Snowpiercer Season 4 Episode 2 Review: The Sting of Survival

Admiral Milius’ plans are revealed after an unfortunate set of interactions on Snowpiercer Season 4 Episode 2, “The Sting of Survival.”

Stepping back from jumping between time frames so exponentially, we spend most of the episode nine months in the past.

Through these flashbacks, we’re given inside knowledge of how Audrey comes to be at New Eden, the struggles people aboard snowpiercer face, and what the world’s fate could look like by the end of the season.

Putting Those in Need First

One of the best aspects of “The Sting of Survival” is Bess’s inhibition to save those around her no matter the cost.

Despite suffering a gunshot wound in the beginning, she’s more focused on getting word to Melanie and the engine over potentially saving her own life.

Then, after she’s been patched up and sent along to rest, we see her again risk it all to put the safety of those aboard the train first after being locked in a train car to freeze to death. Instead of exhausting all of their options to repair the hole, Bess’ quick thinking leads her to rip her alcohol-soaked bandage off, using it to plug the hole and consequently saving everyone’s lives.

We were only briefly exposed to Audrey and Bess’ relationship towards the end of Season 3, so it’s exciting to think about seeing the two grow as a couple, fighting alongside Melanie on snowpiercer. It’ll almost be like the old days when Bess secretly worked with Layton to help fight Wilford.

Big Plans Revealed

At the end of the track, waiting for Melanie is Dr. Nima, who reveals that he and 80 other scientists have been studying the same numbers Melanie has, but only because they’re the reason parts of the climate have begun returning.

Aside from the new revelation that the world could soon regain its ability to sustain life again, everything has changed for those aboard the snowpiercer. Until now, the train had a set course to follow, meaning they knew almost all the variables.

Now, with a brand-new track built by the International Peace Force and Dr. Nima’s hypothesis about being able to bring back warmth to the world, everything from here on out will be a brand-new adventure.

Admiral Milius’s actions towards Melanie and the passengers amongst the snowpiercer don’t necessarily paint him as a hero, but with the revelation that he’s working with someone who can help save the earth, there’s a possibility for a dynamic switch to come. However, I need more convincing after his measures throughout the episode.

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As this season’s narrative structure changes course from previous seasons, it begs the question of just how much time we’ll spend in the present. With nine months of snowpiercer’s storyline to be uncovered as we move between past and present, I only hope we’re given adequate time in each timeline.

As much as I am dying to see Bess, Audrey, and Melanie’s character progression, there needs to be sufficient exponential growth for Layton and everyone in New Eden before they face Milinus’ group again.

Stray Thoughts:

• The fact that these masked men are running around wearing masks that produce a black gas is concerning. Could these people still be fully human, or some sort of mixture due to the unknown chemical they inhale while aboard the snowpiercer?
• With Miles on the outside and Milinus unaware of his knowledge about the snowpiercer, I want to see him become a crucial part of Melanie and the crew taking the train back.

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

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Snowpiercer airs Sundays at 10/9c on AMC.

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