4400 Review: The Way We Were (Season 1 Episode 5)

The government is ready to release the returnees on 4400 Season 1 Episode 5, “The Way We Were,” but reintegration may not be as easy as it seems.

First, let’s talk about that revelation at the end where the returnees are all being tracked with the help of their new phones. Fans of the original know that the government keeps its eye on the returnees well beyond their release from quarantine, and true to form the reboot has updated the method.

It’s a modern fear and concern placed upon a vulnerable population that has no idea what they are getting into.

There is no question that this application of mobile technology is predatory. Remember, most of these returnees have never seen a cellphone before, and don’t have the background of years of intelligence state whistleblowing to inform how they should interact with these new devices.

Claudette’s mistrust of it is particularly interesting and it may have something to do with the fact that she’s an activist.

We haven’t gotten a Claudette-centric episode yet, but when Jharrell suggests she uses her phone to get directions her comments about preferring a paper map sound old-fashioned, but maybe she’s right. Maybe there’s something there regarding her personal safety.

Whatever it is, it makes me very excited to see how Claudette may factor into the resistance as they reintegrate into their lives.
“The Way We Were” shines a light on exactly what has changed in the time since the returnees disappeared. Soraya’s return and valid mistrust of a job she once loved highlights this perfectly when she talks to LaDonna.

It matters that we see these two characters who know versions of the world that are separated by only six years to give the audience a picture of just how much things have changed in the time they’ve been gone.

Some changes have been dramatic, like Andre’s perspective on medicine. However, there are more subtle changes that don’t become relevant until put up against the background of some of the returnees.

Coming back to Claudette’s storyline, the scene between her and Shanice at the bar is one such moment. When a fight breaks out over the discord over the 4400, it starts to feel a little bit like the time period Claudette may be familiar with.

As they start to see more and more of the progress that America has made, it may prove that human nature hasn’t changed all that much.
In a change from previous weeks, we get a little backstory about Keisha and her relationship with her sister Kenya. Keisha mentioned Kenya’s murder on the first episode, but this highlights how she’s changed since.

Keisha and Jharrell’s storyline to eventually get from an assignment to having an allegiance to the 4400, and “The Way We Were” helps paint the picture. Particularly where Keisha is concerned.

Keisha’s still mourning her sister, but she’s starting to realize that maybe she can do something about it. When she finds out that Claudette can heal herself she tells Jharrell in confidence. It’s a small step but as they start to see more abilities emerge, this allegiance will be important.

We need their moral compass to point towards the 4400 for this season to be successful, and it’s starting to get there.

Given everything that’s transpired on this episode, it’s clear that this series is just getting started and as the returnees start to venture out in 2021 it can only go up from here. 

Stray Thoughts:

• Can’t let this episode slip without talking about Andre’s first pride parade. I love how Andre’s genuinely curious about new things and how the people he encounters tend to play them off as a joke. Seeing him reflect his full self feels perfect.
• Hayden’s anger towards Mildred being taken away is another moving storyline. This is a boy who doesn’t have anywhere to go and who is having one of the only sentimental things he has in this world taken away. His anger is understandable and I am glad her got out of there.
• It’s probably a good idea that Shanice doesn’t move in with Logan and Mariah. It’s a nice thought, but there’s more work to be done there and it would just be awkward.
• LaDonna and Soraya would be great friends, but I think they need to repair what LaDonna broke first.
• The thing that I really love about this reboot is how each character is intersectional. Soraya’s moment where she identified as a Muslim, queer woman who works for the government is the perfect example of how we aren’t just one thing. Yes, Soraya has a job that she can change, but her other identities come with who she is. No one can change that.

What did you think of this episode of 4400? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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4400 airs Mondays at 9/8c on The CW.

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