Snowpiercer Season Finale Review: The Show Must Go On / Into the White (Season 2 Episodes 9 & 10)
Snowpiercer finally rounds the bend and turns down the tracks in their Season 2 finale. The ride has been a little clunky, but the finale is smooth sailing, with plenty of track ahead of it
On Snowpiercer Season 2 Episode 9, “The Show Must Go On,” Wilford solidifies his leadership of Snowpiercer by testing the loyalties of Layton’s confidantes.
Then, on Snowpiercer Season 2 Episode 10, “Into the White,” Layton and company make their last stand in an effort to take the train back from Wilford.
It seems to be a trend for Snowpiercer to get a little bogged down in the middle of a season setting up all of its dominoes, and then knocking them down at the end of the season in a fast-paced episode or two. This is certainly the case here — the middle part of the season could be frustrating at times, but “The Show Must Go On” and “Into the White” mostly pay that off.
One of the biggest factors on the finale episodes is seeing Mr. Wilford in his full true colors. Wilford’s portrayal has always had “Trumpian” undertones, suggesting he values loyalty and control above all else. These characteristics come out in full force during the finale, as Wilford punishes those who choose not to align with him and focuses on nothing but power and image.
Really, it’s almost scarily representative of the previous presidential regime.
Sean Bean is brilliant as Wilford, and every actor on the show matches his intensity. Mickey Sumner, Alison Wright, Daveed Diggs, and Rowan Blanchard specifically come to mind, but nobody feels like they don’t belong. Each actor’s ability to handle the intensity contributes to the excitement of the final two installments.
Particularly, Blanchard and Wright deserve tons of credit for their season-long arcs. Alex and Ruth both come out from under Wilford’s spell in powerful ways, and both actors deserve all the kudos you can muster.
One of the big questions that often comes halfway through a season is “how does this show continue beyond the current season?” Snowpiercer finally gives an answer to this question (it was already renewed for a third season), and that answer is honestly pretty epic.
Snowpiercer Season 1 ends with Big Alice attaching to Snowpiercer. Season 2 ends with Layton and a ragtag crew breaking off 10 cars and forming a pirate train. Honestly — that’s awesome.
Just like that, Season 3 is a clearer picture.
The separate trains will battle for the soul of the remaining humans, as well as control of the big train. Also — I’m guessing no one will eat fish anymore.
After the Season 2 finale, my excitement for Season 3 is through the roof. This finale is intense, exciting, and brings character arcs full circle. Snowpiercer really sticks the landing here, and creates a ton of excitement for the future.
A few stray thoughts:
- Having Melanie miss the train four episodes ago and then going back to show what happened leading up to that is interesting, but would’ve worked better if they communicated that better. It wasn’t clear until the finale.
- Showrunners may be coy about Melanie’s demise, but it’s so obvious that she survives. Literally no one dies on this show.
- I would watch a show that ditches the big train and is just about Layton, Alex, Ben, Till, Josie, and Audrey on the pirate train. Sounds awesome.
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.