Snowpiercer Review: The Universe is Indifferent (Season 1 Episode 7)
Snowpiercer seems to finally be rolling full-steam ahead. Yes, pun intended. The post-apocalyptic train drama is finally starting to raise the stakes and become more exciting.
Snowpiercer Season 1 Episode 7, “The Universe is Indifferent,” highlights Melanie’s search for Layton and her willingness to protect the secret of Mr. Wilford. The more Melanie works to contain the spread of this information, the more it spreads.
“The Universe is Indifferent” accomplishes what only one other episode before it could accomplish – it’s exciting. Melanie’s hunt for Layton while Layton evades her and dangles the secrets about the train to each person he sees is a compelling ride. This story gives a heartbeat to the episode that sends it quickly and efficiently through an hour.
“The Universe is Indifferent” is only the second episode of Snowpiercer that isn’t punishingly slow-burn, and actually delightfully opposite of that.
Essentially, the quality of “The Universe is Indifferent” is attributed mainly to the rising stakes between the bubbling revolutionaries and the counter measures taken by the train’s administration. There’s also a coup bubbling up against Melanie in 1st class, which suggests some of these already heated conflicts are about to begin to boil over as the season starts to wind up over the next few episodes.
Perhaps the most impressive thing about “The Universe is Indifferent” is the way that some arcs develop unexpectedly and others very expectedly, and yet it’s still a compelling watch.
For instance, Till. She becomes more sympathetic to Layton as the show goes on and even helps him escape. As Josie is tortured and questioned about Layton, Till’s conflict between her new class situation, her relationship, and her sense of right and wrong are apparent. Mickey Sumner gives an extremely compelling performance here.
Better still, though, is Katie McGuinness’ performance as Josie. Her commitment to Layton, Miles, and the plight of the tail all work together for some unexpected and wildly entertaining moments during “The Universe is Indifferent.” (Spoilers) The loss of Josie, too, brings some emotional heft that has previously been lacking on Snowpiercer.
Even aside from these two major arcs, the likes of Layton, Zarah, Ruth, Miles, and LJ all have compelling work to do. Each will clearly have a role to play in the continually brewing conflict, and each has significant and compelling moments on “The Universe is Indifferent.”
What this means for the metaphor elements of the show — it simply recognizes that authority figures tend to want to squash dissent in the name of “peace.” That couldn’t be more appropriate, if a bit on the nose, for our current times.
A few stray thoughts:
- Telling LJ about Mr. Wilford is a stroke of brilliance. Hopefully that pays off in the coming episodes.
- My only real quibble with this episode is: how is it THAT difficult to find a fugitive on a train? You can’t just have every car searched and block the gateways?
- Ruth’s arc is extremely compelling this time around. They’re finally using her and Alison Wright is rising to the challenge. Amazing.
- When Miles gets sick and all the other kids put on masks — maybe that was a little on the nose given the state of the world. Still important.
- For the first time in 7 weeks, I’m looking forward to the next episode of Snowpiercer. Guess there’s something to be said for sticking things out sometimes!
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.