Welcome to Multiversity’s coverage of Snowpiercer, the television show loosely based on the 1982 graphic novel “Le Transperceneige” and more directly influenced by the 2013 film by Bong Joon-ho. In this fourth episode entitled “Without Their Maker,” we take a trip with Layton to the first class cars as the prime suspects for the murders on the train are either killed or awaiting judgement. The preparations for a revolution are simmering in the background and a significant twist may have set the uprising back. Spoilers for my final thought. Remember – One tail.
1. “Snowpiercer is an Adaptation.”
Now that we’re four episodes in, I’m starting to notice patterns that the show leans on. Introductory monologue, multiple plot threads, a couple character moments, and a nice twist to make sure you tune in next week. The formula itself has been pretty effective for me. In particular, I’ve really enjoyed the monologues at the beginning of the show. They’ve been a great way to set the tone for the episode and the pieces written for the characters are reflective giving them some depth. Jinju’s monologue is a bit ominous. She seems to hint at her previous life as a scientist and how her current life in Hospitality aboard Snowpiercer is about making the most of borrowed time. We also learn that other members of the rich boarded themselves up in bunkers or uploaded their consciences. The graphic novels hinted at life outside of Snowpiercer and hopefully the television show is willing to go there.
2. “He’s Dead.”
Erik (great name), played by Matt Murray, was revealed to be the murderer after killing some of the attendees of the Drawers and terrorizing Nikki Genet (played by Madeleine Arthur). As with every aspect of the murder plot, Erik’s story and his scenes are a freakin’ mess. We learn he was a Marine in the Old Life and he probably had highly inappropriate relations with LJ. The only redeeming thing about him is he kept a cat called Snow Peter.
To give the writer’s a break, maybe more will be revealed about his motivations about basically everything. He had a weird fascination with the storage room. He kept his father’s records. And he went out like a moron. I’ve watched the scene where he dies again and again and I can’t explain why he shot at an electrical breaker only to get rushed by the Brakeman and the security forces. Maybe the scene is supposed to demonstrate how much of an idiot he was?
3. “Your Daughter’s a Murderer.”
If Erik was unjustifiably dumb, LJ is written as the brains of the duo. She’s basically Audrey Horne, but annoying and unlikable. Again, there’s a distinct possibility that we’ll learn more about her motivations to murder and mutilate the lower class passengers, but LJ is far from compelling. The next episode of the show seems to be centered on LJ’s trial and the criminal justice system of Snowpiercer, so instead of creepily dancing for Layton and attempting to seduce him, the writers can finally give us a point to this excessive murder plot. I’m definitely happy it only took four episodes for Layton and Melanie to catch the murderers.
4. “I Know a Thing or Two About Class.”
After the monologue in the beginning of the show, Melanie shares a scene with Bennett (played by Iddo Goldberg) in the engine room where Bennett expresses his concern about Melanie’s health and her tendency to try and figure everything out herself. With the weight of the train on her shoulders, the audience gets the sense that Melanie is starting to lose control of Snowpiercer. This is compounded by the fact that the first class passengers are beginning to lose faith in her ability to solve the murders and are openly questioning her role as the Voice of the Train. This, however, is not the case as demonstrated by Melanie’s checkmate at the end of the episode. Again, Connelly masterfully plays the calculated and sly Melanie staying three moves ahead of the passengers, crew members, Layton, and the audience itself. But to what end? It’ll be interesting to see how long Melanie can continue.
Continued below5. SPOILERS: “Layton is missing.”
After grabbing their prime suspect and seemingly solving the murders, Melanie and Layton share a drink and cheers to a job well done. An element of the murders that were previously introduced was the original victim working as an informer for Wilford (i.e., Melanie). From their conversation, Melanie sees that Layton was able to see through the facade of Wilford, forcing Melanie to poison Layton’s drink and send him to the Drawers in suspended animation.
Taking Layton off the board is a gutsy move by the show’s writers. It may only last an episode, but before the midway point of the season, the writers have expeditiously introduced and solved a murder plot and have effectively written out their key protagonist to the show. And again, to what end? What is Melanie playing for and how can she achieve it? I’m not sure which direction Snowpiercer is headed, but it’s becoming more and more captivating seeing this show peel back the layers of Melanie Cavill.
