'Ebb Tide' was, more or less, a setup episode for what is sure to be a riveting, two hour finale next weekend. The pacing was thus a bit slower than usual; however, the episode did offer some very memorable sequences as they seem to do every week.
As mentioned three weeks ago following the Ms. Ives centric, 'A Blade of Grass,' the relationship between Vanessa and Caliban has been one of the most captivating character dynamics in this series. This is in large part to the strength of both actors involved, but also the writing of their characters - one, beautiful on the outside, but tainted within, and the other, a beast at first glance, but yet, he has the soul of a poet. Both of them lead sad and tragic and lonely lives, experienced in such contrasting ways, and when they talk and find solace in each other, it is hard not to feel heartbroken and yet hopeful at the same time as they each give each other new perspective on life.
It was thus a very welcome surprise to see this rare interaction again to kick off 'Ebb Tide.' The scene, in which they dare each other to reach out to their loved ones and not fear rejection, was fantastically written. It so poetic when especially considering how one is able to come out of this interaction and find a new lease on life, Caliban's family ultimately bringing him in, and the other ends up on a darker path with Vanessa falling prey to the seduction of Dracula. It is kind of weird that Vanessa has a much stronger chemistry with Caliban than with her love interest, Ethan. These next couple of episodes have a lot of work to do to build them up as a believable power couple.
One of the other highlights of this season and even the last has been the transformation of Brona. Her speech to the other embittered women to rise up and bring the severed hand of a "bad man" was terrifyingly rousing. Terrifying in the sense to how much power and influence she had garnered in such a short time, the look on Dorian's face pretty much explained it all.
The scene when Brona is shackled and on her knees and looking up at her three male captors was quite an interesting scene. Are we to empathize with her? These three men are holding her against her will - the very representation of why she is the way she is. Or are we to root for Dorian and Frankenstein who have been painted these three seasons as, more or less, protagonists, albeit with their unique flaws. There is not really a good or evil in this storyline, but just different groups of misguided souls with their own agendas. That perspective shot by the way, looking up at Dorian, Dr. Hyde, and Frankenstein as they towered over her, had so much expression in it. It is beautiful how they use simple camera shots and angles to express such a profound theme.
Elsewhere, Ethan is on a boat with Kaetenay and Sir Malcolm. These scenes did a serviceable job in building Mr. Chandler's relationship with his two surrogate fathers, if you will, but as they travel to London, there wasn't much for them in this episode - it was more of a calm before the storm.
Catriona, who has quickly turned into a very intriguing character, also made her appearance. We learn she was some kind of assassin in her previous life and had done her fair share of dirty work, which really amps up the anticipation to see her in action - hopefully on team Ives! With this battle to come, they will definetly need as much help as they can get.
The final sequence, which saw Vanessa fall prey to Dracula's seduction, was an unexpected turn of events. It makes sense for the character of Dracula, and it really expressed to us how powerful he can be. Hopefully, the finale does not write him off and move on to another big bad, as there is so much more room for him to grow as a villain.
Overall, this was a solid episode, heightened by some very memorable sequences, that built up the two hour finale beautifully.
What did you guys think? Did this episode amp you up for next weekend? Leave your comments below!
