When the last episode of Snowpiercer ended, Layton was thrown into their version of prison, a suspended animation which left a huge question as to where this series was going. The episode kicks off with a voiceover focusing on the revolution to come. It feels like a focusing of the show on the themes that have been teased throughout. A revolution will be fought to replace the tyranny that replaced the previous tyranny.

The episode really dives into class with a few storylines including the trial of LJ Folger and Bess Till moving to second class. How would a trial work on the train? What happens if LJ is found not-guilty? Will that shake up other classes? Does it matter when things are already volitile?

LJ is clearly a manipulative sociopath and it’s interesting the focus on her parents and their planning for the trial. They talk about who makes up tribunal and how unlikely they will find one of their own guilty. It reeks of white priviledge and dances around real world issues. We also see more of her interactions with her parents who… clearly have issues of their own.

The episode really focuses on the split of the train as can be seen with the Nightcar. The first and second class are overseeing a trial of one of their own who has killed individuals from other cars. We get to see more of the laws and rules that govern the train. It’s not the tailies that are pushing the revolution, it’s the third class who “touches every system of the train.”

The episode is interesting as Melanie figures out how to navigate the various political factions and what it means if the tribunal does see some equality. It’s an interesting discussion as we see similar issues playing out in the real world, clearly guilty individuals not be judged by the right parties and being found not guilty leading to unrest.

The episode is an interesting one as it feels like it explores the sparks of revolution. There’s the tailies who have been working to overthrow the oppression for quite some time. Then there’s everyone not in the first or second classes who may see the trial as their spark. One is an underclass who have been shat on the entire time then there’s those who may finally stand up after directly being impacted by injustice.

Justice is not reserved for the rich. There can be justice for all.

The above sums up well what the episode is about as the trial commences. And things really come together in the last ten minutes of the show as Layton’s fate, the trial, all come together. It’s some fascinating weaving of threads really getting to the “heart” of the episode. We get more information on Layton who is mostly away from the episode and really dive into the class divides on the train. It’s taken a while to get to the meat of the show but it looks like we’re finally getting there.

Overall Rating: 7.75