The Nevers Review: Ignition (Season 1 Episode 3)
It’s time to regroup on The Nevers Season 1 Episode 3, “Ignition.” The pacing of “Ignition” feels slower than the previous two installments. It feels like all the camps are in a waiting game, pensive, and planning their next moves.
However, “Ignition” still has its moments. A strong opening scene between Amalia, Penance, and Bonfire Annie is a strong opening. The cart full of opium and the accidental high is one of a few lighter moments that help balance out the tone of the episode.
While it feels like everything is moving slow, it also feels like we’re making just enough progress. The episode slowly unfurls details about each of the characters we have come to know.
Some of the strongest scenes include Dr. Cousens and Maladie in the carriage. While we understand that he’s an ally of the orphanage, we find out that he may have been one of the doctors in the asylum. It’s an interesting play, but it doesn’t necessarily give us enough to sink our teeth into.
Another beautifully shot sequence is the fight between Amalia and the thug that walks on water. The underwater scenes combined with the effects used are breathtaking to watch, and the scene creates ample tension to keep us engaged.
Yet, we know that Amalia isn’t going to die. She already defied death on The Nevers Season 1 Episode 2, “Exposure” and while Cousens says that Amalia chases danger “like it’s gonna propose,” having Amalia come to the brink every week is going to start getting old.
The real clincher this week is the discovery of the posters that have been misdirecting the Touched. The heartbreaking realization that someone is praying on the Touched, when we know that Ms. Bidlow is somehow involved, is gut-punching. The confession that describes drowning a pregnant Touched woman is especially ghastly, and it seems to be the kick in the rear they need.
Yet, that’s not the pinnacle moment of the series, because while all the pieces are coming together, it all builds to a scene in the park. Penance’s idea to have Mary sing out in the open and amplify the sound is a good one, but the exposure is too great, and in retrospect feels shortsighted. Knowing people are out there looking for the Touched, you would think they would find a way to make sure that their number one asset was safe?
The following moments in the gunfire are the most devastating of the episode. We don’t even know the full story of what’s going on. All we’re given in the one Amalia and Mary scene is more tidbits of information. Yet, we know that Mary is quintessential to Amalia’s plan from last week. The pieces are all there to explain the actions, but nothing that gives us insight into where this is going, or what it’s all about.
Either way, I think justice is going to be a common theme throughout the series.
The final scene, where Bonfire Annie arrives at the orphanage with her bags and many friends, is a fitting end to the episode, but now we need more answers.
At the end of the day, all that “Ignition” has done is give us another mystery. It’s one that’s necessary to maintain the tension, but things are going to have to start coming to the surface if interest is going to be maintained in the story.
Stray Thoughts:
- The story about Lucy and her little boy is devastating to hear but adds a lot to her character. I mentioned in an early review that one for the things I always worry about with large casts is that we never get time to attach to the supporting characters enough. The Nevers hasn’t given us a lot, but it’s enough to give each of these characters dimension.
- I am loving Amalia and Penance’s banter. Dare I say I ship it?
- The club scenes are interesting and I can definitely see them being a counterpoint to the orphanage at some point, but I am not sure what Hugo’s game is.
What did you think of this episode of The Nevers? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Nevers airs Sundays at 9/8c on HBO and HBO Max.
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Lauren Busser
Lauren Busser is an Associate Editor at Tell-Tale TV. She is a writer of fiction and nonfiction whose work has appeared in Bitch Media, Popshot Quarterly, Brain Mill Press Voices, and The Hartford Courant.