Snowpiercer Season 4 Episode 4 Review: North Star

Big Alice faces new dilemmas as Layton and Josie confront Admiral Milius on Snowpiercer Season 4 Episode 4, “North Star.”

After finally catching up with the snowpiercer, Layton and Josie are tasked with sneaking aboard to find Liana while Alex and Ruth keep command of Big Alice.

Meanwhile, New Eden is facing rolling storms and the possibility of losing power before the return of Big Alice if they can’t find a solution fast.

One for All or All for One

Layton’s ability to consider the bigger picture before making high-stakes decisions is no greater in this episode than on “Life Source.” When prompted by Josie to think about rallying help from those aboard the snowpiercer, Layton shuts it down quickly, exclaiming that they need an extraction, not a revolution.

It’s a stance that we’ve yet to see from Layton, who is known for looking out for the little guys and fighting against the hierarchy. That’s why his actions are becoming so jarring to those around him and why leaving faith in him to seek the best outcome for everyone may not be the smartest choice anymore.

Through his interactions with Josie, it’s clear that she’s having difficulty coming to terms with being so close to Miles and unable to focus on a rescue mission for him as well, but Layton can’t see it. The thought of Liana in harm’s way is shrouding his perspective, and it’s seemingly beginning to drive a wedge between him and Josie.

This dynamic between the two is dangerous to New Eden’s chances of survival. Neither wants to depart the train without Liana or Miles, and the situation is direr than ever, with Milius divulging Liana’s actual location as being off the train.

Deciding to follow the snowpiercer on new tracks into uncharted territory leads to many potential outcomes, and none looks suitable for anyone not in the International Peace Keeping Forces.

Time to Pick a Side

Nima’s apprehension about Milius’ actions has been admirable, and it has cemented his position that he does not want to inflict harm to achieve their desired outcome.

Nonetheless, his actions become quite questionable toward the end of the episode when he lures Layton into a trap for Milius. This comes directly after poisoning one of Milius’ guards and attempting to disarm the trap set for Layton and Josie, only leading to further confusion about his intentions.

Nima’s loyalties and where they lie are crucial determining factors directly influencing the world’s fate, so the ability to trust him is one of great concern.

Right now, it’s as if his only allegiance is to Melanie and restoring the earth to its normal state, but with Melanie currently out of the picture, he’ll need to learn to trust Layton if he wants to take Milius down.

Another Leader Gone?

As I’ve emphasized in previous articles, Roche’s leadership in New Eden is an intelligent decision, and “North Star” only reinforces that belief.

In the wake of people losing their faith in surviving without Big Alice, Roche is the one with the voice that calms everyone’s nervousness, even if he isn’t the most truthful in his attempt at peace. His kindness is a most admirable trait, but it could be one that leads to his demise.

After warning those at New Eden to be vigilant while in the hills, Oz reveals a shocking discovery – a severed hand in the mountains. After further examination by Javi and Sykes, they find something planted within the hand, leading them to the realization that the hand belongs to one of them.

Meanwhile, while Oz and Roche explore where the hand was found, Oz begins to derive back to hallucinogenic ways. As he imagines a woman’s voice in the hills, Roche notices something in the distance and makes his way toward it.

However, with the snowstorm so thick, the two are eventually separated. Roche’s departure on his own leads me to believe that he could potentially be the next one we see die in this final season where everything is open game.

Stray Thoughts:

• It’s pretty ridiculous that next week marks the season’s halfway point, and we’ve seen Melanie in only one episode so far. My hopes of having her more intermixed and time devoted to her character for the final season are quickly being thrown out the window.
• Of everyone’s storylines this season, Oz’s is the only one that perplexes me. Besides the growing indications that he’s losing his mind, there’s been nothing of substance from his interactions besides the hand. With as much time the series is taking to highlight this mental change, it better be worth it in the end.

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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