'Beyond' Recap: 'Stir'

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM...YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK...

​I have to admit, that I was counting down the minutes to this week’s episode of Beyond, simply due to the fact that I had a funny feeling in my gut after the end of last week’s tale. Because it really seemed as though the arrival of Diego signaled something bigger for the show, and that the plot was likely about to kick into overdrive and the anticipation that surged through me only grew stronger as I came to realize that my gut instincts were correct. Because last night’s episode, ‘Stir’, was an episode that moved the plot forward leaps and bounds.
 
Now, the first step this episode took in making that happen was by bringing together just about every single plot thread the series has introduced this year. After all, the whole mess with Pastor Ian has escalated to the point where the top brass at Hollow Sky are aware of it, and by top brass I mean Yellow Jacket, and he found his way back to Fort Reed to make sure that the company’s secrets are safe. But YJ’s visit went above and beyond a mere housekeeping matter, because let’s be honest, that’s a tad beneath his abilities. Instead his return to Holden’s home town also allowed for him to investigate a far more fascinating matter, the arrival of Diego.
 
Which brings us to the second element of the night that was downright fascinating, the grand reveal of why Diego is here. Because he and Holden had a little alone time after their battle since the police arrived to break it up and arrest Diego and well, our worst fears were definitely realized when these two came face to face. Because we learned that Holden did indeed accidentally release something evil within the Realm, and now that evil wants our world and the people that inhabit it to survive and the implication hung heavy over this episode, that Holden may not be able to do anything to save all of mankind from a disturbing and fiery fate.
 
But what impressed me the most about this episode, is the sheer fact that at long last, all the characters are full of life once again. I made mention of the fact a few weeks ago, that everyone seemed lost, and now that trouble has arrived, everyone is focused and ready to roll once again and for the first time in the brief history of the show, Holden was acting like a hero through and through. He challenged Charlie to let go of her fear and he stepped into the proverbial Lion’s Den with Jeff to learn more about the mysterious freezer from Edgar, and it was simply magnificent to see Holden finally embrace his role at long last and I’m looking forward to seeing him grow into it in the weeks to come.
 
If anything, this episode was packed to the gills with surprises through and through. Heck, we were even able to witness an impromptu showdown between Willa and Charlie, where they seemingly buried the hatchet, and I love the fact that Edgar has been playing the audience and his doctors the whole time and I get the funny feeling, that freezer of his, which supposedly can transport people to the Realm, is likely the key to ending this whole mess. Either way, this one was a blast through and through, and I’m certain things are only going to ramp up from here as we barrel toward the season two finale. Until next time.    

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