Snowpiercer is coming up on the end of its second season with an episode that’s full of dread and an ominous overtone. “The Show Must Go On” is that moment when the dictator has taken control and has decided to purge the resistance.

Layton is in jail and Roche and his family are in the locker. Wilford is now in control of both trains and has masterfully crushed his competition. Now, with control, Wilford’s excess can flourish as we learn the true hedonism that drives him.

The episode is an interesting one as we see Wilford more for what he is, a dictator. While that was pretty clear before, it’s without a doubt now. He’s willing to distract the masses, commit crimes against humanity, hold executions without trial, and lie to the masses. And that’s just in one episode.

Then there’s the carnality splitting the people of the car into haves and have nots. A sex-fest meant for Wilford’s own enjoyment. It’s clear he doesn’t see the people on the car as an attempt to save humanity. Snowpiercer to Wilford is an attempt to save himself and everyone else is either a cog to make that happen or there for his enjoyment.

What’s interesting about “The Show Must Go On”, beyond Wilford” is how it sets up the lines as to who stands where. That’s the most surprising aspect of the episode. We see resistance from quite a few. Some of those are surprising. Despite Wilford’s “absolute” control, in reality his control isn’t absolute. While he distracts the masses, he himself is distracted which has allowed numerous individuals to work to undermine his rule.

“The Show Must Go On” is a fascinating episode as the season begins to wrap up. It takes the hope from the season and crushes it in one episode. We imagined how bad rule under Wilford would be and in one episode we see exactly what to expect. And in many ways, it’s fare worse than we could have guessed. But in the darkness hope still exists. How much it spreads with one episode to go is the question.

Overall Rating: 10