Let the Right One In Season 1 Episode 5 Review: Quoquo Modo Necessarium
Despite Mark’s initial objections, Eleanor joins his search for a cure on Let the Right One In Season 1 Episode 5, “Quoquo Modo Necessarium.”
What makes Let the Right One In so enjoyable is that it knows what it’s trying to be. It isn’t taking daring risks to entice the audience into believing it’s something else. The supernatural aspect and direct knowledge people have of vampires aren’t coming into play. Instead, there’s a human element at play that we rarely see within the genre.
“Quoquo Modo Necessarium” focuses heavily on elevating the story and pushing it forward in preparation for the second half of the season. Which, in turn, helps provide quality television.
Isaiah struggles to deal with Eleanor’s reveal, Zeke is roped into the overall situation, Naomi figures out the truth about Frank, Claire follows in her father’s footsteps, and Eleanor has a heart-to-heart with Mark. There’s a lot at play with this episode.
Friendship Troubles
Much of the episode consists of Isaiah’s inner turmoil and indecisiveness on how to respond to Eleanor. We’re left on the edge of our seats throughout the hour as he continues to delve on the information. He knows what his mom does for a living, making an active choice to keep quiet until speaking with his father, Frank. It’s a noble decision, especially for a 12-year-old.
The sequence of events for Isaiah on “Quoquo Modo Necessarium” are both endearing and saddening all at the same time.
While Isaiah actively works to keep Eleanor’s secret hidden, he’s unaware of his father’s status at the same time, blowing his phone up and attempting to make contact. He spends most of the episode evading Eleanor, hoping to chat with Frank about being friends with a vampire.
However, by the end of the episode, Naomi is forced to come clean about Frank. It’s a heart-tugging, emotional scene that’s only further improved upon by Eleanor’s presence in the end. I love how even though he’s torn on his feelings, he still confides in her about Frank’s passing and allows her to comfort him.
The dynamic chemistry between Ian Foreman and Madison Taylor Baez makes their interactions the most enjoyable of the series.
Now, though, it’ll be curious to see the trajectory of their friendship once the whole truth about Frank is revealed. Being friends with a vampire is one thing. Being friends with a vampire who essentially helped kill your father is a whole other ballgame.
Brothers for Life
Zeke and Mark’s bond might be severely strained, but it’s going to take a lot to sever the cord for good. We see that heavily demonstrated on “Quoquo Modo Necessarium” with Zeke killing Roland and delivering his blood to Eleanor.
It’s evident that Zeke’s feelings for Elizabeth come rushing back after being reintroduced to Eleanor, and so does the innate responsibility to help protect Eleanor because of them.
Zeke is the type of ride-or-die friend that one can only wish to have in their life. It might’ve taken a moment for him to see Mark’s perspective, but once he does, he can sympathize. And honestly, having someone who can sympathize with your hardships is one of the most comforting things.
It pleases me immensely that Zeke acknowledges Mark hasn’t had it easy. Mark has been met with some form of sparing off-and-on hostility since re-entering town, and hopefully, moving forward, it won’t be a recurring issue.
Idle Child No More
This is a moment that I’ve been waiting to transpire since episode one. Eleanor is no longer a young, helpless child, even though she’s trapped in the same body as a 12-year-old. She is a grown woman who has had to live on the run with microscopic supervision and no intel. It’s about damn time she put her foot down and demanded to be part of the action and planning.
Regarding stalking and being stealthy, Eleanor is the perfect person to turn to due to her abilities. I understand wanting to provide for and keep your family safe, but she and Mark might’ve made further progress had she been appropriately utilized before now.
With the drug compound Mark, Zeke, and Eleanor were scoping out being moved overnight, it’s perplexing where the story could go from here. With the new drug on the streets, there’s bound to be an increased rate of crime, murders, and vampires.
Stray Thoughts:
- Claire and Matthew’s storyline is a bit confusing. With the revelation on “Quoquo Modo Necessarium,” it’s hard to pinpoint where they fit on the timeline, and it’s a tad upsetting. Claire and Matthew play a significant factor in the bigger picture, but they’re the most confusing aspect to try and figure out.
- I am not mentally prepared for Naomi to discover Mark’s truth.
- It’s a shame that we’ve yet to see some backstory to showcase Zeke’s relationship with Elizabeth. I hope we get that soon rather than at the end of the season.
What did you think of this episode of Let the Right One In? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Let the Right One In airs Sundays at 10/9c on Showtime.
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Cade Taylor
Cade Taylor is a television and film critic living in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV. His love for television developed at a young age, with a concentration on queer stories, sitcoms, teen dramas, and science fiction thrillers. In addition, he works full-time as a news producer, telling the stories of Missourians and helming "Produced in the Bi-State," a segment spotlighting actors, musicians, and entertainers from the St. Louis area. He can be reached by email at cade@telltaletv.com.