Into the Badlands - Black Heart, White Mountain - Review + Best Moments POLL

'Black Heart, White Mountain' offered quite the tonal shift from what viewers expect from Into the Badlands. Less action oriented and more character driven, while delivering a rather focused narrative as opposed to the multiple storyline episodes that has defined this season.

The shift was refreshing, but it didn't work entirely. Most of the focus was on Sunny stuck in his dreamworld, and the rush to cure him gave us plenty of interactions between MK and Bajie. Jade also returns this week, but in only a couple of scenes.

Though the dream sequences were interesting in a psychologically creepy kind of way, it was a bit plodding and it did drag down the episode in some parts. The emotional payoff, however, somewhat made up for the slow buildup. Being confronted with the souls of all those he clipped helped flesh out the regret Sunny is experiencing over his past life as a clipper. It also functions as motivation - now that Sunny has confronted his demons, he will be stronger and ready to face the trials ahead.

Sunny being in a coma also allowed his two friends to get to know each other. It was fun to see a new dynamic being formed. MK's straight personality played off well against Bajie's exuberance. Their interaction shed more light on the background of Bajie and his time in the monastery, which continues to be very compelling. If this love interest, Flea, is someone we already know then it has to be Minerva, right?

Bajie and MK's journey leads them back to the monastery, which evidently culminates in a showdown with the Master's minions. The fight scene wasn't anything to write home about, though it was still fun to see the crafty Bajie using the pupils against each other to create chaos so they could escape the compound.

Fans clamouring for more Jade got their wish in 'Black Heart,' though in limited time with only a few scenes dedicated to the baroness. Her interaction with Quinn was moving in her defiance and declaration of utmost love for Ryder. Why Quinn let her live is probably because he did not want to submit to her cunningness and to prove her right by being a cold blooded killer. Or maybe he still cares for her? It'll be interesting to see where her storyline goes as the character has been floundering a bit.

'Black Heart, White Mountain' was a good break from the usual. Though plodding in some parts, Nick Frost as Bajie continues to be the highlight of this season and he and MK played well off each other. It was also good to see Jade in the spotlight, but not enough time was given to this storyline, they could have done less with the coma world Sunny was stuck in. Overall, it was a solid episode, but nothing spectacular.

7.5/10

What did you guys think of 'Black heart, White Mountain?' Vote in the poll for your favourite moments and leave your comments below!