Review Guide:
Episode 2.01 San Jose - Advanced Preview & Review
Episode 2.02 Reunion - Review
Episode 2.03 Scion - Review
Episode 2.04 Densho - Review
Episode 2.05 Oubliette - Review
Episode 2.06 M. Domestica - Review
Episode 2.07 Cross Pollination - Review
Episode 2.08 Vade In Pace - Advance Preview & Review
Episode 2.09 Ectogenesis - Review
Episode 2.10 Mother - Review
Episode 2.11 Plan B - Review
Episode 2.12 The Ascendant - Review
Episode 2.13 O Brave New World (Season Finale) - Review
Helix - Vade In Pace - Recap/Review
Last episode we witnessed the tragic events that hit the Abbey when Michael killed off nearly his entire clan, some backstory on Michael,and saw Sarah struggle to overcome the loss of her baby.
"I came looking for you once, Michael, 30 years ago" Julia
This episode finally revealed Julia's true intentions, why she came to the island. I initially thought she came there for Michael, even though she did, she was really after Sarah's immortal baby. Julia has said that she came to the island 30 years ago looking for Michael but was unable to find him. Since the 30 years is tied into the CDC timeline she must have either just missed the CDC team or when she got there got turned away by someone claiming Michael had gone. If she was actually searching around the Abbey she would have found Michael like she did in the present.
Michael this episode got what was coming to him, in both the past and present. It was quite ironic after years of putting people into the pit that he'd get thrown in there himself. The showdown between Michael and Amy did come this episode, but it wasn't what I was expecting. I'd expected Amy to kill Michael, but instead showed him mercy, except really it wasn't mercy as an eternity in a pit is far worse than death. He did deserve that after years of tormenting and manipulating people.
What was more surprising was his death this episode. After he'd just got freed he gets his head removed by Caleb. I found everything a bit rushed, after Julia's entire goal was to find Michael, then find the baby. It seemed a bit absurd to have him die, as it effectively means her mission was for nothing, because I don't think she can find the baby without him. I'll admit when Michael was leading Julia to the Cliffside I had thought that he was taking her to Caleb's cave, which would've confirmed he's Sarah's child, sadly that didn't happen.
I'm still hoping we find out who Caleb is, as it's starting to drag out a bit too long now. He knows how to kill immortals so he has more knowledge than a common civilian, so there is not an explanation that would make sense if he weren't related or had some involvement with either Ilaria or Alan or Sarah. Also, where did he go? He has been absent for a while after leaving in the middle of the night with Hatake's sword. He's a very curious, and interesting character that needs to be explored. We hardly know him, and yet he has played such a big part in Julia's story this season.
"I'm not leaving this Island" Alan
Not much progress was made this episode with the CDC team, it felt more like an episode of mourning than anything else, a filler. The little progress that was made was related to the pathogen. One of the men Sarah shot managed to survive even though it takes 2 days for whoever becomes infected to die. This is because he had something inside him; he had been taking something from a tree with Red Sap. Whatever it could be is unknown, but it managed to keep him alive.
This could potentially be a breakthrough for them as if the man managed to survive longer than a usual infected they could somehow reverse it into a cure. Whilst I don't think they will ever make a cure, because of the on goings in the present storyline I'm glad they’re making progress. Who knows maybe they do find some form of a cure, and perhaps the cure isn't manufactured to cure immortals, which would explain why Julia's not cured.
The virus has spread to another island, and Sarah claimed it was the bees. Whilst it's possible, it doesn't seem that likely. There has to be another reason why another island fell victim to the virus. The reason I say that is because of the amount of people that are infected. The victims have to be either stung by the bee or consume the honey, since its believed that the bees are the carriers. Surely after 5 or so people come down with symptoms they would start to realize its the bees and honey, they wouldn't need to be a scientist to notice the similarities in the deaths. If it is the bees then there must have been another hive somewhere on the island,as the previous one got destroyed.
Now that Michael is gone we have lost our main villain for the season, whilst I have no doubt Amy can make a good enemy she won’t fill Michael's shoes. She is smart, but not as smart or cunning as Michael. Her end goal did become clear to us, and it was revealed she took the baby out. Her intentions are purely selfish, she doesn't care for anyone in the cult, but they are all oblivious to it. I'm hoping if the cult is to survive that Anne will take over, because she cares for each and every one of them. She is the most decent of them all and would make an excellent leader.
Another thing is where are Olivia and all them followers she had with her? Have they all died, If they did it wouldn't be too much of a surprise as they were never going to get better on their own, were they.
Additionally, when we saw the opening scene with all the dead bodies, there seemed an awfully large amount of people, considering there wasn't that many people when everyone gathered in the hall previously. It seemed a bit unrealistic that the numbers keep changing, just a little something I keep noticing.
Summary
It was a good episode. It was far from the best episode, but it was still an enjoyable instalment. The episode did feel like a bit of a filler episode with limited things happening though it does set us up nicely though for the next episode. We saw what happened to Michael, and why Julia came to the island. We also saw the CDC team gain another lead that could solve the outbreak, maybe. All in all, it was another great episode.
As always, thank you for reading! Let me know in the comments what you thought of "Vade In Pace"
Indeed a great episode. Really liked how Michael was finally punished.
ReplyDelete"Since the victims have to actually have the honey in their system to become infected, it seems unlikely"
We saw a few episodes back that someone who was stung by a bee became infected. Ergo, the honey and the bees are carriers of the disease.
It was a great episode and that baby was so freaky!!! Do you think Caleb is Sarah's Baby? It's unlikley but mayybe?! Do you think something will happen to Sarah after she ate a bit of the honey? Maybe that is what is killing immortals? I have so many questions that I need to get answered haha :D and I can't decide if I like Amy or not. She is so weird but I get why she is doing it.
ReplyDeleteI'm complete idiot, of course the bee's are the carriers of it. I remember now, that person that who got stung. (And also Honey comes from bees)
ReplyDeleteI've changed all of it now.
I've been thinking he's Sarah's baby ever since the season started so I'm holding onto that conclusion.
ReplyDeleteThat's interesting about Sarah actually, since Julia is infected with what looks to be the same virus then Sarah could well start to show some symptoms. (even if it's nothing major)
As she is immortal it would probably take much longer for any symptoms to show, but I wouldn't be surprised a bit of a fungus grew on her arm by the end of the season (like what Julia's got) that would then finally confirm both viruses are the same.
What did you think of the episode?
ReplyDeleteThis was actually the hardest recap/review to write as not too much happened (progression wise).
I'm glad Michael was permanently stopped. He was really psycho.
ReplyDeleteSo Sarah's child is either Caleb or someone else, I guess. That was so freaky when the cabinet was opened and there was the baby in a tank.
I feel like we pretty much got at the answer to why Julia came to the island in the future.
I'm not really sure where the rest of the eps will go. But it's been a wild ride this season.
Yeah, I still feel like I'm trying to process the whole ep.
ReplyDeleteI need to re-watch the entire season at one point. I tend to miss quite a few things.
ReplyDeleteI was glad he was stopped, but I wasn't expecting his death to come in the same episode as his imprisonment.
ReplyDeleteI'm still holding out that Caleb is her son, he just has to be. Although, I doubt we will find out who he is until much later in the season. The baby in the jar was very weird, and a bit creepy.
Is the baby still immortal? If it is then someone must have found a way to make it mortal or otherwise it wouldn't have been able to grow into Caleb, if he is her son. (I don't think immortals can grow)
About Julia, it's probably the best answer we will get from the show as to why she came there. I still want to know what she was doing for 30 years.
I liked this episode and didn't consider it a filler, considering we got a conclusion with Michael, found out why the compound was abandoned in the future, and found out what happened to Sarah's fetus. The fetus looked quite developed now, so is it growing rapidly now that it has been removed from her womb?
ReplyDeleteI thought sealing Michael up in a tomb memorial was a fitting end for the cult leader. I actually wish he hadn't been released. (Who know Brian Hackett
would go to nutty after leaving Nantucket :))
I do believe Caleb is the child of Sarah/ Alan. I am also guessing they made the mention of Julia visiting the island 30 years prior so they can reintroduce her in the past timeline soon?
As for the filler, I was mainly aiming that at the progression of finding a cure.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure what's going on with her fetus, isn't it immortal since she was? It should still be even though it got removed, and I thought if you were immortal you couldn't age, not just die? It did look bigger though, so I'm not too sure.
As for Michael, It was a fitting end to his reign as cult leader. I wasn't expecting him to stay imprisoned forever, but I wasn't expecting him to be released then killed in the same episode. He did make a good villain, but now Amy's in charge she could be just as bad as he was, maybe even worse.
I'm been saying Caleb is her son since episode 1, everything is pointing towards that, and he knows way to much about everything to not have any relation to her or the immortals.
That's a good point about Julia, they can now tie her into the past timeline. I wasn't sure how she was going to fit in considering she is 30 years ahead, but now they can easily have her come to the island and meet up with the CDC team since we now know she has been there before.
I thought they showed the baby with silver eyes at the end? I am wondering if Sarah's stupid move eating the tainted honey is what caused it to mutate into a strain that will kill immortals? Also, did the immortal woman- child send Julia there as a trap, knowing Michael is psychotic and would kill her?
ReplyDeleteTrue, there was no progression in finding a cure. I think for me personally, I find the immortal and character things more interesting than the gross yellow fungus (and black goo of season 1) so maybe that's why I just personally liked this episode.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you on the baby, logically an immortal baby would stay a baby forever. I have a feeling the writers are going to ditch logic on that one though. :)
Thanks for your reviews, I always find them interesting. :)
Thanks, much appreciated!
ReplyDeleteI didn't dislike the episode, it just wasn't my favorite one. I find when there focusing on the cure a lot more things get uncovered, and also there is a lot more for me to talk about ;)
You're probably right, I could see the writers doing that. I just hope nothing remains unanswered by the season finale as I'm not sure if we will be seeing a season 3.
I don't remember them showing the silver eyes. It was definitely immortal at some point, the question now is if it's remained immortal. As if it's an immortal like I said above it wouldn't be able to grow, but like you said the writers could ditch logic.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good theory about Sarah. Normally a virus/fungus wouldn't have an effect on immortals because they can't die. So something had to have changed to make it start targeting the immortals, and Sarah eating the honey is as good as an explanation as any.
The only question I have is how would it get to other immortals from her? Since it's not an airborne virus or you can't get it from contact.
Madam Durant (or whatever her name was) seemed to be on Julia's side. I don't think she wanted to kill her. If anything it would be the other immortals round the table. Durant's intentions seemed clear, help save them, and sending her to Michael was the only way they could save immortals since he's perfected infertility. (Supposedly)
"The showdown between Michael and Amy did come this episode, but it wasn't what I was expecting. I'd expected Amy to kill Michael...What was more surprising was his death this episode. After he'd just got freed he gets his head removed by Caleb. I found everything a bit rushed, after Julia's entire goal was to find Michael, then find the baby. It seemed a bit absurd to have him die, as it effectively means her mission was for nothing, because I don't think she can find the baby without him..."
ReplyDeleteWell you were right, Michael certainly died, but I too was surprised at who and when it occurred! I actually liked the way it happened. This is more like the Helix of last year, when a seemingly important character is suddenly put down-dead end. I think at this point we have to be right that Caleb is Sarah's and Alan's child---and I kind of am wondering if there will be a romantic connection between Julia and Caleb now, further twisting the knife in the family saga story?!
"Now that Michael is gone we have lost our main villain for the season, whilst I have no doubt Amy can make a good enemy she won’t fill Michael's shoes. She is smart, but not as smart or cunning as Michael. Her end goal did become clear to us, and it was revealed she took the baby out. Her intentions are purely selfish, she doesn't care for anyone in the cult, but they are all oblivious to it. I'm hoping if the cult is to survive that Anne will take over, because she cares for each and every one of them. She is the most decent of them all and would make an excellent leader."
I don't know if Caleb will still be "useful" if he is "the baby" at his age, but I am intrigued that it looks like the rest of the present story on the Island might focus on Amy and Ilaria's (with Julia I presume) arrival....I agree that Amy is not Michael, but she is reminiscent of other immortals like Constance and her son, but I disagree that we know what her over all plan is. She has gone from wanting to leave, to wanting stay and become immortal---we don't understand for what purpose exactly--(what is her vision in "surpassing" Michael and the others?), but we know Peter is waiting for Ilaria--and I can't imagine that will jive well with anyone staying on the Island for very long--we know Julia too comes and goes and it doesn't find Michael or the baby. (How did Julia miss finding Michael the first time??? My guess is that maybe the Abbey burns down before she gets a chance to explore it---and we still have to ask ourselves why was she also wanted to find Alan---did they not cross paths or does she believe he stayed behind?)
Other thoughts:
When I watched the screener, I had thought it was something that would be taken care of in post production and that our version was clearly not finished, but even in the aired episode there were a couple of scenes where the shots were 'out of order' like the scene in the hall with Anne and Peter. they showed him next to her, then far away looking at her, and then holding her shoulder, while he was voiced overed as if he had been next to her the whole time. There was another scene that was like this too (I can't remember which one), but I wonder if it's another intentional play on temporal effects?
Keep thinking Hatake will turn up too since it seems I am very wrong and Julia's experience with him was real. Again I'm curious just how long he had been living on the Island, if he was there 30 earlier too, how he preserved his families bodies for that long, and if he still has something to do with the whole thing?!
"That's a good theory about Sarah.(I never thought of that) Normally a virus/fungus wouldn't have an effect on immortals because they can't die. So something had to have changed to make it start targeting the immortals.Sarah eating the honey is as good as an explanation as any."
ReplyDeleteMy guesses are that Ilaria and Amy are going to get into it. I keep thinking that Narvik Virus(es) (A,B,C) might be linked to this Island (remember Hatake also comes to live here, why?). It wouldn't surprise me if Amy does something that accidentally mutates the pathegon or The immortals DNA or Ilaria does something to stop Amy--should Sarah help her become immortal.
Or maybe it's all on Alan trying to protect the baby from everyone?!
However the promo for next week seems to finally point to what I suspected all along, that there are other people living on the Island (although they could just be the infected people they kicked out). In any case, I am thinking the baby ends up with them, juxtaposing Daniel.
I just want them to hurry up and reveal who Caleb is, it's probably better that they build up to it, but I hate waiting. It wouldn't surprise me too much if something romantic happened between Julia and Alan.
ReplyDeleteCaleb acts like Julia's guardian angel, he's helped her many times when she has been in trouble, and you wouldn't do that for anyone, so he either knows who she is because of his father or he likes her.
I don't think she will make immortal children as if she has already Julia wouldn't still be looking for the immortal baby/Michael in the present storyline. I have no idea how she missed Michael in the past. Even if the Abbey was burnt down she would've still looked around, like she did in the present. Someone must have told her that Michael was gone making her go away. Perhaps she does end up meeting the CDC team, and in the end Alan decides to stay for whatever reason which then would tie into her looking for him in the present.
There is still a lot yet to be discovered, but at least were getting somewhere with tying the two timelines together.
Genocide was what most of the immortals wanted, the ones who didn't know about Michael and the work he was doing, which all seems a bit pointless now. I don't think he ever found a solution to there problems, and I can't see Amy finding one either.
I'm actually questioning now who removed the baby, I don't think Amy knew about the immortal child, where as Michael did.Then the question remains as how did she find out, but then again Alan was there when it was getting removed, and to my knowledge Amy ordered Landry to use that mind control stuff on him. They both seemed linked to the removal one way or another, so perhaps they both were involved.
I think most of the remaining cult will end up dying by the end of the season, except maybe Anne. I can see her leaving the island with Peter, too much heartbreak if she stayed behind.
Something has to happen for it to mutate into effecting immortals as well as non immortals. It had to be changed. Whilst I did like the idea about Sarah taking the honey being tied into it, it doesn't seem possible since it's a non contact virus.
ReplyDeleteI think the virus will become airborne somehow, it's the only way I can see that everyone will be targeted by it including immortals. It's still possible Amy did something (someone had to) when trying to become an immortal.
We know the world isn't doing great after a virus has struck it, and I'm not sure it would spread around the world if it didn't become airborne. Since you have to either be stung by a bee or eat the contaminated honey (so we know of currently) I can't see everyone around the world eating/being stuck. The virus doesn't pass on at all through contact.
If it went airborne, then wouldn't Hatake be infected too? Would it really just dissipate over 30 years? I still think the green goo may play a role in the immortal sickness and not just the honey alone. Maybe it will be in the water or food supply?
ReplyDeleteI have to rewatch the episode with Caleb and Julia in the cave again to see what exactly Julia said, but maybe the sickness around the world is not the honey pathogen, but the Narvik C?
"I don't think she will make immortal children as if she has already Julia wouldn't still be looking for the immortal baby/Michael in the present storyline."
ReplyDeleteYou're right, but I just meant more along the lines of what Amy is thinking, more than what she will or will not accomplish.
My comments on the genocide were also about motivation. I'm just curious as the reason(s) behind some of the Immortals belief(s) that Genocide is the answer and not changing the mortals to immortals (or something), instead.
I know they ironically view mortals as a disease plaguing the world, but there is still this bizarre rationality that some of them think elimination is the key and I'm curious to were this philosophy derives--who or whom is driving/started this notion?
And with that Michael was trying to make more immortals, but unsuccessfully he failed and he seemed anti-Ilaria, but Ilaria might change their tune once they (immortals) get sick, which is why Amy could still be trying to make it happen elsewhere for 30 yrs, despite also being unsuccessful.
Maybe it's the attempt to replicate Sarah's previous circumstances that cause the mutation?
I agree with you that the story is dragging, but I have felt that way for a while. I guess that is the price one has to pay for a more character driven story. My fear is that the rest of the season will be like this, but I'm hoping now that we have crossed the half way mark that the show will kick into over drive and be a little bit more like last season.
My biggest fear is that the show will end on a cliffhanger, and that we wont get a season 3. With the ratings it's getting S3 is looking unlikely. I hope everything gets covered before the finale, so I as well hope the show will pick up the pace.
ReplyDeleteAh, I misunderstood with what you said earlier about the immortals. The head of Ilaria probably started the notion that genocide is the answer. He or she may have been one of the first ever immortals, and could of had bad experiences with mortals, which could be why that person wants to get rid of all the mortals. I'm just assuming there is a head of Ilaria.
I suppose that's true he would be infected if it was airborne. There goes that theory :)
ReplyDeleteIt could be the Narvik, they haven't told us too much about it. Something needs to happen on the show to make things clear as to whether there is two different outbreaks or the same.
Also, I guess they wouldn't have introduced the Narvik C cure if it didn't have a purpose for that virus in the story.
"Ah, I misunderstood with what you said earlier about the immortals. The head of Ilaria probably started the notion that genocide is the answer. He or she may have been one of the first ever immortals."
ReplyDeleteYa that is what I was getting at. Just curious about what the personalized story around this person or original immortals are and how it ties into the twisty love story/family saga part. I was hoping we would get more of an origin story this season, but unless a whole lot of turning over happens that suddenly goes there, it looks like I was wrong about that too. It would def suck if we would be left on a cliffhanger. I hope not. I would be ok with a shortened season 3 or even like a mini-series just to finish the story up, but I doubt we will be that lucky should the cliffhanger happen. :(
I think Alan weaponized the fungus to kill immortals.
ReplyDeleteGood episode. So Amy wants to be an immortal and I thought she wanted off the island. I agree with most of the comments on the baby, its already an immortal meaning it will never grow up.
ReplyDeleteBut one question, who is the star or main character of this show? Last year, it was clearly Alan but this season, there has been a lot of focus on Peter. Are they co-leads now? I am just curious.
I didn't see your comment, very sorry.
ReplyDeleteBilly Campbell (Alan) and Kyra (Julia) are the two leads on the show. Everyone else is supporting cast to my knowledge. Even though it's been heavily focused on Peter, Neil is still supporting cast.
Just finished Vade in Pace. I love how everything is coming together as the series progresses.
ReplyDeleteThe only other TV series katana I know of is Duncan MacLeod's, from Highlander. Is it just coincidence that it is also used to cut the head off of immortals?