‘Snowpiercer’ Recap: ‘A Moth to a Flame’

9/2/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Jennifer Connelly as Melanie in Episode 407 of ‘Snowpiercer’ – ‘A Moth to a Flame’. (Photo Courtesy of David Bukach/AMC.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 407 of ‘Snowpiercer’. To revisit the previous episode, clickhere.

One truth about change that rings true later in life, is that it doesn’t always come about overnight. It takes time for things to begin to shift a certain way, for decisions to be made to move us down that path. But when it does arrive, it feels instantaneous and shocking, and often leaves us wondering what we could have done to alter it… if the change in question is uncomfortable and bad. So, we think upon the moments that brought us to the one that has us upset, and understand the path, the journey. But what we often forget about change, be it good or be it bad… is that it is in fact, often inspired by a singular moment, or a singular person, depending on the kind of change and that… is what we should focus upon.

For that is how we combat the ugly stuff since we can now attack the root cause, and that is how we embrace the good and well, the genesis of change in the world of Snowpiercer on AMC is top of mind today, simply because the next episode in this powerhouse story explored what brought about such dark times for mankind… and whom… was responsible for such change. Which allowed for ‘A Moth to a Flame’ to offer up one stunning tale filled with loss… and misdirection. Since at first, this story seemed to be about Admiral Anton Milius, and how he ascended from Captain by basically gassing his superior and his wife, who he felt betrayed him since she spoke up about his actions. Before catching up with him in present day, where he seemed to have little concern about Melanie’s return and the unsettling things she discovered.

Because Melanie had some very concerning data about Gemini, and how it was far more toxic that Nima knew and that it could, without more testing… kill all of humanity due to poor interaction with the fledging Ozone Layer. But none of that mattered to Milius in the moment. All that mattered, was the mission and removing any roadblocks to its completion. So, he pushed to get Snowpiercer out of the bunker, with a Gemini payload, and without its creator. For Milius was done with Wilford and made sure to capture Wilford and bring him into the cold to deal with him at last. Which brought forth one powerhouse showdown. For these men were indeed equals and one gross miscalculation on the Admiral’s behalf, led to his icy end. Which brought an end to the first bit of misdirection and led us toward another, wherein it seemed as though… the story was focusing itself on a villain arc. One involving Mister Joseph Wilford. Something reinforced by the fact that he, and Josie, and Layton and Melanie and Alex… made it onto the train.

Michael Aronov as Nima in Episode 407 of ‘Snowpiercer’ – ‘A Moth to a Flame’. (Photo Courtesy of David Bukach/AMC.)

For that was the perfect set up for a grand, final battle, between good and evil, under the guise of the rocket that might or might not save humanity. But that… is when the story took quite the powerful turn. For dear Mister Wilford did not survive another stint aboard the Snowpiercer. For he was bested by Layton and underwent more humane measures to end his life, but not before revealing, how one man… brought forth all of this change and that in reality… Nima was the person that everyone needed to outright fear. A revelation that came to confirmation as some other very bad things took place. Since Layton and his family were tossed aside after Wilford died, and bad times came upon New Eden. For despite the return of Big Alice, she never docked out of fear that bombs were on the tracks, and that fear was justified. For one was on the tracks and an attempt to remove it may have killed Javi.

All while Nima and Melanie fought hard over the data and over what could happen if by chance the new data was right and that prompted Nima to say so much about the past, about the hard times so many suffered through. In that, it was all Nima’s fault. He was the one who helped launch CW-7 into the air, and the singular decision to cool the planet, one that he helped make, brought about incredible change, and incredible suffering. All because Nima thought he was the smartest man on the planet, and he also believed that he alone could fix this. Giving rise to more potential dark changes because of his singular line of thinking and truly… it makes Nima the heavy of the entire story. For he brought about the darkness, and he continues to push toward his agenda over doing the right thing and now… the story has changed like never before.

Because it means the finale of this story won’t be like the film and involve a great revolt and some sorrowful finale involving Wilford and his madness. Nor will there be a final showdown between Milius and what is left of humanity. No instead, this story will feature a grand push to right a wrong and impact change away from the path that Nima is trying to forge. To save everything, and that is going to make for one incredible farewell to this series. But while we wait to see how that plays out, we can celebrate an utterly brilliant tale. One that truly surprised us and raised the stakes like never before and that will make the wait for next week’s episode quite painful, as we step into the endgame for this brilliant and poignant series. Until next time.

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