Snowpiercer Review: Justice Never Boarded (Season 1 Episode 5)
Snowpiercer may just be going around in circles. And yes, that’s a joke about the train circling the earth.
Snowpiercer Season 1 Episode 5, “Justice Never Boarded” does present a strong commentary on society’s approach to criminal justice and its relation to class. But outside of that, there’s very little substance involved.
The primary factor in this has to be the mostly missing Andre Layton from the main episode arcs, other than as the subject of a search. Daveed Diggs’ Layton is by far the most compelling character on the show, and his (not complete) absence is really felt throughout.
Besides, it doesn’t really make sense to hold a trial without the homicide detective present, does it?
Really, the main story regarding the trial are about the suppression of information and control of the people on the train. Melanie hides Layton away because he’s figured out that Mr. Wilford doesn’t exist (or at least isn’t on the train). LJ gets her sentence commuted because she knew that Sean (one of the victims) was an informant for Mr. Wilford, and may have told her things.
The trial, aside from its social and political commentary, is a bit of a drag. It isn’t compelling because viewers more or less understand where it’s going to end up — with the rich girl getting off easy.
So, “Justice Never Boarded” presents strong political commentary…but little else.
The search for Layton really doesn’t present very high stakes, as you know that the show will not be able to function long without its lead character. Josie’s search for him isn’t all that compelling, and the most interesting bit is Till helping her spring him from sleep and asking for Zarah’s help.
But it takes far too long for these little moments of two people who have come to care for Layton bonding, and the journey itself just doesn’t have much in the way of stakes. We know Layton will be back next episode, so what’s the point?
Layton isn’t completely absent, as we visit him in his dreams as he recalls tougher times living in the tail while they were deciding to stop eating people. This story is ripped from the Snowpiercer film, and is at least moderately interesting.
It also unites one small commentary thread throughout the entire story. The suggestion that governments give and take power filppantly, and merely protect their own interests.
The government of the train gives 3rd class representation on the tribunal but essentially strips them of it when commuting LJ’s sentence. When giving LJ her freedom, they protect their own interests. To protect themselves from a tail rebellion, they provide protein bars.
A few stray thoughts:
- LJ has her dad wrapped around her finger in a really creepy way. That eyeball thing? GROSS!
- Melanie still has some compelling moments, but she’s at her best opposite Layton. Jennifer Connelly is killing it, though.
- Give Alison Wright more to do! Please!
- It was nice to see Till promoted to 2nd class via her relationship with Jinju, which presents interesting commentary on the processes in which people change that sort of thing.
What did you think of this episode of Snowpiercer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Snowpiercer airs Sundays at 9/8c on TNT.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.