Snowpiercer‘s fifth episode asks you to “Keep Hope Alive“. It kicks off with Josie in Big Alice’s train taking advantage of their advanced medical knowledge. But, her mission is clear in that she’s gathering intelligence as to what’s going on and passing it along. What’s big is the episode opens up with us knowing there’s cracks in Wilford’s train and among his people. It’s the first real solid sign his control isn’t absolute.

From there, things get interesting as Wilford is pining for Miss Audrey. He’s stuck on her and his behavior is reflecting that and the choices he’s making. There’s the music he’s playing throughout the train. We get to see there’s some quirky aspects of Wilford like a book club. Such a club would normally feel like a way for individuals to come together for enjoyment. With Wilford, there’s an ominous aspect to it.

An ominous is a great word to describe a lot of the episode. Its major aspect is Wilford and Miss Audrey getting together. Each has an agenda to gain an advantage over each other. But, it’s the visuals that really stand out. Miss Audrey’s walk to Big Alice through the people of Snowpiercer and Wilford getting rid. It’s a reminder there is still a ruling class to the train. They live in a different world than those who suffer. Audrey walking through the tail of Snowpiercer flanked by its inhabitants who suffer is a fascinating visual and one that’s a stark reminder of the underlying themes and issues of the show.

It’s also an episode where you begin to question the leadership of Snowpiercer. There’s issues when it comes to Melanie and there’s a tough discussion and decision as to what to do about it. Their decision and what they do is one that makes the viewers wonder if these are the best people and if their power is getting to them. They may talk about democracy and a train ruled by the people but their actions makes you wonder about their commitment to that.

The episode is an interesting one as the season moves along to the end of it. There are so many plotlines dealt with, each in a subtle way that moves things forward and builds on the political intrigue. It’s an episode of moves on a chessboard until its final few minutes that feel like something out of a gangster film. There’s so much here that it’s difficult to go into them in a review without ruining things. Every aspect of the show’s season are touched upon and moved forward… a lot. This is an episode where so many loyalties are shown and Wilford’s reach is seen. It’s an episode that doesn’t quite stand on its own but is so key as the season begins to wrap up. It’s key to set things up for what’s to come.

“Keep Hope Alive” is a fascinating episode in that it has so many moments that’ll get you to say “holy shit”. It’s one that’s full of so many interesting and key moments, it begs to be watched again to see it all come together and play out. And every actor delivers in their roles. They play things so well, whether it’s hiding their plans, or showing what they’re really thinking on their faces.

“Keep Hope Alive” is a hell of an episode. It’s one that brings a lot together and you’ll want to watch it again. Bravo Snowpiercer, your second season has taken what made the first solid and improved upon it in every way.

Overall Rating: 9.0