'Nothing Matters' was an important episode for our two protagonists. We saw a darker side of Axle, while in contrast, Vanessa showed some vulnerability, a tender side that was always kind of boiling underneath the surface in weeks past before exploding by episodes end.
In weeks prior Vanessa showed her love for her missing child through anger and this insistence to get out of the compound. She was so full of anger that it blinded her and we see her almost strangling her best friend to death after a very intense opening sequence. Vanessa showed even more emotion with this little girl, who had clearly reminded her of her daughter. Kelly Overton did a fabulous job in showing that more vulnerable side of her character and this episode was by far the most important episode with regards to the development of our titular hero.
I am also loving the introduction of Susan. With Vanessa in the injured and vulnerable state she was currently in, having a best friend to console her was important and that scene before the opening credits where Susan is holding Vanessa in her arms while singing her a lullaby was extraordinarily moving. I originally thought Susan would be that friend that would die, but I could see her and Vanessa developing a deeper friendship that would become the heart of the show. Not only that, but Susan could hold her own too, that sequence that saw her bashing on a guy with a pan in the kitchen was badass.
Unfortunately, while Vanessa had Susan, Axle didn't really have that friend to stop him from doing something morally wrong. The plot of this episode made a surprising turn when Axle went around murdering all of the new comers, some of them being helpless individuals. I found this sequence very perturbing. It was shot well, depending more on the screams of the victims to really intensify the moment. Honestly, I don't know what we're supposed to think of the character after these events, but it definitely made him a controversial character.
Unfortunately, those of the newcomers that did deserve a harsher punishment got let go scot free.
They especially made Catherine ultra detestable in this episode with her allowing the little girl to enter a "do not enter" room, which almost killed her, and then blaming the team for her own irresponsibility. I really wanted to see her gets hers, but unfortunately, she and their leader Brendan lived to see another day. They will most likely make another appearance in future episodes and that could make for a tense confrontation.
Overall, Van Helsing continues to make gradual improvements as the weeks go on. This was especially an important episode in developing our two main protagonists. We see a more vulnerable Vanessa, while on the contrary, Axle shows off an uncompromising and unsympathetic side in him. In addition, it looks like Susan will be an important addition to the team and one who I have instantly grown fond of. 'Nothing Matters' was solidly written, emotionally acted, character driven episode and by far the best yet of this season.
8/10
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