Humans - Episode 1.05 - Review : "It's All Coming Together"

After four frantic episodes of Humans, it's all coming together as we throttle forward into the second half of this thrilling and suspenseful Channel 4/AMC drama - and as we've noticed, Humans is a lot more than just that. After last weeks shocking cliffhanger (which, I apologize for not being around to review), the show is beginning to finally weave together the endless multitude of string - that are dubiously created plot lines, and I'm finally beginning to understand more of the show's general purpose. Humans is finding its feet, and it's doing so in a way that still makes me hesitant and exhilarated for how this show is going to conclude, because even though this episode allowed us to take a large step forward, there are still many more questions that need to be answered.

After Joe's guilty gander last week, the Hawkins family is in collision on whether to keep Anita. At first, I was muttering "not this again" in my brain, expecting, of course, for Laura to side against her and once again, it would be Adults vs. Children (like that of most households). However, instead, Laura is beginning to turn away from his repetitive negativity, instead, she wishes, like Mattie, to be a force with her - something which could hold this relationship in extreme power regarding the debate upon whether Humans and Synths can work together within society.

Whilst the previous episode was not as riveting as this weeks, the giant cliffhanger that Karen Voss, was in-fact, another very well disguised Synth, was perfectly dramatic and electric to watch - especially as I screamed to the Television "Is that a water balloon coming from her chest?" - and of course, another unexpected element (or expected, depending on how closely you've been watching), added to Humans' unique and integral tension. This week, following Niska's atrocious public attack, Voss and Pete are investigating Niska's identity and whereabouts. However, do both have the same end goal? Pete's hatred comes from his inner jealousy, of course, as we see him joining in at a social discrimination event against Synths. Whereas, Voss seems to have a more detailed presence in her detective work - is she trying to find fellow Synths similar to her? And how did she gain this consciousness, as she isn't involved in Leo's band of misfits. Once again, Humans continues to be groundbreaking in its ease to shock the audience, no need for the over-use of death, the subtle hints to character interests allows Humans to be intense in its own fragile way.

Talking about our daredevil droid, Niska had (finally) a bit more of a calmer day... Wait, hold on, that doesn't mean she doesn't still try to kill someone, of course she does, she just does some other stuff whilst she's at it. No but really, that "other stuff" is quite important. Leo - quite cleverly, may I add - decides to put her somewhere she's safe (which isn't most places when you've just killed/wounded many people), so she's in the hands of the lovely George Millican. These scenes allow us to get more descriptions on how these 'special' Synths were created, and now I'm finally understanding the larger plot that has been cowering behind the hordes of character development we've had recently. However, the writers continue to be very intelligent, for it may be not until now in which we're beginning to learn the secrets of Humans, but we care for these characters , albeit some more than others, but either way, introducing the main story arch now, means it's worth something and the outcome is dear to our hearts because we have bonded strongly with these characters. In the end, it all pays off.

Elsewhere, Mattie has taken a brave jump into helping Leo and Max figure out whether Anita could return to her previous form, but it seems everything isn't going to plan. There were some stellar moments here, especially as it all becomes crucially heartbreaking for Leo and we begin to finally see why he's really doing this - because he wishes to have back the girl he once loved. These moments allowed us, once again, to see Humans exploring yet more themes - this being love, and how unlike Leo, you should never give up on it. Sorry, this is getting a bit deep again. (I'll wipe away my tears...)

Love isn't being very strong anywhere, it seems. Guilt wondering around the abyss of Joe's mind, with even his son shockingly taking the blame, it was time to own up and face up to the consequences of his Anita antics. Obviously, it wasn't going to go down well, and Laura was having none of it. Whilst this may be the more melodramatic part of the plot, it definitely allows us to see the problems with something being better than humanity, is that of course, nothing that a human does, can be better than what the Synth does. Which means, of course, why do we need love?

The biggest "WOW" moment of the episode for me, was the fact the writers have completely done a U-point turn on what we thought we knew about Hobb's presence on the show. After keeping Fred captive for so long, I was sure his death was just around the corner. As Millican continued to bring up names and stories about how they were created, Fred's death was imminent. Until, the writers did a stellar cliffhanger, possibly the best one yet, that Hobb is actually those who helped create Fred - so what are his real plans? Whatever they are, I'm so excited after this honest and beautiful installment to Humans.

My favourite episode this series, episode five of Humans finally integrates all of the plots that have been introduced, as well as welcoming the main essence of the show with a more-than-satisfying cliffhanger, whilst still adding those real, emotional elements that make Humans, well 'Human'. With everything going a little mad as the second half of the series proceeds, I'm still unstable about how the show will conclude - and yet, I'm quite alright with that.

What did you think of this episode of Humans? Do you think Laura and Joe will ever find love again? And what do you think Hobbs up to? 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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