Snowpiercer Review: Smolder to Life (Season 2 Episode 2)
Snowpiercer is sometimes in the habit of getting wrapped up in exposition and table setting. Sometimes it works well, building anticipation in an interesting and exciting way. Other times, it falls a bit flat.
Snowpiercer Season 2 Episode 2, “Smolder to Life,” has an exciting twist or two, but is mostly dry as it tries to build off the anticipation in the first episode. It does succeed, however, in creating morally complex characters and situations that are pretty interesting to watch.
A few elements of “Smolder to Life” are truly interesting. The character of Mr. Wilford, for one, is fascinating as he navigates the unexpected politicking against Layton and company instead of Melanie.
On “Smolder to Life,” Wilford is a bit of an archetype. He flashes back and forth between charismatic leader and psychopath. He navigates the political waters well, but also kills Kevin for speaking to team Snowpiercer about how many crew they have. Snowpiercer isn’t exactly charting new territory here, but it’s still compelling, and Sean Bean does a masterful job.
More compelling than Mr. Wilford is watching the relationship develop between Melanie and her daughter, Alex. Alex is clearly wrestling with the mother she knows and sees, versus the narrative about her mother that Wilford has crafted.
Rowan Blanchard is a second strong addition to the cast, and her scenes with Jennifer Connelly are among the best of Season 2. Alex’s scene at the summit is incredible, too.
At times, though, it seems like Snowpiercer shies away from these compelling character dynamics and instead emphasizes the plot twists, when the show’s real strength is in the complex moral choices that the characters have to make.
That said, the most compelling thing about “Smolder to Life” is Zarah’s arc (that just happens to intertwine with one of the aforementioned plot twists) when she discovers Josie is alive and has to decide whether or not to tell Layton or kill Josie to protect her budding family. Zarah has the most compelling arc on this episode, but the show doesn’t emphasize it like it should. The effects of this arc will reverberate through the entire season.
So while still compelling, “Smolder to Life” prioritizes the slow build of the plot instead of capitalizing on the dramatic arcs, which takes away some of the effectiveness.
A few stray thoughts:
- I was interested to see some more of Kevin, so I’m sorry to see him go so early. Rest easy, Kev.
- Speaking of Kevin, I would respond to interrogation in the exact same way. I would crack the minute someone brought me buffalo wings, and I’m not the least bit ashamed of that fact.
- Ruth doesn’t have much of a story this time out, but Alison Wright is simply incredible on this show.
- The bulk of the episode feels like a long, slow build to this train civil war, but the show would be far more compelling if they flipped that on its head.
- The Earth is coming back to life. Any chance we see a season with people living off train?
- Anyone think Josie makes a full recovery thanks to Wilford’s crew and their “goop?”
What did you think of this episode of Snowpiercer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Snowpiercer airs Mondays 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.