The Strain: Loved Ones
September 14, 2014 8:31 PM - Season 1, Episode 10 - Subscribe
Wherein we follow F on his quest to find his ex-wife as well as Vasiliy and Bargain Basement Girl with a Dragon Tattoo on their quest to get killed.
Neither party succeeds. In 42 minutes, the only interesting thing to happen is that the Master calls Kelly to him and Palmer's servant/doctor/slave/security chief doesn't kill two idiots. Forty-two minutes. Two unexplained five minute scenes out of forty-two boring-ass minutes.
Neither party succeeds. In 42 minutes, the only interesting thing to happen is that the Master calls Kelly to him and Palmer's servant/doctor/slave/security chief doesn't kill two idiots. Forty-two minutes. Two unexplained five minute scenes out of forty-two boring-ass minutes.
She thought that she could get the phone and internet working again if she could get into the Stoneheart building. which doesn't really make sense either, I think?
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 10:00 PM on September 14, 2014
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 10:00 PM on September 14, 2014
Two unexplained five minute scenes out of forty-two boring-ass minutes.
Eh, I'm not looking for fast paced action with this show, so here's a few other things what I found interesting in this episode: the eye worm wiggle, reveal of what Palmer is really after and discovery that his closest assistant isn't totally onboard on the vampire apocalypse, watching Kelly transform and how a baby vamp sees the world.
What exactly was Bargain Basement Girl's plan for Palmer?
Communications are down, which she did. Presumably communications at the Palmer building aren't down, so if she can get inside there and get access to a computer, she could undo some of the damage she's done.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:13 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Eh, I'm not looking for fast paced action with this show, so here's a few other things what I found interesting in this episode: the eye worm wiggle, reveal of what Palmer is really after and discovery that his closest assistant isn't totally onboard on the vampire apocalypse, watching Kelly transform and how a baby vamp sees the world.
What exactly was Bargain Basement Girl's plan for Palmer?
Communications are down, which she did. Presumably communications at the Palmer building aren't down, so if she can get inside there and get access to a computer, she could undo some of the damage she's done.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:13 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Hmm, this episode was bad. Boring. I want to see more of that vampire SWAT team from episode 7.
posted by Pendragon at 5:05 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by Pendragon at 5:05 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
Brandon Blatcher, I thought the same thing as you regarding communications, but F's kid was able to get a connection! Moreover, she told Vasiliy that going there just for wifi would be wasting his time and she wouldn't do that.
As for Palmer, we've always known he wants immortality, if not exactly how. So he wants to do something with DNA, and? Where's the army of scientists working on this? It still looks like he wants to be wormed in some way instead of through some scientific process.
As for his "bodyguard," it would have been interesting to find out WHY he's still with Palmer. Without anything more this is just a McGuffin to allow those two to escape with their lives. Hell, Palmer never actually said "kill them" so for all we know this could be some strategy by Palmer.
I'm with Pendragon. Bring on the good monsters. A one episode tease, sure. But two or more when every night more people are infected? Please.
posted by Ik ben afgesneden at 5:28 AM on September 15, 2014
As for Palmer, we've always known he wants immortality, if not exactly how. So he wants to do something with DNA, and? Where's the army of scientists working on this? It still looks like he wants to be wormed in some way instead of through some scientific process.
As for his "bodyguard," it would have been interesting to find out WHY he's still with Palmer. Without anything more this is just a McGuffin to allow those two to escape with their lives. Hell, Palmer never actually said "kill them" so for all we know this could be some strategy by Palmer.
I'm with Pendragon. Bring on the good monsters. A one episode tease, sure. But two or more when every night more people are infected? Please.
posted by Ik ben afgesneden at 5:28 AM on September 15, 2014
The thing I hated the most: the writers had two opportunities to kill Diane but combined she didn't come close to experiencing the pain and suffering I'd imagined and hoped her death would bring her.
Another thing: the actress who plays Kelly must have gone to Michael Jackson's Thriller School Of Zompire Acting. That said, I'm looking forward to whatever The Master has in store for her.
Eff, before you kick her out, you realize that BBGWADT and Fet are probably each other's only hope for getting laid ever again? Jerk. That said, I really hope the show doesn't go there. (But he does have a way with receptionists, I'll give him that!)
I loved the Zompire POV. (I also love that my phone knows the word Zompire!)
I hated the lack of Eichhorst. What?! I think he's handsome shut up.
Brandon Blatcher, I genuinely love your undying defense of this show we all like but like to tease. FWIW, my computer died and wrote this all out on my phone. Twice. I lost the first version. That's how much I like the show and participating in these threads.
posted by Room 641-A at 5:49 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Another thing: the actress who plays Kelly must have gone to Michael Jackson's Thriller School Of Zompire Acting. That said, I'm looking forward to whatever The Master has in store for her.
Eff, before you kick her out, you realize that BBGWADT and Fet are probably each other's only hope for getting laid ever again? Jerk. That said, I really hope the show doesn't go there. (But he does have a way with receptionists, I'll give him that!)
I loved the Zompire POV. (I also love that my phone knows the word Zompire!)
I hated the lack of Eichhorst. What?! I think he's handsome shut up.
Brandon Blatcher, I genuinely love your undying defense of this show we all like but like to tease. FWIW, my computer died and wrote this all out on my phone. Twice. I lost the first version. That's how much I like the show and participating in these threads.
posted by Room 641-A at 5:49 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Hey, I'm not blind to the some of the sillier stuff in the show, here's a review a friend and I wrote about this episode that pokes fun at a lot of stuff.
But the a lot of people seem to nitpick and loathe the show with little critical thought and I don't get that. Surely one wants to spend their time enjoying things, right?
Generally I enjoy the slow burn of the show and feel it's still to complain a lot about it, as it's clearly what the show is trying to do. It's far from perfect or how I would do things, but the slow crawl feels more realistic and holds my interest, despite the sometimes haphazard plotting (3 episodes without the Vampire: Tactical Unit is just not good)
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:06 AM on September 15, 2014
But the a lot of people seem to nitpick and loathe the show with little critical thought and I don't get that. Surely one wants to spend their time enjoying things, right?
Generally I enjoy the slow burn of the show and feel it's still to complain a lot about it, as it's clearly what the show is trying to do. It's far from perfect or how I would do things, but the slow crawl feels more realistic and holds my interest, despite the sometimes haphazard plotting (3 episodes without the Vampire: Tactical Unit is just not good)
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:06 AM on September 15, 2014
Who here has said they loathe the show? I'm sure everyone participating here is putting in critical thought. Perhaps you mean elsewhere online or IRL?
posted by Ik ben afgesneden at 6:43 AM on September 15, 2014
posted by Ik ben afgesneden at 6:43 AM on September 15, 2014
Sorry, I didn't mean to imply you take the show too seriously, just that I appreciate the earnestness since I think everyone here really does like the show.
On preview, yeah, I would not feel the same way about someone defending Under The Dome, for example.
posted by Room 641-A at 6:51 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
On preview, yeah, I would not feel the same way about someone defending Under The Dome, for example.
posted by Room 641-A at 6:51 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
When you go on about how boring the episode was, can't be bothered to tag the show with the show name, but can manage to tag it as boring, while not getting a plot point that was clearly in the episode, it certainly doesn't sound like as though you liked it.
Plus, other people on FanFare have written similar sentiments about previous episodes, taking the time to nitpick it to death. Sure, some of the elements/plot points/characters are silly or annoying. So poke fun, rather than blathering on about how terrible it all is.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:55 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Plus, other people on FanFare have written similar sentiments about previous episodes, taking the time to nitpick it to death. Sure, some of the elements/plot points/characters are silly or annoying. So poke fun, rather than blathering on about how terrible it all is.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 6:55 AM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
So we finally get a reveal of The Master, and I actually laughed. That. Is. So. Terrible. I'm still giggling.
posted by MsVader at 6:58 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by MsVader at 6:58 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
Brandon Blatcher, I may say whatever I want about the show. If you don't like what I have to say, too bad, so sad. Your feelings are your problem. Perhaps you're not aware that anybody can add tags. At any time. Any tag. If that bothers so much, maybe add tags that will warm your heart at night instead of complaining about something so silly. Also, the title of the show is right above the date and episode number. Perhaps you have comprehension issues. You must have since you're seeing the words "loathe" and "terrible" where they do not exist.
posted by Ik ben afgesneden at 7:06 AM on September 15, 2014
posted by Ik ben afgesneden at 7:06 AM on September 15, 2014
I feel like the episode-specific nit-picking is more like my high school experience:
Anyway, I'm sorry my original comment, which was meant to be positive, derailed the discussion.
:{€~~~~~~<
posted by Room 641-A at 7:34 AM on September 15, 2014 [5 favorites]
Dear Mr. & Mrs. Strain,When the show is firing on all cylinders the comments are almost always enthusiastic.
The Strain is a pleasure to have in class when it shows up but it is not living up to its potential.
Anyway, I'm sorry my original comment, which was meant to be positive, derailed the discussion.
:{€~~~~~~<
posted by Room 641-A at 7:34 AM on September 15, 2014 [5 favorites]
Perhaps you're not aware that anybody can add tags.
That does not appear to be true, as there is no ability to add tags on my screen.
And you're fine, Room 641-A, conversations wander at times.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:21 AM on September 15, 2014
That does not appear to be true, as there is no ability to add tags on my screen.
And you're fine, Room 641-A, conversations wander at times.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:21 AM on September 15, 2014
As to the Vamp Commandos, I like to think they're just holed up somewhere, trying to get certain ingredients for their special diet . But the bread trucks haven't been delivering bread, so....
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:46 AM on September 15, 2014
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:46 AM on September 15, 2014
I liked the collection of old phones, but I think Setrakian might need to recycle some of his older stock. I'm pretty sure I saw an original Motorola DynaTAC in there.
Bye, Diane. Shame about your son, but your Drescherian accent will not be missed.
Nice as always to see Fet being someone with a workable plan: get into the building with his city ID and charm his way past the receptionist. But wait...they've seen you, you know they've seen you, and you don't even attempt so much as a hat by the way of disguise? Bargain Basement, you are just the worst.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 8:47 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
Bye, Diane. Shame about your son, but your Drescherian accent will not be missed.
Nice as always to see Fet being someone with a workable plan: get into the building with his city ID and charm his way past the receptionist. But wait...they've seen you, you know they've seen you, and you don't even attempt so much as a hat by the way of disguise? Bargain Basement, you are just the worst.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 8:47 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
Actually, I just went back and rewatched that scene. Not only does she not disguise herself, she actually looks directly into the lobby security camera.
I'm starting to think that her hacker "crew" mainly kept her around because she had a sweet loft.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 9:14 AM on September 15, 2014 [3 favorites]
I'm starting to think that her hacker "crew" mainly kept her around because she had a sweet loft.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 9:14 AM on September 15, 2014 [3 favorites]
Brandon Blatcher, your recap that you linked to is awesome.
posted by Room 641-A at 9:54 AM on September 15, 2014
posted by Room 641-A at 9:54 AM on September 15, 2014
That screencap of the Master reminds me of Clem from Buffy the Vampire the Slayer. Are we sure it's not him?
posted by miss-lapin at 10:39 AM on September 15, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by miss-lapin at 10:39 AM on September 15, 2014 [3 favorites]
miss-lapin, I knew The Master reminded me of something goofy I'd seen before, but I couldn't remember what it was. Thank you for NAILING IT.
posted by MsVader at 11:00 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by MsVader at 11:00 AM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
Clem might work as a character on The Strain, add a bit of goofy humor. Having HackerGirl argue with RatMan about who was going to be boss vs assistant in their poorly executed visit to Palmer central was pretty funny though.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:43 AM on September 15, 2014
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:43 AM on September 15, 2014
Mod note: A comment deleted. Please keep this thread on the topic, and can the interpersonal stuff. Thanks.
posted by restless_nomad (staff) at 11:44 AM on September 15, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by restless_nomad (staff) at 11:44 AM on September 15, 2014 [3 favorites]
Adding the io9 recap because it is great.
posted by Ik ben afgesneden at 1:17 PM on September 15, 2014
posted by Ik ben afgesneden at 1:17 PM on September 15, 2014
Actually I think the Master really looks like Clem and the main vampire from Subspecies, Radu, had a love child.
posted by miss-lapin at 1:52 PM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by miss-lapin at 1:52 PM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
I guess I'm the only one who got a Baby Huey vibe, then?
I don't know much about the culture of vampires.
posted by Room 641-A at 2:31 PM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
I don't know much about the culture of vampires.
posted by Room 641-A at 2:31 PM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
Dear Ephraim: Looks like Zach will be growing up without his mother after all. Way to jinx Kelly, Dr. Helpful.
I often enjoy slow, stately action, but this show does seem to be dragging things out even by my standards. Pacing, kids, pacing! Last week's episode (which I just watched today too since my DVR inexplicably failed to get it last week -- perhaps out of boredom) was a bigger offender than this week. Eph and his Gee-Eph seemed to hang about the old homestead for hours upon hours. Jesus, burn Matt and get moving already.
posted by FelliniBlank at 2:33 PM on September 15, 2014
I often enjoy slow, stately action, but this show does seem to be dragging things out even by my standards. Pacing, kids, pacing! Last week's episode (which I just watched today too since my DVR inexplicably failed to get it last week -- perhaps out of boredom) was a bigger offender than this week. Eph and his Gee-Eph seemed to hang about the old homestead for hours upon hours. Jesus, burn Matt and get moving already.
posted by FelliniBlank at 2:33 PM on September 15, 2014
Jesus, burn Matt and get moving already.
Way to destroy the mood, you unromantic sod.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 3:01 PM on September 15, 2014
Way to destroy the mood, you unromantic sod.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 3:01 PM on September 15, 2014
Way to destroy the mood, you unromantic sod.
I'm trying really, really hard to forget I ever saw that scene. Notice how Nora was sort of mooning about Setrakian's basement during this episode: "Please, please let Eph's ex (Ephsex, eeewww) be all wormed out so I can console him some more."
posted by FelliniBlank at 3:19 PM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
I'm trying really, really hard to forget I ever saw that scene. Notice how Nora was sort of mooning about Setrakian's basement during this episode: "Please, please let Eph's ex (Ephsex, eeewww) be all wormed out so I can console him some more."
posted by FelliniBlank at 3:19 PM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
It was a really strange scene that cracked me up, where they were sort of throwing each other around the room before getting down to business.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 3:56 PM on September 15, 2014
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 3:56 PM on September 15, 2014
This wasn't my favorite episode, despite the momentum of the last few. I blame the insufferable family drama of the amazing doctor Ephraim.
The exact plan of bargain bin TGWTDT and Fett was also very confusing, and possibly not even extant. Whatever it was, it actually sort of worked out for them.
posted by codacorolla at 7:37 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
The exact plan of bargain bin TGWTDT and Fett was also very confusing, and possibly not even extant. Whatever it was, it actually sort of worked out for them.
posted by codacorolla at 7:37 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
I'd kind of like to see an in-universe news broadcast or something, because the world of the show is starting to not make much sense to me. Like: Do people generally know there are hentai-faced vampires stalking the earth or not? I feel like there's no way they logically couldn't -- how could video of the vampires not be all over YouTube -- and yet it appears most people don't? And like two episodes ago it seemed civilization had crumbled irrevocably, but now stuff seems basically normal? And if stuff is basically normal, shouldn't the police and the FBI be tracking down Eph? And isn't Fet expected at work? Or at least for questioning because all of his coworkers died? And by the way the internet is down, the whole internet for the entire world, except when someone needs to track a phone or pay for gas? I am enjoying the show, and I can suspend disbelief, but...
posted by kittens for breakfast at 8:46 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by kittens for breakfast at 8:46 PM on September 15, 2014 [2 favorites]
I guess one explanation would be that it's only been, what, 3 days since the plane landed? So I guess chaos isn't evenly distributed yet. Still, I agree. Even if they're going for some sort of realism with not having the whole city instantly entirely descend into chaos, it's still jarring for the viewer. Like, the radio still exists. Broadcast TV still exists. You're going to get eye witness descriptions and first hand accounts of these creatures from SOMEWHERE. Instead the populace seems as clueless as is necessary to keep our dimwitted protags in a constant state of peril.
That's really not that unusual for plots in B horror narrative.
posted by codacorolla at 8:50 PM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
That's really not that unusual for plots in B horror narrative.
posted by codacorolla at 8:50 PM on September 15, 2014 [1 favorite]
(Okay, so there's no YouTube in a world without an internet. Except this world has an internet!)
posted by kittens for breakfast at 8:50 PM on September 15, 2014
posted by kittens for breakfast at 8:50 PM on September 15, 2014
I expect I'm not the only one who was chanting EAT! THE! KID! EAT! THE! KID! right before she ate the kid?
I think part of why I'm actually quite enjoying this show is that it puts together a thoroughly silly story, solid-enough acting, and good production values, told with a certain sincerity, that you just don't see that often in horror right about now. It reminds me in good ways of the 80s horror I grew up with.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:04 PM on September 15, 2014 [5 favorites]
I think part of why I'm actually quite enjoying this show is that it puts together a thoroughly silly story, solid-enough acting, and good production values, told with a certain sincerity, that you just don't see that often in horror right about now. It reminds me in good ways of the 80s horror I grew up with.
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:04 PM on September 15, 2014 [5 favorites]
I actually wasn't expecting her to go right for the kid, since TV tends to be pretty squeamish about doing horrible things to children on-camera. Kudos to the show for not shying away from his tentacleization, at least. They pulled the camera back, though, when Eph finally put him down. (While closing his eyes. C'mon, man. I understand it's an emotional moment, but maybe pay full attention while there's a worm-spitting tentacle aimed at you?)
Do people generally know there are hentai-faced vampires stalking the earth or not?
This brings up something else that occurred to me--in a city where there are zompires casually walking the streets and snacking on victims, how are there still un-wormed homeless people? I'd think they'd be among the first to go.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 4:29 AM on September 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Do people generally know there are hentai-faced vampires stalking the earth or not?
This brings up something else that occurred to me--in a city where there are zompires casually walking the streets and snacking on victims, how are there still un-wormed homeless people? I'd think they'd be among the first to go.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 4:29 AM on September 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
I expect I'm not the only one who was chanting EAT! THE! KID! EAT! THE! KID! right before she ate the kid?
I was rooting a little harder for Kelly to eat Diane, but since Diane undoubtedly passed on her Totally Stereotypical New Yorker genes to little what'shisname, it's probably best for everyone that he also was snuffed.
Of course, enough children have died now that Zach has to live. The whole Eph-Kelly-Matt-Zach plot is pretty creepy: Kelly (and Matt) must of course die because they dared to try and "take Zach away" from the rightful custody of his hard-drinking, inattentive, neglectful, never-on-time, colleague-banging father. And Kelly especially so because she let her bf move into Eph's former house. (How many times has Eph said "I used to live here" or words to that effect now, just in case we forgot?) Great.
posted by FelliniBlank at 7:37 AM on September 16, 2014 [5 favorites]
I was rooting a little harder for Kelly to eat Diane, but since Diane undoubtedly passed on her Totally Stereotypical New Yorker genes to little what'shisname, it's probably best for everyone that he also was snuffed.
Of course, enough children have died now that Zach has to live. The whole Eph-Kelly-Matt-Zach plot is pretty creepy: Kelly (and Matt) must of course die because they dared to try and "take Zach away" from the rightful custody of his hard-drinking, inattentive, neglectful, never-on-time, colleague-banging father. And Kelly especially so because she let her bf move into Eph's former house. (How many times has Eph said "I used to live here" or words to that effect now, just in case we forgot?) Great.
posted by FelliniBlank at 7:37 AM on September 16, 2014 [5 favorites]
The important thing is that Kelly ate some folks who needed eatin' and we all cheered.
The whole Eph-Kelly-Matt-Zach plot is pretty creepy
We were wondering how that was going to shake out. Presumably Alzheimer's Daughter has been promoted to Lead Vagina and Baby Factory now that Kelly is no longer capable of fulfilling the duties thereof. Does this mean that F is going to invite BBGWADT to take over the role of First Assistant Vagina from AD?
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:46 AM on September 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
The whole Eph-Kelly-Matt-Zach plot is pretty creepy
We were wondering how that was going to shake out. Presumably Alzheimer's Daughter has been promoted to Lead Vagina and Baby Factory now that Kelly is no longer capable of fulfilling the duties thereof. Does this mean that F is going to invite BBGWADT to take over the role of First Assistant Vagina from AD?
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 9:46 AM on September 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Not sure whether Kelly will be a hostage or succumb to the dark side and join the Master or break free of him and join the rebels. Possibly all three!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:12 AM on September 16, 2014
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 10:12 AM on September 16, 2014
I know the end of season one will help make room for Justifed, Archer, and OMGIcan'twaitfortheFanFare-The Americans but I'm really sad it's almost over.
posted by Room 641-A at 10:19 AM on September 16, 2014
posted by Room 641-A at 10:19 AM on September 16, 2014
Not sure whether Kelly will be a hostage or succumb to the dark side and join the Master or break free of him and join the rebels. Possibly all three!
Yeah, I wondered if they're gonna go for the "Kelly shall be the first victim to be cured of wormitude" thing specifically so Eph can move back into her house and enspousenate her anew.
posted by FelliniBlank at 11:39 AM on September 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Yeah, I wondered if they're gonna go for the "Kelly shall be the first victim to be cured of wormitude" thing specifically so Eph can move back into her house and enspousenate her anew.
posted by FelliniBlank at 11:39 AM on September 16, 2014 [1 favorite]
Eph is gross enough that my expectation is that he's going to kill Kelly and then go bang* Nora to feel better.
*What that dude does to you is "bang." And he does it to you, not with you. Though maybe the time we saw with Nora was just the only way he could stop her from finishing eating his face. Still, he's #1 on my list of "People I wish would get eaten but that seems unlikely."
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 12:17 PM on September 16, 2014
*What that dude does to you is "bang." And he does it to you, not with you. Though maybe the time we saw with Nora was just the only way he could stop her from finishing eating his face. Still, he's #1 on my list of "People I wish would get eaten but that seems unlikely."
posted by ROU_Xenophobe at 12:17 PM on September 16, 2014
This trope of the main and generally uninteresting male guy being literally surrounded by women he's had or will have sex with is annoying. Helix had the same problem, but then went and killed off Doreen, the most interesting character on the show and let main male guy continue to be uninteresting.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:23 PM on September 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 12:23 PM on September 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
(Tags can only be added by mutual contacts, FWIW.)
I found this one a slow and mostly somewhat muddled burn. I liked the way that Kelly's story was told through a series of flashbacks. She seemed to retain more of her humanity than most of the infected. Is this the Master's deliberate doing so that he can use her against Eph & co? Or as suggested above, setting up a plot in which she rebels against the Master?
But the whole "let's go to Stoneheart!" B-plot really did make no sense at all. Maybe Unconvincing Hacker simply really wanted to deliver that payback slap? But then why did Fet -- who otherwise seems smart and perceptive -- go along with her unstated plan?
What it did reveal is: not all of Palmer's goons are on-board with The Plan. Enough not-on-board to disobey orders; not yet enough to defect. I suspect that's going to pay off later down the line.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 12:28 PM on September 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
I found this one a slow and mostly somewhat muddled burn. I liked the way that Kelly's story was told through a series of flashbacks. She seemed to retain more of her humanity than most of the infected. Is this the Master's deliberate doing so that he can use her against Eph & co? Or as suggested above, setting up a plot in which she rebels against the Master?
But the whole "let's go to Stoneheart!" B-plot really did make no sense at all. Maybe Unconvincing Hacker simply really wanted to deliver that payback slap? But then why did Fet -- who otherwise seems smart and perceptive -- go along with her unstated plan?
What it did reveal is: not all of Palmer's goons are on-board with The Plan. Enough not-on-board to disobey orders; not yet enough to defect. I suspect that's going to pay off later down the line.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 12:28 PM on September 16, 2014 [2 favorites]
Also: they really nailed the revolting gulping sound of the blood-sucking.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 12:31 PM on September 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 12:31 PM on September 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
Is this the Master's deliberate doing so that he can use her against Eph & co?
Thats what I assumed; I believe Abe said there would be payback for the Eichhorst ambush.
posted by Room 641-A at 1:04 PM on September 16, 2014
Thats what I assumed; I believe Abe said there would be payback for the Eichhorst ambush.
posted by Room 641-A at 1:04 PM on September 16, 2014
Also: they really nailed the revolting gulping sound of the blood-sucking.
Ooh, yeah. That and the worm going into Kelly's eye were two moments where the episode succeeded in giving me the kind of "Ewwww!" body-horror moment that I'd like to have more of from the show.
That eye worm brings up something else I've mentioned before, though. As much as I love Fet's refreshingly direct rebar-to-the-skull extermination method, it seems pretty much guaranteed to send worms splattering in all directions. I think the only thing keeping him uninfected at this point is plot armor.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 2:00 PM on September 16, 2014 [4 favorites]
Ooh, yeah. That and the worm going into Kelly's eye were two moments where the episode succeeded in giving me the kind of "Ewwww!" body-horror moment that I'd like to have more of from the show.
That eye worm brings up something else I've mentioned before, though. As much as I love Fet's refreshingly direct rebar-to-the-skull extermination method, it seems pretty much guaranteed to send worms splattering in all directions. I think the only thing keeping him uninfected at this point is plot armor.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 2:00 PM on September 16, 2014 [4 favorites]
I guess one explanation would be that it's only been, what, 3 days since the plane landed?
I cannot at all make an argument that more time has passed, and I haven't really thought about it exactly, but if you'd asked I would have said it's been 2-3 weeks, based on nothing but a vague general feeling. If it's only been three days that would be slightly different.
posted by Room 641-A at 3:42 PM on September 16, 2014
I cannot at all make an argument that more time has passed, and I haven't really thought about it exactly, but if you'd asked I would have said it's been 2-3 weeks, based on nothing but a vague general feeling. If it's only been three days that would be slightly different.
posted by Room 641-A at 3:42 PM on September 16, 2014
Actually, it seems like it's been closer to a week. The plane landed at night, there's been an eclipse which was at least two nights later, right? Then the standoff at the store was about two nights later, and it's been another day or so since then. Probably closer to a week, but not more than that.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:35 PM on September 16, 2014
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 4:35 PM on September 16, 2014
*lurid look*
"I've been tryin' to get into that building for a loooong time."
Sheesh. I didn't know building metaphors could be used like that. What's next? "If I can just find the code to the lock on the building.... I could ENTER."
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 7:45 PM on September 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
"I've been tryin' to get into that building for a loooong time."
Sheesh. I didn't know building metaphors could be used like that. What's next? "If I can just find the code to the lock on the building.... I could ENTER."
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 7:45 PM on September 16, 2014 [3 favorites]
"What it did reveal is: not all of Palmer's goons are on-board with The Plan. Enough not-on-board to disobey orders; not yet enough to defect. I suspect that's going to pay off later down the line."
Yes, this was the most intriguing reveal, to my mind, and I can't wait for them to give us more tidbits about Eldritch Palmer's assistant's backstory and intentions. He's a wild card now.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 7:59 PM on September 16, 2014
Yes, this was the most intriguing reveal, to my mind, and I can't wait for them to give us more tidbits about Eldritch Palmer's assistant's backstory and intentions. He's a wild card now.
posted by joseph conrad is fully awesome at 7:59 PM on September 16, 2014
*lurid look*
"I've been tryin' to get into that building for a loooong time."
Coming soon to FX:
The Strain - After Dark, After Dark
posted by Room 641-A at 5:01 AM on September 17, 2014
"I've been tryin' to get into that building for a loooong time."
Coming soon to FX:
The Strain - After Dark, After Dark
posted by Room 641-A at 5:01 AM on September 17, 2014
So I finally watched the ep. The big plan was to become a worm filled noseless vampire? Even for a defunct nazi that seems like a pretty bad plan. I think my response is that even when vampires are described as rotting husks etc they still have some advantages-mesmerism, transformation, command of animals....this master doesn't seem like he's got much on his side so I don't really see the appeal.
posted by miss-lapin at 8:15 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by miss-lapin at 8:15 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
The big plan was to become a worm filled noseless vampire?
But with superpowers and immortality. Sounds just like a Nazi.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:18 AM on September 18, 2014
But with superpowers and immortality. Sounds just like a Nazi.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:18 AM on September 18, 2014
So I finally watched the ep. The big plan was to become a worm filled noseless vampire? Even for a defunct nazi that seems like a pretty bad plan. I think my response is that even when vampires are described as rotting husks etc they still have some advantages-mesmerism, transformation, command of animals....this master doesn't seem like he's got much on his side so I don't really see the appeal.
Although I'm not sure that this has been officially stated, I get the feeling that the worm parasites are a hive-mind creature. Even though they're individually weak, they form a powerful and cohesive whole. Individuals are also saved from the dangers of aging, and if you look at it from the perspective of the hive, are nearly immortal.
I can see how that would be appealing to a defunct Nazi, who's just recently had his whole belief system destroyed.
posted by codacorolla at 8:22 AM on September 18, 2014
Although I'm not sure that this has been officially stated, I get the feeling that the worm parasites are a hive-mind creature. Even though they're individually weak, they form a powerful and cohesive whole. Individuals are also saved from the dangers of aging, and if you look at it from the perspective of the hive, are nearly immortal.
I can see how that would be appealing to a defunct Nazi, who's just recently had his whole belief system destroyed.
posted by codacorolla at 8:22 AM on September 18, 2014
The hive mind was explored in 7-11 ep where it's established if one sees you, they all see you. (Which reminded me of Slither.) Maybe I'm just a hard sell but I don't want to be immortal without a nose.
posted by miss-lapin at 8:31 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
posted by miss-lapin at 8:31 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
The big plan was to become a worm filled noseless vampire? Even for a defunct nazi that seems like a pretty bad plan.
Well when you put it like that!
I actually had a problem following the connection between The Master and The Nazis.
The Box seemed like an officially-sanctioned Nazi project. Did they know about The Master? The Master preyed only on Jews. Is The Master a Nazi? Is a The Master part of a Nazi plot? It all seems incidental to establishing Eichhorst as a bad guy.
They could have established Eichhorst as a Nazi who fled after the war and met The Master. Devising a scenario where he runs into Abe, sees his number, and enlists his help would be easy.
Or else I missed a really huge plot point.
posted by Room 641-A at 8:40 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
Well when you put it like that!
I actually had a problem following the connection between The Master and The Nazis.
The Box seemed like an officially-sanctioned Nazi project. Did they know about The Master? The Master preyed only on Jews. Is The Master a Nazi? Is a The Master part of a Nazi plot? It all seems incidental to establishing Eichhorst as a bad guy.
They could have established Eichhorst as a Nazi who fled after the war and met The Master. Devising a scenario where he runs into Abe, sees his number, and enlists his help would be easy.
Or else I missed a really huge plot point.
posted by Room 641-A at 8:40 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
The Box seemed like an officially-sanctioned Nazi project.
I didn't get that at all, thought it was just Eichhorse sanctioning it, from his position of power, for his own wants.
but I don't want to be immortal without a nose.
You can't paint one, no biggie! You'd be literally putting on your face, as we saw him do one episode.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:47 AM on September 18, 2014
I didn't get that at all, thought it was just Eichhorse sanctioning it, from his position of power, for his own wants.
but I don't want to be immortal without a nose.
You can't paint one, no biggie! You'd be literally putting on your face, as we saw him do one episode.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 8:47 AM on September 18, 2014
Although I'm not sure that this has been officially stated, I get the feeling that the worm parasites are a hive-mind creature. Even though they're individually weak, they form a powerful and cohesive whole.
God I would soooooooooooooo much rather be Locutis of Borg than Seven of Nine Billion Worms, though.
posted by FelliniBlank at 8:52 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
God I would soooooooooooooo much rather be Locutis of Borg than Seven of Nine Billion Worms, though.
posted by FelliniBlank at 8:52 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
You can't paint one, no biggie! You'd be literally putting on your face, as we saw him do one episode.
"Does he or doesn't he? Only his makeup artist knows."
posted by Room 641-A at 10:15 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
"Does he or doesn't he? Only his makeup artist knows."
posted by Room 641-A at 10:15 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
I didn't get that at all, thought it was just Eichhorse sanctioning it, from his position of power, for his own wants.
I can buy that. He just didn't feel the need to bother hiding it then.
posted by Room 641-A at 10:17 AM on September 18, 2014
I can buy that. He just didn't feel the need to bother hiding it then.
posted by Room 641-A at 10:17 AM on September 18, 2014
To me the box is incidental, it's just something to establish the relationship bet. Eichhorse and Setrakian. Based on the response it seems like it's something just between Eichhorse and the Master. Perhaps the Master recognized a useful source of food and struck a deal but yeah I'd like to know how this went down.
"I have no nose but I'm immortal gimme some of those people and you too can be noseless."
posted by miss-lapin at 10:19 AM on September 18, 2014
"I have no nose but I'm immortal gimme some of those people and you too can be noseless."
posted by miss-lapin at 10:19 AM on September 18, 2014
Eichhorse
Point of order: his name is actually "Eichorst", but now I can't get the image of a vampire horse wearing an SS uniform out of my head, and it is simultaneously a little horrifying and utterly hilarious.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 10:43 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
Point of order: his name is actually "Eichorst", but now I can't get the image of a vampire horse wearing an SS uniform out of my head, and it is simultaneously a little horrifying and utterly hilarious.
posted by Mr. Bad Example at 10:43 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
Damn it I thought it Eichorst before but then kept seeing Eichhorse and thought I was screwing it up. ARRRRRRGGGHHHHHH.
But hey vampire nazi horses FTW!
posted by miss-lapin at 10:58 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
But hey vampire nazi horses FTW!
posted by miss-lapin at 10:58 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
To me the box is incidental, it's just something to establish the relationship bet. Eichhorse and Setrakian.
It also establishes the Master as a lover of fine art. Such people are not to be trifled with.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:10 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
It also establishes the Master as a lover of fine art. Such people are not to be trifled with.
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:10 AM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
And suddenly BoJack Horseman has become much darker.
posted by Room 641-A at 11:14 AM on September 18, 2014
posted by Room 641-A at 11:14 AM on September 18, 2014
Not having a nose seems so minor when you consider the ENORMOUSLY GROSS AND MASSIVE TENTACLE SUCKER THING that comes out of your face.
posted by MsVader at 11:36 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by MsVader at 11:36 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
It only comes out when you're eating, otherwise you're still your beautiful, noseless self. Enough with the vampire shaming!
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:46 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
posted by Brandon Blatcher at 11:46 AM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
Point of order: his name is actually "Eichorst", but now I can't get the image of a vampire horse wearing an SS uniform out of my head, and it is simultaneously a little horrifying and utterly hilarious.
Somebody should stage this as a big splashy puppet musical, like Warhorste.
posted by FelliniBlank at 12:49 PM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
Somebody should stage this as a big splashy puppet musical, like Warhors
posted by FelliniBlank at 12:49 PM on September 18, 2014 [1 favorite]
Damn it I thought it Eichorst before but then kept seeing Eichhorse and thought I was screwing it up
This conversation is cracking me up - my brother's name is Horst, but when we were little kids he asked everyone to call him Chuck instead, because he was sick of all the other kids calling him horse.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 2:32 PM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
This conversation is cracking me up - my brother's name is Horst, but when we were little kids he asked everyone to call him Chuck instead, because he was sick of all the other kids calling him horse.
posted by 5_13_23_42_69_666 at 2:32 PM on September 18, 2014 [2 favorites]
On rewatch:
I thought it was just Eichorst sanctioning it, from his position of power, for his own wants.
That's very much my read of it this time through too. The drunken conversation with Abe in S1E7 makes it fairly clear that Eichorst knows that Hitler's Reich is failing and is opportunistically switching allegiance to the Master:
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 11:51 AM on March 31, 2023
I thought it was just Eichorst sanctioning it, from his position of power, for his own wants.
That's very much my read of it this time through too. The drunken conversation with Abe in S1E7 makes it fairly clear that Eichorst knows that Hitler's Reich is failing and is opportunistically switching allegiance to the Master:
So, tell me, A230385... Do you think we Germans will outlast our predecessors? Please. Speak freely.And what does the Master offer Eichorst? It hasn't been stated in the flashbacks but from what we've seen so far in the current-day it would seem: purpose, power, and immortality.
I think the Third Reich is in its death throes.
Very likely. But suppose a new Reich rose from the ashes of this one, led by a new Führer, who's able to deliver everything Hitler promised and more.
I think that would be a very sad day for humanity.
Quite the opposite, my friend. It's what humanity craves: a strong leader, a visionary.
posted by We had a deal, Kyle at 11:51 AM on March 31, 2023
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What exactly was Bargain Basement Girl's plan for Palmer? Please tell me it wasn't really to try and shoot Palmer in his own place.
posted by Ik ben afgesneden at 9:17 PM on September 14, 2014