Sunny’s sister is rather speedily handled. There’s no filler when it comes to gaining back their emotional bond, and while jarring at first, it’s actually a smart choice. The episode spends its time showing and telling, revealing the story that’s been locked away this whole time.
Seeing Azra at its prime, and how it falls, is a significant step in showing Sunny’s origins. The cards are finally being put on the table, and while brief and narrow in its scope, this narrowness allows for Sunny’s path in the past to be much clearer, and the burden on his shoulders becomes that much larger.
Sunny’s realization that he is always meant to be a killer is a profound moment for the series, as destiny looks to keep characters on a path, regardless of their protest: some fates are impossible to avoid.
The Master moving on, and passing on, is a quiet moment that the episode manages to pull off very well. It’s quiet moments like this where Into the Badlands finds some extra power. Masters keep their people in check constantly on the series, but The Master has been a unique character, and one where there’s mutual respect with those like Bajie and Minerva.
The production continues to use unique and interesting sets for the characters to visit. The retrofitted prison is an exciting setting, and the action sequence makes use of chains in incredibly clever ways. Daniel Wu has only a couple key action scenes this season, but this one is a lot of fun.
But with all of this comes some fatigue, as the relentless pace brushes aside a lot of emotion for the sake of plot. It’s non-stop exposition and action, to the point where there’s not much beyond them. It’s been an issue on the show for a while, and it’s a moot point for an action series anyway, but heading toward the end, a lot of character beats are pushed to the wayside.
The main takeaway of Into the Badlands Season 3 Episode 13, “Black Lotus, White Rose,” is the way the past is juxtaposed as both a beginning and an end. The ways of the past are gone now, with The Master gone and Kannin, Sunny’s sister, breaking free of the Black Lotus.
Minerva burning down the monastery is a symbolic letting go of that past, as the focus becomes on ridding the remnants of past mistakes. There’s a singular focus on Pilgrim and his army now, and this episode looks to the catalyst to the major team-up we’ve been waiting for.
What did you think of this episode of Into the Badlands? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Into the Badlands airs Mondays at 10/9c on AMC.
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Kevin Lever
Kevin Lever has been following television closely for most of his life, but in starting to cover it, he has grown a further appreciation. He strives to give the blockbusters their due, and give the lesser known shows a spotlight to find more fans.