Review: Spartacus: Vengeance "Sacramentum"

Non Spoiler Review:

The attack on the Neapolis slave ships brings a healthy dose of recruits to the ranks of the rebels. But thanks to Agron, they're all German, which causes a lot of friction back at the temple. Lucretia and Ilithyia attempt to plot a way out of their mutual predicaments, while Glaber continues to solidify his power base. The wild card is Gannicus, who is forced to make a decision about his future.

The influx of the Germans brought a lot of laughs to this episode. They were completely over the top, but it wasn't all fun and games. There was plenty of drama to be had when mixing with the Gauls, and raised some questions about how loyal some of Spartacus' men are. Sacramentum doesn't rest on any laurels either, bringing quick conclusion to any questions about what's next for Gannicus, and throwing more wrenches into everyone's respective plans.

Spoilers Now!

At Neapolis, Lucius pretends he's in the market for fighting men as the rebels board the boat. They manage to free the captives (many of which are Germans), but many are not eager to follow someone who is not from their own lands, though the thought of killing more Romans does provide some unity Spartacus notes it's fortunate for Agron they liberated a ship full of his people. Agron is simply pleased they will outnumber the Gauls.

Gannicus has come to the magistrate wanting coin for his work, but he never executed the men as he was hired to. He acquiesces to give him some minor payment for his previous years of service, then Gannicus presses for his rudus replaced. The magistrate will hear no more of it and suggests he goes to Glaber, who is at the moment addressing the crowd about Seppius' death and the recent liberation in Neapolis.

Any slave uttering the name Spartacus will be put to death, he declares. To show his word, he takes one of Ilithyia's slaves and has her crucified. Lucretia warns her not to speak against her husband as Glaber forces Ilithyia to admit publicly she heard her slave speak the treason and turn her in.

As Mira and Nasir await the return of Agron and Spartacus, Crixus trains Naevia, and Oenomaus rises and greets him. He is happy to see them both reunited. The others return with their new recruits. Crixus doesn't like the look of so many Germans and tells Spartacus as much.

Ashur has forced Lucretia to share his bed now that he's risen to prominence, even forcing her to call him dominus. But he's bought her a red wig similar to what Quintus used to like, and wants her to wear it so he can look up to her on the balcony.

Seppia is distraught, and laments to Glaber if Seppius had given him his men then Spartacus would have been defeated. Her brother's men arrive, and their commander, Tarsus, swears their loyalty to Glaber as Lucretia emerges wearing the red wig (to Ashur's pleasure). Glaber offers to have Seppia remain with them and even accompany him on his travels. Ilithyia realizes how cold and calculating he's become, and suggests she'd rather kill herself to escape what her life has turned into, but Lucretia can't bear to lose her.

Spartacus chats with Agron about his choice in ships to seize—he chose the German one over Syrians and Gauls. Agron gives him his word the men will be an asset.

Gannicus is back at the brothel, and the whore he initially hooked up with. She admires Spartacus but he warns her not to speak his name aloud. Ashur arrives to talk about his new position and recounts to the patrons how Gannicus won his freedom and the rudus, which he asks him to show them. When he cannot, Ashur says his presence is required elsewhere.

At the ludus, Gannicus meets with Glaber. Lucretia suggests the gods have blessed him for allowing him to survive the arena. Glaber has the rudus and offers it back, in exchange for pledging himself to Glaber's command. He would see Gannicus elevated as Lucretia was, as a survivor of Spartacus' attack, at the front of his troops. He leaves to contemplate his decision, while Ashur doesn't believe Gannicus can be trusted. Glaber tells Ashur to follow him and if Gannicus tries to leave Capua to crucify him.

Lucretia and Ilithyia scheme to be liberated from their servitude. Lucretia says only blood can free them, and cuts her wrist, then tells Ilithyia to lift her dress. Ilithyia walks in on Glaber with blood down her thighs. Lucretia tells her it's a sign from the gods—his heir will die if it remains in the city cursed by blood and fear. Glaber orders her back to Rome, and Lucretia will accompany her. But Ashur intervenes and suggests Lucretia offers greater comfort to Capua. Glaber agrees and tells Lucretia to address the market the next day. 

Spartacus tries to convince Oenomaus that he can train an army just as well as gladiators. Meanwhile, Agron has gone off with his new men to hunt without Crixus, and angers Spartacus for attacking a wagon so close to their settlement. Agron is tired of hiding, but Spartacus knows they're not ready for an assault.

In the market, Lucretia is handing out blessings, as Gannicus arrives and sees the newly crucified slaves (including the whore from the brothel). Lucretia tries to convince him to take the offer—because she wants Glaber dead. With him dead, Spartacus will drift from Rome and no more lives will be lost. She can make opportunity for him to sneak in and kill Glaber, with Spartacus taking the blame. Gannicus returns to the brothel to struggle over his options, now that he has his rudus back. Ashur's men keep an eye on him. As night falls, Lucretia puts her plan into motion.

Ilithyia's carriage is readied, so she and Lucretia say their goodbyes. Ilithyia is grateful for what she's done for her, so Lucretia reveals her plan to remove Glaber. When Ilithyia says her goodbyes to her husband, there is a moment as she debates whether to warn him what she's planning. Instead she says nothing (much to Lucretia's relief), and tells him he will be missed.

The Germans are partying it up at the camp. When Sedullus makes a pass at Naevia and tries to rape her, she stabs him. He slaps her, but Agron pulls him off her. As they fight, Crixus sees Naevia is hurt and joins the attack. That starts a big brawl. Spartacus ultimately kills Sedullus, and furiously addresses the new recruits, berating them they're dishonoring their new found freedom. But Spartacus' show of power has impressed the Germans that he's a great warrior, so they're eager to follow him and show their loyalty. 

Seppia shows up at Glaber's bedside to disrobe and seduce him. Unfortunately a soldier interrupts to tell him Ilithyia's convoy has been ambushed. The men are all dead. One of Ashur's hired mercenaries is among them (and stabbed with the rudus), leaving no doubt Gannicus has made his decision. But Ilithyia is nowhere to be found.

The Verdict:
The jury's still out on my longterm opinion of Gannicus' value. I realize he's an historical character too, but right now his coin and women outlook hasn't left him with much development. His abrupt choice to turn on all the Romans added a great twist. I didn't see Ilithyia's kidnapping coming at all, but her arrival (I'm assuming) at the temple is sure to spark some interesting fireworks (considering she holds a secret torch for Spartacus). And I was much relieved to see her not revert to her old ways and betray Lucretia when she had the chance.

Ashur's mistreatment of Lucretia has me pretty certain he has to die by the end of the season. I can't see her being under his foot for much longer without her striking back in a major way. The power plays among the Romans in the ludus always keep me guessing from week to week.

Is Agron truly loyal? I really like him, so I hope he doesn't betray Spartacus in the near future (or worse, that Spartacus has to put him down because of his reckless actions). There appears to be an inevitable clash coming. There were just too many new characters to keep track of so I hope most (including the warrior woman) get fleshed out in the few weeks left.

Review: The Walking Dead "Better Angels"

Non Spoiler Review:

With the Randal question continuing to hover over the group, Rick and Hershel decide to get the farm battle ready just in case. Everyone is mourning the loss of Dale, and Lori decides to have the most ridiculous conversation with Shane ever, that prompts him to take some rash actions.

Continuing the trend of the last few weeks, The Walking Dead is sliding comfortably back into its earlier dark and edgy greatness. Better Angels provides some nice little moments with characters handling Dale's absence, while bringing one of the more infamous scenes to life from the graphic novels.

I'm pleased they finally got to this matter and dealt with it prior to the finale, leaving things up in the air as to what can possibly happen to the survivors next. It will undoubtedly be worse.

Spoilers Now!

A sad funeral for Dale is juxtaposed with the survivors cleaning up the roaming walkers in the area. With all the cattle on the farm, they're being drawn to the food supply (zombie apocalypse evidently even worse for domestic cows). Rick promises to honor Dale's conscience by doing it his way from now on. Hershel lets everyone move into the house for protection while Rick begins to organize for trouble. He also has returned to his plan to release Randal beyond the farm.

Shane's not all that happy with everything. Hershel wants to make it clear he has no more patience with him. Carl confides in Shane he took the gun from Daryl's motorcycle and gives it back, and also confesses about the walker that got free. He lets Carl keep the gun so he can protect himself, but Carl doesn't want to touch a gun again.

Lori goes to Shane and attempts to make some peace with him, confessing she made a mess of things and put him and Rick at odds. She doesn't know who the baby's father is and tells him she understands how hard that is on him. She thanks him for getting them out of Atlanta and being there for her. That perks up Shane (a little too much).

Rick chats with Daryl about his thoughts on the preparations while thanking him for what he did for Dale. Shane goes to Rick with what Carl told him and suggests he should talk to him. Rick would prefer Lori deal with it as he's handling Randal. Shane gives him Daryl's gun and (rightly) suggests he get his priorities straight.

Glen has to make some repairs on the RV with Andrea. He thinks he let Dale down, but she's sure he knew that they cared for him. They both share a tender moment as they get the RV going again.

Rick does his fatherly duty and has his talk with Carl in the barn, honest with him that the world's changed and they're all going to die eventually. He's not good with these types of conversations (obviously) and he's tired, so he returns the gun to Carl because he needs it to protect himself.

Shane visits Randal (who is blindfolded and tied up), and appears to show some new and interesting forms of his psychosis by silently torturing him with his presence. Later T-Dog goes to retrieve Randal from the locked barn, only to find him gone. Shane has taken him into the woods where he interrogates him again about the location of his group and learns they could be camping as little as five miles away. He asks to be taken there, suggesting he's ready to leave the group. Randal seems to go for that idea and says he'll fit in good with the other tough guys. Shane kills him. Then he bashes his own face into a tree to make it appear he had an altercation.

The rest of the group are trying to figure out where Randal is as Shane spies on them from the trees. He comes running and yelling, explaining Randal took his gun and snuck up on him. He, Rick, Daryl and Glen head off in search. But Daryl's immediately skeptical Randal got the jump on Shane.

The search continues into the night with Rick and Shane splitting off from Daryl and Glen. Daryl is finding Shane's tracks, plus blood on the tree, determining that Shane was following him longer than he said. They spy a walker and realizes it's Randal once they kill it. There's no evidence of bites. He died from the broken neck. 

Rick is also doubting Shane's story and continues to question him about details. He confronts him that Shane plans to kill him right there and concocted the whole thing. Shane says Lori and Carl will get over him, given they've done it before, and trains his gun on him. Rick thought they worked it all out. Shane accuses him of being a bad father and claims he's the better man in all respects. He's got a broken woman and weak boy and no clue how to fix it. Rick won't raise his gun, telling him there's still a way to fix this. Shane takes the gun, and as he does, Rick stabs him. Rick furiously curses him for making him do this. Shane dies (!) and Rick breaks down and wails.

As he sits with him, Carl comes over, while someone (Shane) appears to have visions of walkers ripping into flesh. Carl pulls out his gun as Rick walks over, and Shane rises behind him. Rick wants him to put the gun down, but Carl fires and shoots Shane in the head. The gunshot appears to alert a very large bunch of walkers while stunned Rick returns to investigate Shane's body.

The Verdict:
The tension was handled very well, aided by a really nicely shot final act at night with the moon in the background. Shane really pulled off some even crazier stuff. I kind of like the fact that Lori's talk drove him over the edge, given she's just that stupid to do something like that. Only in death did Shane really have some valid points—Rick isn't that great a father at all, and little Carl has been left to roam around the farm with little to do but aggravate walkers and steal weapons.

The greater story line items are finally at the forefront—Shane's death, while still full of gravitas and Rick angst, did miss the mark a bit for me—I really wanted it to be Carl to kill Shane, rather than provide the post-zombie kill shot that kind of washes his hands of the whole thing. Oh well.

What it does do (along with Randal) is further the plague mythology and get to just what Jenner told Rick at the CDC. Though I'm wondering how and why we've not seen this reanimation sooner (particularly, the huge number of dead people sitting in cars on the highway at the beginning of the season. I hope this does get addressed, even with just a line of dialogue).

If the shot has alerted a massive horde, will we leave our group trapped in the house at season's end? Or will they be on foot? I'm anxious to see how it fades out this time around and who (if any) might be introduced. Thankfully, my Sunday nights of Walking Dead have returned to their edge-of-the-seat tension, so that bodes well for season three.

Review: Spartacus: Vengeance "Chosen Path"

Non Spoiler Review:

Chosen Path takes a moment to decompress from the epic level crazy of the previous week. As the rebels return to the temple to tend to the wounded, there are happy reunions (and less than happy ones). Gannicus' arrival brings plenty of mixed emotions—old friends and now old enemies thrown together. Spartacus attempts to convince him he should join their ranks. Back at the ludus, Glaber is attempting to manage the fallout of the catastrophic public relations nightmare in Capua, while Ilithyia and Lucretia both find their stations suffering as Ashur's influence rises.

The Gannicus/Spartacus meeting has been long in coming, so that provides the focus for this week. There were a couple of contrived elements with the rebels, but it was good to have a more sedate episode coming off of the huge battles. Glaber and Ashur's machinations really steal the show, though. And it's a compliment to Ilithyia's character that someone so devious can exact a bit of sympathy from the audience too.

It doesn't feel like the season is already half over, but a lot has happened, and Chosen Path continues to set up more stuff down the road. A host of characters all got a moment or two in the spotlight and emphasizes how much of an ensemble the series is. It was Spartacus at it's soap-operish best.

Spoilers Now!

Spartacus and his band return to the temple with their wounded. Chadara is saddened to hear Rhaskos has died, while Agron enjoys his reunion with Nasir. Lucius apparently has some medical knowledge, so cares for Oenomaus. Crixus is reunited at last with Naevia. 

Spartacus is confident Oenomaus will recover, but Gannicus doubts the rebellion has any chance of victory against the power of Rome. His choice to help was a debt to Oenomaus, and he owes Spartacus nothing. Mira suggests it might have been wise to let Gannicus die in the arena, but Spartacus swayed Nasir, and suggests Gannicus might be convinced otherwise, as well.

As the smoke from the arena hovers over Capua, Glaber is hearing the account of Albinius' holdings. Glaber wants to use some of the money to post reward for Spartacus, but he lacks the authority, given he's only caretaker of the funds until his heir comes of age. Glaber suggests the law will bend to greater purpose. Meanwhile, Ilithyia is broken, while Glaber gloats that she's mourning more for her marriage to Varinius than she is her father. He lets her know in no uncertain terms the only reason she lives is for the child in her womb, and if anything happens to it, her life is forfeit. They will keep appearances for the public, and he orders her to pull herself together.

Glaber's officer reports that hundreds of bodies have been recovered from the arena, and some soldiers are even fleeing for fear of Spartacus. They've also recovered Gannicus' rudus. Ashur comments that three of Glaber's Roman soldiers won't match even one gladiator, so Glaber wants him to prove his boast and fight his men. He's surrounded and takes a severe beating but does manage to hold his own and defeat the three men. Lucretia watches from the balcony. Dusting himself off, Ashur comments that he was considered lowest of their number and suggests he would prove useful. Glaber at last agrees to take his counsel.

A cleanly shaven Ashur gets a visit from Lucretia. She wants to know how Glaber abruptly turned against Ilithyia. Perhaps the gods spoke to him, he chides. She slaps him and warns him he secures no place without her. But he's Glaber's man now and threatens her that one word from him would end her. He pins her down and rapes her. 

Naevia finds herself unable to be intimate with Crixus without having flashbacks to the men who had their way with her. Meanwhile, Chadara joins Gannicus as he sits at Oenomaus' bedside. He's not receptive to her overtures, though, and has no intention of standing with Spartacus. Chadara is being denied left and right by the others, so Mira tells her to sieze the world with her own hands rather than using her body. 

Spartacus plans to place a watch on the slopes of Vesuvius to keep an eye on advancing Romans, while also seeking to fortify the temple. They also need to learn to wield new weapons, like the bow, and recruit new fighting men. Spartacus suggests attacking Neapolis. Gannicus walks in on their conversation, but is seeking only wine.

A shaken Lucretia is joined in the bath by an equally damaged Ilithyia. She asks Lucretia to stay and keep her company, wondering if the gods are punishing her. Lucretia explains they both carry the burden of their acts and together they must find the solution to appease the gods. If she succumbs to Glaber's will, one day his hatred will subside enough to allow them an advantage. Ilithyia confesses that now it's only Lucretia's breath that gives her life. Lucretia vows to remain at her side until her husband calls her to the afterlife.

Ashur is set to task assembling a team of fighting men, first at a brothel to have words with a deadly rabble-rouser, then seeking out an Egyptian beast who has been held in a well. Soon he has assembled an assortment of his own baddasses to counter Spartacus' gladiators.

Crixus visits Spartacus, as he ponders Gannicus' role. Crixus admits he would be a boon to their cause, and Spartacus has always found a way to remove their doubts. Spartacus addresses the rebels about their recent victory. If they're to face the might of Rome, he would do it in the shadow of Vesuvius, and they must prepare by making proper weapons, and tunnels dug for escape. Agron plans to dress as merchants and seize the boatload of slaves before they're unloaded at Neapolis. 

Agron confesses to Crixus he understands now why he would risk everything for his heart. Crixus won't forget that he came to help, but also won't forgive the lies he told. Agron says it was a mistake to offer comfort to him, so they come to blows again, and spark Spartacus' anger. Gannicus laughs that his own men can't get along. Spartacus wants to talk to him alone, so they go hunting. He explains his past and motivation for fighting, but Gannicus isn't receptive to his pitch.

Glaber is visited by the magistrate and Seppius. Lucretia has offered to perform a ritual to appease the gods in the market, but Seppius is outraged that Glaber isn't taking action. Glaber suggests they join forces and at last set differences aside for the good of the people, given Varinius has moved to distance himself from Capua—and Seppius. He says he'll consider and give answer the next day. Ilithyia interjects and offers an invitation to Seppia (who is traumatized by Mercato's death). Seppius is grateful for the overture.

Gannicus gets a chance to sit down and talk with Crixus and the battle they never had. He's happy Crixus was champion but is surprised he's here following a Thracian. It's a foolish cause and he advises Crixus to be free of Spartacus before he drags them all to their end. Gannicus is called into see Oenomaus, who has woken up. The former doctore tells him no words he has can hold any meaning now. Gannicus admits he is to blame for what happened, not Melitta, but Oenomaus says he stands only for himself and would betray the gods to get what he wanted. 

Seppia visits Ilithyia and Lucretia, talking about the trauma of watching Cossutius and Mercato die in front of her. Together they remind Seppia that too many Romans of note have been snatched away by Spartacus. Seppia sees through the plan to sway her brother's position. Lucretia interjects and admits she's discovered their scheme, but they all share the same experience of suffering under Spartacus. Glaber arrives to confess he hasn't been the most agreeable man either, and assures Seppia he has seen the error of his ways. Lucretia can't help but notice the look that passes between Glaber and Seppia. Ashur arrives to draw Glaber away and advise him the men have been acquired.

At the temple, Spartacus finds that their coin and the map of their attack is gone. Gannicus leaves Oenomaus and prepares to depart, but Spartacus stops him, asking what he carries with him. He replies that he has not betrayed him and orders him out of his way. It quickly becomes a fight that Spartacus turns into a personal battle between the two of them. Mira suddenly grabs her bow and fires—the arrow passes between Spartacus and Gannicus and hits Chadara, who she saw try to slip away during the melee. She meant only to wound, but Chadara is dead—it was she who took the map, seeking to secure her place elsewhere. 

Spartacus offers apologies. Gannicus just wants to leave them all behind. Crixus has opted to stay, so Gannicus muses he'll mourn his passing. Mira suggests the former champion may yet prove a threat to them. Naevia tells Crixus she can't run from what's happened. She wants Crixus to teach her how to live, breathe and fight so no man can lay hands against her again. 

Ashur and the new band of men attack and pillage Seppius' villa as Glaber watches. Seppius is mortally wounded and Glaber admits he could not await until morning for his offer. He kills him, letting him know Seppia is safe beneath his roof. Seppius' men are now his to end Spartacus. As they depart, Ashur takes the serpent bracelet from Seppius' wrist—insurance, perhaps?

The Verdict:

Chosen Path took care of a lot of housekeeping necessary after the fallout of the arena's destruction. With Gannicus' introduction to the story once more, it required a bunch of conversations—with Oenomaus (obviously), with Crixus, and of course the inevitable discussions (and battle) with Spartacus.

Their sparring match did seem a bit forced. While Chadara has had little to contribute aside from eyeing up potential bed mates, she did fulfill the necessary plot device to get the two champions fighting, but her loss won't really be noticed, especially now that Naevia and Mira both are becoming warrior women (I'm very pleased that we didn't have to suffer through more Naevia angst and the writers very quickly put her on a path back to regaining her strength). It was a nice little touch that the rain started falling as soon as Spartacus and Gannicus came to blows. Gannicus' role with the rebels remains to be seen, but it's interesting that Mira continues to have a lot of suspicions about him.

On the Roman side of things, the situation has been completely overturned for Lucretia and Ilithyia (and now Seppia). It's quite a mix of characters in the ludus these days. I guess I shouldn't be surprised Seppius was toast, given we are about halfway through the season already. But they're certainly winnowing down the cast of Romans.

Very cathartic to see Ilithyia fallen and getting some much deserved punishment for her crimes. And her relationship with Lucretia remains one of the more fascinating aspects of the series, as I'm still wondering what Lucretia's endgame is. She suffered a lot herself (that rape scene was tough to watch). I'm wondering if it will be Ashur who won't live to see the end of the season—his litany of crimes is starting to add up that it may become necessary to kill at least one of the baddies. The question is, who gets to kill him? As much as I hate him, I admire how clever he is, taking Seppius' bracelet as a measure of incriminating evidence against Glaber at some point in the future.

I really love the new dynamic the writers have set up—Glaber and Ilithyia have become a dark version of Lucretia and Quintus, and now Lucretia is fulfilling a role once held by Gaia, as the tempter and advisor. There were so many parallels between the late Batiatus using his gladiators for muscle, and Glaber assembling his own shadow army to do his dirty work.

Review: Being Human (USA) "I've Got You Under Your Skin"

Non Spoiler Review:

The reaper comes for Sally, but offers her an interesting deal that could give her afterlife some direction. Josh's sister is back to care for him during his breakup. Aidan tries to save Henry while getting him and Suren off the hook for Bishop's troublesome orphan vampires.

A better one this week, but Being Human continues to throw out a hodgepodge of erratic plot driven elements rather than investing in the characters that we want to care for. There were some original bits—including a cool way to dispatch vampires, but Josh's B-plot was a yawner. Sally's story looks promising to at least provide something new for her, but it could be seen coming a mile away.

I repeat myself every week these days—I've Got You Under Your Skin is another batch of three storylines, for three characters leaving separate lives. Time to move out.

Spoilers Now!

Aidan called Josh's sister about his breakup, so she arrives to take care of him. Sally finds she can pick up objects now. That brings her reaper, who offers an out for her—become the reaper, or be shredded. He gives her the night to decide. Aidan is doubtful about the reaper's identity, and suggests he's just a ghost himself messing with her. Aidan thinks she should take him out the first chance she gets.

Aidan next has to meet with Suren and their (new) police contact to clean up some vampire murders. Mother is planning another trip to Boston. Suren has lied about executing the orphans. Aidan tracks down Henry at his human friend's house—this man operates a business allowing vampires to pay for being invited into his house. Aidan thinks he's found a way to save Henry and the orphans, so wants to discuss it with Henry. Unfortunately he's being watched. 

Sally meets up with Stevie and explains her situation, so wants to know how to shred her reaper. Stevie explains it's pretty easy as long as she goes by instinct. But shredding makes them dark (oooh). That's why Stevie doesn't have any friends. 

Reaper shows up at the house looking for her (Why can't he just appear to her? That assumes she can hide from him?). She attacks him and actually appears to shred him to little bits. Did it work? Of course not. But he's not really pissed, given she got such a rush from it, and that means she'd be a perfect reaper! After some soul searching she decides it might be something to give her purpose.

Unfortunately, as he takes her out on the town, her first mission is to shred Stevie (oh noes!). Because of all that ghost shredding. Apparently he's not as innocent as he led on. He shredded all his friends because he loves it so much. Sally tries to save Stevie by convincing him he needs help. But he denies everything, until he gets upset and reveals he's actually as crazy as she heard. Sally watches as the reaper shreds him.

Henry has gathered all the orphans as Aidan asked, so he promises to get them out via a friend in Baltimore who can give them work. There's no vampire authority there. Henry's human friend, however, is brought in to see Suren who wants to buy his house (and uninvite everyone inside). They quickly sign the papers while Aidan seems to rush Henry out of the house to let the others decide whether or not to go. As the document is signed, everyone in the house turns to ashes and Aidan and Henry escape. Henry is, of course, horrified. But he still refuses to run anymore.

Aidan reluctantly brings him back to see Suren. He tells her if she can't accept him then she can kill him. In exchange, she's going to need a token of his loyalty given his responsibility in the hotel massacre. She wants to skin him (though it will grow back). Henry agrees and Aidan leaves him to his punishment.

Josh's sister arranges for Julia to be at the same bar they're hanging out in. He and Julia end up talking all night. Josh pretty much admits that his attack turned him into a monster, and that's why he abandoned her, but he stops short of the werewolf part. But they do make their peace.

The Verdict:

The manner in which Suren and Aidan dispatched the orphans was an original bit of mythology, but it showcases one of the show's faults—everyone but the main stars are all expendable, and each week we get a culling. This one happened to be a bigger batch, including Stevie, who is apparently evil. When the three stars aren't all that compelling (or even likable at times), there's no one left to cheer for.

There just wasn't any drama in all the plot driven stuff—so what if Henry gets skinned. We hardly know him, and it's going to grow back anyway. Stevie turns out to be evil, so I guess it's not a big deal that the reaper takes him. Josh makes amends with his ex, who we've only seen briefly a couple of times before. Much like last week's flashback to Josh giving Aidan the silver knife—these are all moments and characters of convenience that carry no gravitas, and I have no investment in any of them.

Next week—Please let Sally at least have to shred her mother.