The Strain‘s fourth episode ups the creepy factor after the events that ended the last one. Eph and his team have killed a person infected, and that means they now have someone to dissect and try to figure out what exactly is going on. That gives us some of the grossest moments in television that I’ve seen in quite some time, and we’re not even on pay cable.

Then there’s the issue with some of the infected who are out in society now. Some of that is pretty predictable, especially Ansel, whose actions are pretty set up. This isn’t all that bad, in that the show is still able to ramp up tension leading up to his “debut.” That actual debut isn’t what I expected, and there’s a nice spin to it. I particularly liked the inclusion of his wife’s religious beliefs and actions due to that. Both are nice spins on the expected. Ann-Marie’s religion also has a tinge of anti-vaccer for a bit of it.

The moment we’ve also been waiting for, Jim’s confession, happens, with some solid emotional responses from him and Eph. Where that partnership goes will be interesting. Overall, it shows that Eph is more alone than he expects in what’s to come.

Even with all of that, we still have progression on Eldritch’s story about his health and Gus’ decision as to whether to return to a life of crime.

But really, the episode ends on a high note, with some things we’ve been waiting for quite some time, the beginning of the battle and kicking of ass we’ve been expecting. The reaction from Eph and especially Nora is interesting. The first three episodes have been setting up what’s to come after this one.

Overall Score: 7.75