'Survivors' S01E03 - Part Three

Survivors continues to generate more poignant and thought-provoking scenes in this excellently directed episode, although the government and scientist subplots sadly detract from the main narrative.

The character study of a father desperately trying to shelter his young family from the virus outside is nothing short of compelling. His firebomb attack on Greg and Tom is savage, but the cracks in the widowed man's emotional make-up gradually emerge throughout the episode. The dilemma posed involving his young daughter Kate, who comes into contact with potential virus carriers, is particularly involving and results in a sad, yet triumphant ending for the family. They may soon die, but at least they are free.

In contrast, the plot involving annoying government flunky Samantha and her base is mundane and uninvolving. Her shooting of the thief does provide a momentary surprise, but it feels unconvincing and there purely for shock value and to make explicit a theme about the burden of power in such harsh times. Nonetheless, this narrative strand does feature a great idea about survivors spreading messages via recorded video journals, as witnessed by Abby.

As for those scientists, at least they pop up earlier than the final scene this time. Yet the lack of information about their motives, intentions and past actions only serves to frustrate instead of whipping up anticipation. What are the odds that it will be strung out until some big revelation during the season finale?

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