Reviewed by Mark McCullough.

With last week’s episode looking like it could be pivotal one; it was interesting to see how that was developed on this time out. Unsurprising the narrative decided to focus heavily on the characters and their relationships with one and other.

We finally get some development for Russell who has arguably been the weakest character thus far. Given an insight into his past and his relationship with his father, we learn (alongside him) that his father has recently passed away due to a heart attack. Despite not feeling close to his father, Russell deems it his duty to attend the memorial service. Given the events in last week’s outing, unsurprisingly John insist on accompanying him to ensure his safety. We learn that he is incredibly talented at the piano and as a result was pressurised by his father in to practicing for ridiculously long periods of time. What stands out about Russell is that he isn’t afraid to use his powers to help himself and sometimes lands himself trouble, as we see in the bar scene. The narrative delves deeper into the reasoning behind Russell’s behaviour, the reason being his shame at how things turned out between him and his father. It is a particularly heart breaking scene when he talks about how he cannot look his mother is the eye. This particular plotline has a very appropriate conclusion which brings a tear to the eye.

We see John and Cara’s relationship strained by the fact that he kept secrets from Cara. This causes her to doubt what else he has protected her from. She accuses his decision of going with Russell as being him running away from the conversation. For John we see how much he cares for those he leads, which he offers as the reason for his secrecy. We see this again when he hits out at someone who has punched Russell. We glean about John is that underneath his tough guy persona, he is a good man with the best interests of his friends at heart. He will do everything he can not to compromise his relationships.

In the background to the character arcs is yet another break-out, Piper. She is encountered during an attempted hustle in pool room with Russell and Stephen. She runs immediately on learning they too share her powers. In John’s absence Stephen and Cara work to bring her in whilst avoiding Ultra at every turn. The situation is complicated further when they find out Piper is sisters with Stephen’s Ultra partner Darcy. Stephen arranges a meet between the pair, resulting in Darcy’s betrayal of her sister. Stephen manages to convince Darcy that it is best to let her sister escape. The resulting stand-off leaves one of the characters having to pay the ultimate price. This will surely have repercussions in future episodes

Jedikiah has a reasonably quiet episode and is seen to be stalking a Tomorrow Person. From what was established in the short time they shared onscreen, it would appear that she is a love interest for Jedikiah. We learn that she promised him she wouldn’t use her powers, perhaps indicative that Jedikiah himself is keeping secrets from Ultra?

Stephen and Cara share a kiss early in the episode; this initially appears to be purely a trick to avoid Ultra. However as the story progresses and they flirt with each other but also share several deep conversations. We are lead to believe that more is going on than meets the eye. This is proved to be the case as at the climax to the episode they begin a romantic relationship. The build-up to the kiss is believable as Cara contrasts the characters of Stephen and John, claiming that Stephen has reminded her that she is alive. This is a major twist which is bound to have serious implications on the future of the show

Verdict 10/10

To put it simply, the best episode to date and the first worthy of full marks. I can’t find any worthwhile fault in the episode. It focused on my favourite aspect of the show, the characterisation, and offered something new for each one. The rather large cast means that certain characters have a lot less prominence in episodes, this time it was Astrid and Stephen’s Family who didn’t appear at all, whereas Jedikiah was resigned to a minimal role. This however is not an issue as the show seems to balance out. Take this outing. It has targeted the character that has arguably been the weakest within the show. It is a testament to just how good it was that Russell is now one of my favourite characters in the show. This episode has really raised my anticipation as to where they go with these developments.