Wayward Pines - Choices - Review : "Blast From The Past"

After returning from it's lengthy hiatus, Wayward Pines is finally back, and of course, it continued to blow my mind. Although relatively new to this addictive anarchy, I'm beginning to not trust anyone, not make any decisions about how the show will evolve, and not get too attached to characters - because, as we've learnt, nobody is safe (mind the cliche). Episode six, titled 'Choices', once again presented a very large concept that will be frighteningly new and unique to the audience, nevertheless, the writers seem to grab hold of these exquisite and fragile themes, and spontaneously toss them around with vigilance, unafraid of whether they will be able to convince the audience to believe in this lush and crazy idea that they're exploring. Luckily for them, for the most part, it works.

'The Truth', the previous episode, seemed to turn the tables for Ethan and the audience. Respectively, the audience, in retrospect, is the direct follower of Ethan, when he is revealed to have new information, so are we - Wayward Pines is a map full of secrets, and as they're explored and opinionated by Ethan, they're also understood by the audience. The town was all but a muddled mystery to us previously, and now, as the episodes continue to flourish, we are beginning to know the true horrors of Wayward Pines, and the darkness that lurks above and below it.

Whilst David Pilchers full identity is starting to come to life, I'm not sure I still really trust him, and I think Ethan may be in the same broken boat as the audience. As whilst he is in safety, the secrets that are being unraveled are filled with blood and poison. Yes, Pilcher may have began to continue human existence, but at what cost? Normality and freedom taken, morals and equality removed, David may have created a future for humanity, but he has removed any humanity from the humans that remain. The idea of 'The Complex' may be a little tiring for the brain to function, considering the logistics of this operation, but the delivery from the writers and directors is defiantly plausible. The actions taken by Pilcher and his team are almost recognizable to society today, for aren't the luckier (well, maybe 'richer' is a more suited word) freezing themselves to be forever known? The idea of sitting in a ice cage for centuries certainly isn't my cup of tea, and that's why Pilcher's idea is marked as morally incorrect by Ethan - therefore making his character, once again, very relatable for the audience, as we're not all intelligently mad scientists such as Pilcher, but we do all have fear, and Wayward Pines works fear from the audience into Ethan Hawke.

But it seems the depth of dread doesn't just hover over the pines, as the town has some bigger threats coming, as it could all return to how Group A ended (more on that...later). It seems Kate is beginning to tire of the towns mysteries, and is preparing a radical plan to expose the town to the truth of the outside. This segment was especially cleverly written, of course, we as the audience now know that the Abbies continue to threaten the lack of humanity left, but we were only revealed that very recently, which allows us to understand how Kate and others in the town must be feeling. There's a sense of doubt and immediacy, as Kate has, for the majority, lived her life caved in my walls and bounded by fear, and as with anyone, there must be a point where you break away from your boundaries and limits, and discover the truth. Using Theresa to mould her plan was ruthless and tactical, but I'm sure, as Ethan backs away, Theresa, gladly, will take his place as the agent of Wayward Pines - discovering the reasons behind motives because she certainly isn't stupid.

Probably the core of 'Choices', was the choices made by Pilcher in the time before Wayward Pines, for he was the beginning of the town and the start of the evolution of humanity into those who survived, and those who became mere aberrations. The flashbacks were appropriate, if a little melodramatic at times, but captured the intensity of the world before. Pilcher and his sister are definitely an odd pair, but their emotional resistance in these scenes almost radiated the pain felt in this world, which, consequently, is the world we're meant to believe is the society today. I love the dramatic take they took for these scenes, even mentioning and revealing Megan Fisher's past introduction to Pilcher allows us to recognize why she has such a large role in the undertaking of creating the First Generation. This all wraps together in order to make Wayward Pines a nicely wrapped present, whilst it does have some issues with the height of the story, it largely pulls off these issues by carefully explaining and addressing how the story works and how it has previously worked - I'd be very happy with Wayward Pines for a birthday present (hint hint... not sure where I'm going with this metaphor.)

As previously stated, probably my favourite character on the show at the moment, is Theresa. Her bad-ass quips and fierce intentions just justify how well she'd fit in if she had continued training to becoming an agent. Obviously, as more mysteries are unfolded, more mysteries begin, as Plot 33 becomes filled with questions. Theresa, whilst slaved by her boss, Big Bill and pitiful to her peers, is determined to follow in Ethan's footsteps in exploring the secrets of Wayward Pines. Her quick skills have adapted in the limited time she's been in the town, and yet, I'm so exhilarated to see more of her reading between the lines and identifying what the town is all about and who to trust - which, as a matter of fact, I'm still unsure about...

Ben also seems to be having problems in the manipulation or confusion that is roosting in his head, the spine-tingling chanting that keeps being repeated allow us to pity him hugely, for since the revealing of the truth, he has to cope with where he is and ultimately, what he is - a burden for any, let alone a young boy who seems to feel lost in the world anyhow.

As the episode begins to concludes, a horrific image unfolds. As Kate and team prepare to diverge against the town with an explosive exit (Congratulations if you've noticed the running theme of 'bombs' within this review), it seems that David and Ethan will begin a rescue mission to prevent the secrets of Wayward Pines from being spread within the town like disease. However, I have a hint of mistrust within both sides, which makes this conclusion so riveting and exciting, as Harold is having doubts (as would anyone), Kate has already proved to be a very good actress, and we know David would do anything to stop Group B from following in the devastation caused by Group A. So, as this final scene concurs, the audience is left in the open, but wherever this show will run too and whatever choices will be made, I'm sure it'll be unbelievably awesome.

Wayward Pines - Choices was another spectacle for the series, whilst some of it's concepts may be a little heavy, the portrayal is honest and emotional, which is crucial in the audience understanding the baffling ideas being thrown at them. Once again, the characters allow the story to flow, with Kate's determination to get a blast from the past once again turns heads in the audience, due to the show being risky and mostly paying off for it. Once again, I'm left ravishing for more - a bit like an Abbie...

What did you think of episode six of Wayward Pines? Did it continue to thrill your expectations or where you still unsure whether this series actually makes any sense? Let me know in the comments below!

About the Author - Owen Bush

Owen likes to regard himself as a reviewer, photographer, graphical designer and obssessor over a large range of TV shows. He also takes large interest in acting and drama - so if you see him in a TV show in 2050, let him know. In The Flesh will always be dear to his heart.

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