In the fifth episode of the second season of The Strain, Eph changes his appearance to leave the city while Nora is left as the reluctant parent for Zack. Also, Dutch and Nora make a deal with Justine to secure Fet’s release from jail

This season has made it clear, it can no longer be denied — New York City is rapidly falling to an evil epidemic, and no one is coming to its rescue. Its citizens must fight or die.

That fact is put forth in the first segment of the episode which sees a police team attempt to exterminate some of the infected, who have gotten stranger and more powerful in ways since the previous season. The movement and action are really improved, even more than the last four episodes. There’s a horror movie like aspect to it all, and the quick action, keeping the team on their toes does the same for us.

The episode really focuses on Eph and his plan to stop the expansion of the infected. You can also call it “explain why he has a shaved head due to Ant-Man.” There’s some interesting stuff, like the fact that train travel seems to be relatively easy even though there’s a massive infection going on. It also sets up Eph meeting one of the government officials who turned on him. I think though the most interesting aspect of this part is Eph’s drinking. This is a character who’s spiraling down, and you wonder how much this will get in the way.

The episode overall is very focused compared to ones of the past. It takes on less plot points, and due to that, it’s much better than the rest of the season’s episodes. What’s interesting is, even with the focus, the episode still moves so many pieces forward. With a tighter episode, it still moves the overall story quite well, which is impressive to do.

The strongest episode of the season so far by far…. but you couldn’t film in Washington, DC?

Overall rating: 8