Manifest Review: Tail Spin (Season 3 Episode 4)
Manifest Season 3 Episode 4, “Tail Spin” is an exciting hour of television that reminds us of the conspiratorial supernatural dramas from a decade ago — think Heroes or FlashForward.
This episode proves that while maybe not every aspect of this show has been planned from the beginning, Manifest knows how to pull from past events and use them in unexpected ways. And even as this episode focuses on the lore and mythos behind the mysteries of 828, it also has plenty of time for the characters.
The reveal of Eureka was delightful, even if we were expecting a more open and expansive space. Manifest is perfect to lean into these fun destinations and developments, from scientists to passenger tracking to the bunker and more.
And after a few seasons of hints, clues, and maybes, Manifest seems to have a more certain pathology to how things work thanks to “Tail Spin.” The mysteries aren’t revealed by any means, far from it, but Manifest has also been meandering for a bit too long.
Manifest has been needing to pick up the pace, and it looks like maybe it finally will.
Eureka is just buttloads of sci-fi/supernatural fun, and it leans into all the things that make Manifest unique and stand out in the current television landscape.
Eureka isn’t the only expansion of Manifest‘s mythos that pays off, however — Zeke’s newfound powers turn out to be useful and fitting for the character as he begins to realize that he has them to begin with.
Zeke and Michaela are the ultimate team, and while Michaela still isn’t the strongest protagonist, Zeke definitely balances her out in a way that makes her much more enjoyable. Still, Zeke’s aura this season makes him one of the most enjoyable characters of the show.
If anything I’m envious of Michaela now. We all want a Zeke. Apologies to my boyfriend.
And while Manifest still tries to humanize the Meth Heads, it comes all too late. Angelina helps us connect with Pete more than the other two, but at least this storyline won’t drag on, thanks to the two-month time jump at the beginning of this episode.
This is probably one of the only times a time jump introduced in the middle of a series actually works.
This episode is a memorable one, not just because of the strides “Tail Spin” makes in the terms of its lore, but through that, it doesn’t neglect its relationships.
Angelina is a great addition to the cast, not only providing another youthful voice to the show but as someone who acts like a sister to Olive.
The two girls’ connection adds a little more fullness to the show compared to last season where it felt like everyone was against her until she connected with TJ.
I’m all for shipping, we love shipping here at Tell-Tale, but sometimes a character needs more than that, especially with Olive’s isolation.
Drea and Jared are actually a great pair (I could ship it) as well. Drea may be Michaela’s partner, but she and Jared make a great team as well. “Tail Spin” is the first time Manifest spends a chunk of time with them alone. We’re not complaining — they have great chemistry.
But when the episode ends with one of those characters in the crosshairs of a binocular, maybe they shouldn’t have spent so much time together.
What did you think of this episode of Manifest? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Manifest airs Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC.
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Amanda Reimer
In addition to working as a freelance writer, Amanda also works with animals and stage manages various live performances. She has an invested interest in the perspective and experience of fandoms as well as anything in the science-fiction genre. She also loves spoiling her cats, Drummer and Kiki.