Snowpiercer Review: Without Their Maker (Season 1 Episode 4)

Snowpiercer is finally rolling down the tracks full steam ahead (pun fully intended). The further the show strays from being about the murder case, the easier it is to become invested in some of the rich characters aboard the train. 

On Snowpiercer Season 1 Episode 4, “Without Their Maker,” not only solves the murder that serves as the catalyst for the series, but digs deeper into several characters and takes things in a couple of wild directions. But that isn’t a bad thing at all. 

On the whole so far, Snowpiercer has felt pretty limited by the murder case. I was so worried that it was going to last the full ten episodes. So to solve it and move into some other stories is quite gratifying. 

So instead of being limited by who killed who or what the next development is — “Without Their Maker” delves into the characters further, but also into class warfare and some larger mysteries surrounding the train (Like, where’s Mr. Wilford?).

The fact that LJ is the true mastermind behind the murders is a strong message about the class differences. While tailies are just trying to survive and get their next meals, someone in first class is killing other people for (apparently) sport. 

LJ being the mastermind is honestly the worst story they have. It still isn’t bad, but LJ isn’t fleshed out as a character, nor does she come across as threatening in any way. The point about the class differences is there, but sloppily built. 

Otherwise, though, there’s some really interesting stuff on “Without Their Maker.” 

Till and Jinju’s relationship should arguably be more at the forefront, considering how prominent they’ve both been featured thus far. Their issues, though, (that they’re not ready to come out with an inter-class relationship) are also reflective of real-world issues. It’s an age-old story with a modern, post-apocalyptic bent that works but needs to be featured more. 

Easily the best bit,  though, is not only Andre’s hostility toward people of other classes but how quickly and easily he seems to figure out that Mr. Wilford either doesn’t exist or isn’t on the train. 

Jennifer Connelly’s Melanie remains delightfully coy when LJ’s mother demands to speak to Mr. Wilford, but less so when Andre figures it out. Still, both Daveed Diggs’ portrayal and commitment to justice between classes and Connelly’s reactive and coy Melanie are at their best. 

 

Snowpiercer certainly isn’t a perfect show, but there’s some serious promise here. Hopefully it’ll really start to take off now that they’re not so hindered by the murder trial. 

A few stray thoughts:

• Josie had one of the more compelling arcs on “Without Their Maker,” being able to sneak around third class to find some info.
• The opening voiceover bit about Snowpiercer is so meta. Fantastic.
• Andre being put into the sleep chamber is a really fascinating twist. Since he’s the lead it can’t last long, right? Or maybe there’s a two year time jump, who knows?!

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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