Snowpiercer Review: The Train Demanded Blood / 994 Cars Long (Season 1 Episodes 9 and 10)
Snowpiercer ramps up their excitement quickly over the second half of the first season, and by the two-hour finale, it truly pays off.
On Snowpiercer Season 1 Episode 9, “The Train Demanded Blood,” the revolution ends as swiftly as it began, but not in the way you’d think. Andre is prepared to surrender, but then he and Melanie team up to save and take over the train in one fell swoop.
Then, on Snowpiercer Season 1 Episode 10, “994 Cars Long,” Layton and company get a taste of the new world order, right before a new outside threat arrives. And it’s a doozy.
“The Train Demanded Blood,” the first half of a two-hour long finale, is the true climax of the first season of Snowpiercer. Layton wins the battle but it seems he is going to lose the war, as saving the train will cause him to have to sacrifice himself.
But of course, the way out is the most intriguing. Instead of sacrificing himself, Layton teams up with Melanie (now also an outcast) which really gives “The Train Demanded Blood” a strong chemistry on which to build. The biggest downfall of earlier episodes this season has been not capitalizing on the clear chemistry between Daveed Diggs and Jennifer Connelly, but “The Train Demanded Blood” makes up for that in a big way.
Melanie and Layton seems like strange bedfellows at first glance, but for one, it makes sense that the two leads would work together. Layton convinces Melanie there might be a better way with his idealism, and Melanie helps Layton to recognize the harsh realities of leadership.
Andre Layton: You knew I’d have to cut them.
Melanie Cavill: I knew the choice was yours.
Cutting out some of the train cars is absolutely bonkers, but works within the context of the show. It’s also an exciting shake-up, as they got rid of several characters (including the insufferable Folgers).
Just as “The Train Demanded Blood” works as the climax, “994 Cars Long” works to introduce a new mystery element to the series. But it’s not without its character-focused moments, either.
“994 Cars” represents change in the lives of the people on Snowpiercer. Till and Jinju’s relationship ends. Layton and Zarah are expecting a baby.
Perhaps the most compelling character on “994 Cars,” though, is Melanie.
If you had told me I would weep during one of Melanie’s scenes after the first episode, I wouldn’t have believed you. And yet, here we are.
Melanie’s experience with Audrey may have been the most powerful scene on Snowpiercer to date. As she reconciled with the loss she experienced, it both sets up something (not very) surprising, but also makes Melanie seem more human than she has during the entire season.
Jennifer Connelly has been killing the role of Melanie since Day 1, but she really steps up on “994 Cars.” She clearly has what it takes to lead this series.
“994 Cars” also marks the beginning of Layton’s leadership. There is some fantastic allegory present about the difficulties of leading in a tense society or after major conflict. Snowpiercer handles politics much better now than it did at the beginning.
But of course, “994 Cars” also introduces other survivors and creates a whole new dynamic ahead of Season 2. It’s hard to say what’s going to happen, but it does work well to shake things up. I thought it might be another full season before they introduced other survivors, but either way the shakeup is exciting.
As a whole, the first season of Snowpiercer starts out very slow, but as things ramp up and the characters are more clear, things get very exciting. It may work better as a binge than a week-to-week watch.
A few stray thoughts:
- Rowan Blanchard is nearly unrecognizable as grown-up Alexandra Cavill. But this Girl Meets World fan is excited to have her.
- “Layton, you have the train.” What a powerful moment.
- Season 2 preview shows Sean Bean added to the cast as (presumably) Mr. Wilford. Excited.
What did you think of this episode of Snowpiercer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Snowpiercer airs Sundays at 9/8c on TNT.
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Nick Hogan
Nick Hogan is an experienced podcaster and writer (particularly on media topics), who loves discussion and analysis of TV and is always looking for new shows to watch. He is also a parent who loves buffalo wings, blowing raspberries, and his beloved Cincinnati Reds.