The Strain - It's Not For Everyone - Review: "They're Hunting Us"

One thing that is interesting to me about The Strain is how quickly the episodes fly by, feeling as if only minutes have passed. Episode four, which aired Sunday, was no different. However, that is where the similarities to other episodes end. The gore and action scenes are plentiful in this episode of The Strain, almost doubling the amount we've seen in either episode two or three, which felt a little slow and lacking to me. Episode four, "It's Not For Everyone", is just what The Strain needed after the last two episodes and I think everyone will enjoy the direction the show is taking moving forward.

We learn a lot about our characters and where they stand in this episode. Alliances are forged between unlikely people and we have a better perspective of the virus and what it does. We have yet to learn the 'Why's", but that is understandable given it is only the fourth episode of a 13 episode first season. I love how faithful the creators and writers are to the source material, including the comics of which I am a huge fan. Nora is clearly having a difficult time adjusting to what is going on around her as Eph seamlessly aligns himself with Setrakian over how to handle the Viral creatures. After the way he dispatched Captain Redfern last week and his subsequent autopsy, we can think of Eph as someone who will stop at nothing to save humanity from The Master and it's clutches. However, Eph still is in the dark about The Master's involvement with the pandemic and with The Master's very existence as well. Lets hope that his new friendship and partnering with Setrakian will enlighten him to what is really going on and how he can assist with eradicating the virus and the predatory species.

This episode definitely upped the creepiness factor from previous ones. The autopsy of Captain Redfern was gruesome to say the least, which, of course, to horror fans makes it awesome. I am still astounded at the level of detail the creators have given to the creatures. Ansel Barbour's story line equally creepy now that we see him at the cusp of his transformation. One of the original four survivors, he valiantly recognized his own murderous and destructive inclinations, chaining himself inside the shed, but not before killing the family dog. I thought it was funny when Mrs. Barbour led the neighbor into the shed to be consumed by her husband after she found out the neighbor abused her dog.

Eph tries desperately to get Nora to join his newly discovered cause. She tells him pleadingly that they are not hunting human beings. Eph replies "They're hunting us". Eph explains that, as CDC epidemiologists, they have a duty to the people of New York (and everyone else I imagine) to eliminate any threat to their health. Now that it finally means something they have no choice but to help Setrakian after what they have seen. I admit that Eph has definitely gulped down the Kool-Aid, but it is making the series exponentially better now that there are more vampire creatures turning and at least Eph and Setrakian are hunting them. Now to just get Nora on their team and whoever else will come join them.

I imagine it is going to be difficult for Setrakian to bring people to his side against the terror that is now in the initial stages of demolishing and overwhelming New York City. He obviously knows more about what is transpiring than most people involved, but convincing Eph and Nora and anyone else will be a struggle in itself. He seem to have convinced Eph for the time being, but showing Nora what needs to be done and getting her on board appears arduous and time consuming.

Thoughts and Discussion

- Did you notice...Some of the creatures seem to transform quicker than others. Is there a reason for this that makes it an important aspect of the virus?

- Did you notice...Setrakian says this before decapitating the Arnot patriarch - "Sabia mea fredoneaza de argint" - Translated means, "My sword sings of silver." (how cool is that?!)

- Was the selection of the people on the Regis Air flight random or purposeful?

- How much does Jim Kent know and how much info has he given Herr Eichorst?

- Will it be easy for Setrakian and Eph to convince Nora, A Doctor and Scientist, what needs to be done about the epidemic? Maybe now that Eph is on board, Nora will find it easier to help and join Setrakian's cause.

I hope everyone enjoyed the episode and is enjoying the series so far! I think the episodes are going to keep getting better and better from here on out, especially now that Setrakian and Eph are working as a team.

About the Author - Geo N

My name is George and I am from Detroit, MI. My favorite shows are The Blacklist, Hell On Wheels, The Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, LOST, Sons Of Anarchy, Sleepy Hollow and countless other shows. When I'm not watching tons of TV, I enjoy reading, playing hockey, comic books, weightlifting, and writing. Thanks for checking out my post.

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