Wayward Pines - Cycle - Review : "People Surprise You"

Well folks, it seems it's time to say goodbye to Wayward Pines... After ten weeks of roaring mystery, integral intensity and fearless plot-twists, the town's coming to a close - or is it? For the finale of the suspenseful series, titled Cycle, suggests to us that people surprise us (both inside and outside the show), because the episode went out with a bang - an intrepid one to say the least; with a largely divided public opinion causing outrage over the future of Wayward Pines. But before I go into the marmite that was the conclusion, it's time to delve into the episodes events as a whole, and whether this was the satisfactory episode we needed to conclude the thrill ride we've had on this apocalyptic extravaganza.

With the Abbie's roaming the streets and feasting upon the citizens of Wayward Pines (in a rather gory fashion, may I say), the town is fueled with outrageous frenzies, but of course, someone has to take charge and lead the people away from the abundance of terror occurring within the once peaceful- albeit on the verge of deadly - but safe town. That 'someone' is both Ethan and Kate, ironically, both have caused havoc and chaos within the town, which makes me question whether the writers suggested this leadership they're both taking as to be their revival into their once professional agent careers. Without a doubt, both Ethan and Kate have come on a spiritual adventure together - both almost finding themselves, and realizing that they don't necessarily need each other to be courageous and strong-willed like they used to. Yes, I know this episode divided many opinions, but I have to applaud the character development between the two, especially Kate, her forgiveness and ability to accept her flaws have led her to become an able and beautiful leader - also, let's not forget, she's pretty damn badass.

A really hard thing to do in series' today is to actually create original and unique monsters without making them look tedious or a little pathetic, but I have to say, the tension built from the introduction of the Abbies paid off massively - for even I, sitting 2000 years away, got a sense of dread watching them tear the humans limb by limb, yeah, I'm glad it's not 4020 yet.

David Pilcher has been a very fascinating villain, mainly because the show has teased whether or not he is actually is the villain of the series - and there's that mystery again, that always lurks behind the scenes of each episode, almost doubting our own thoughts. However, this episode solidly stated how manipulative and carelessly evil Pilcher really was, and it made for some excruciatingly thoughtful scenes as Pilcher suggests that whilst he may die, his ideas will continue to live on - for me, this is the writers teasing something more distant than that of the apocalypse, something of a more moral dilemma - are we eternal in terms of how our ideas have molded history, or is that our arrogant, selfish Pilcher speaking? Unfortunately, some of David's scenes here just felt a little melodramatic and stereotypical for any average villain, whilst these scenes were still haunting and addictive to watch, it almost felt like Pilcher was so drunk on power that his intelligence began to fade, and for me, this removed his originality within his character. And of course, his manipulative streak was going so well, until his sister had something brutal to say about it...

Remember when we all thought Pam was this cryptic psycho nurse, whom obviously wanted everyone dead? How times have changed! Whilst there were some errors in this daunting finale, let's not forget how significant Pam's presence was as she fiercely stood up to her brother with dignity and strength. I think I was actually rooting for Pam more than anyone else on the show this episode, and I think it's because she showed how she moved out of the system she was being forced into, she allowed herself to move away from her brother's shadow, with his deadly plans and vicious hunger for power, and become her own ruthless person. This relationship, in itself, is another huge positive for the show, because of the similarities between brother and sister being real and honest, rather than the audience just being told that they're siblings - for me, both have done wrong, but the differences become evident as Pam begins to use her power for the good of others, whereas David continues to reek for more power, and to use it to manipulate others. Some of these speeches were magnificently wrote, and so captivating to watch, especially as she nearly inspires the team within to fight with her - of course, she gets abruptly interrupted, but we know she gets her revenge - and a savage one, at that.

A race for survival was on as the lift bolted with civilians with the Abbies attacking the chambers of bodies left behind. Everything was especially dark and energetic, and the pacing of this was perfectly set, with the speed never outweighing the character emotion - especially, near the end, as we saw Ben and Ethan say an saddening farewell - a goodbye that Ben would soon hold closer to his heart. I was left gasping for breath as Ethan sparked into flames - for he is the main character of the show, and although this is a limited series, his aspirations seemed far too large for him to die surrounded by Abbies. Either way, his death left a wound in the audience and in regards to the story, for his sacrifice had indeed saved the human race, a new chance to start-over within the safety of Kate and Pam was coming, and that was the end of Wayward Pines. Well, unfortunately not...(but I wished it had been).

This episode is especially hard to review because so much happens, and I wouldn't want to repeat everything that occurred, but every scene (before the last) continued to intrigue me, especially that of The First Generation, whilst, a little repetitive in their annoying habits, I was excited to see where the show would take them, unfortunately, it was down a weird and divisive path. I know that the conclusion of Ben waking up was one that made fans a little skeptical for any ideas they had for the shows future, and I have to say, I did have a little 'Um...what?!' moment as I blankly stared into the credits, but the concept of the First Generation rising above the adults could seem plausible, however, only with time, and that, we did not have. It seemed too far-fetched and outrageous for this all to have occurred after Kate and Pam had began to set up ideas about how to save humanity - whilst the First Generation did have supplies, the Abbies still roamed, and the gates would've been unlocked for them to completely destroy the town, and surely the adults had the technology and intelligence to stop the teenagers from overthrowing them? More importantly, it felt like the whole sacrifice of Ethan, and the tear-jerking moments of panic as Theresa and the others rushed to safety was all for nothing? Just to be thrown back into their deep sleeps? I understand the writers were trying to be creative, integral and surprising (note to title) in their conclusion, but honestly, it didn't pay off - however, with time, it may have. This could have been a promising idea for a Season Two, with the next season focusing on the First Generation finding ways to attack Kate, Pam and the adults, with an epic war leaving them regaining control of the town. With time, this idea could have really perplexed into something brutally epic, but unfortauntely, it feels far too quick, and highly wasted, although Ben's re-introduction was highly creepy, with the writers reminding us that mystery is just around the corner, it still felt like the episode's events had dissolved into the final 5 minutes.

Nevertheless, let's not dull on the risque conclusion, and rather, celebrate the series' attempts to bring a creative edge on the melodramatic mystery theme that runs through many repetitive shows, Wayward Pines ended on a strangely unsatisfactory note, but let's not forget how unforgettable the episode was apart from that : Dead David Pilcher (yay!), Kate and Pam's sneering negotiations, and Ethan's heroic end all made Cycle another gripping chapter of the Wayward Pines saga. Whilst determined to throw some hasty conclusions, Cycle bids farewell to a show that made sure it would never take a backseat in it's production, M. Night Shyamalan reminded us of his bold and brutal edge on the supernatural genre, whilst I'm unsure a Season Two would be a wise direction, this limited series held the audience by their hairs and made sure to deliver some shocking and intense moments that we will forever remember. Farewell Wayward Pines...

Side Note - Thank you so much for reading and commenting on my Wayward Pines reviews and advance previews for the last 4-5 weeks, I hope you've enjoyed this show as much as I have!

What did you think of the finale of Wayward Pines? Would you like to see another season? And are you happy with the conclusion? Please 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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