‘Snowpiercer’ Recap: ‘By Weeping Cross’

9/9/2024

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Alison Wright as Ruth Wardell in Episode 408 of ‘Snowpiercer’ – ‘By Weeping Cross’. (Photo Courtesy of David Bukach/AMC.)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 408 of ‘Snowpiercer’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.

For the most part, stories that revolve around the end of everything or life after the apocalypse, rarely feature deep and intimate moments that celebrate the wonder of the human condition, and rightfully so. After all, said stories are mired in the end of the world. Where it is beyond difficult, if not impossible, to find any measure of beauty or wonder. It’s about survival at that point and finding safety and shelter, and everything needed to carve out a solid future, and truly… there’s nothing wrong with this type of storytelling structure for stories in this vein. Because it does bring about amazing drama and intense moments that question a great deal about who we would become at the end of the world.

But every now and again, you run into an apocalypse/post-apocalyptic story that defies that convention and works to find something deeper at the end of the everything. Which is why the AMC series, Snowpiercer, is of note. For it is that rare post-apocalyptic story that has taken the time to explore what’s worth saving in this life, and what matters over survival and it’s made a point to touch upon such matters in its final season, not once, but twice. For last night’s episode, expanded further on a concept it brought forth a few weeks ago. Specifically, what is the point of us surviving dark times if we cannot hold true to what makes society and humanity so wondrous, and it pulled off such a feat, by way of an emotional return to New Eden.

For thankfully, Javi survived the blast, and with him in the infirmary, Big Alice rolled back into New Eden, and as everyone enjoyed the wonder of heat once again, another wondrous moment took place. For Layton, and Josie, and Liana were in a tough spot, and their power and heat was fading. But thankfully, Sam Roche showed up. Who, it was revealed, managed to get his hands on a snowcat and some cold weather gear and that allowed for him to rescue some old friends and keep Layton alive when the cold nearly claimed him. Giving rise to more beautiful reunions when everyone else returned home and well…. that brought forth the majesty in question

Mike O’Malley and Esther Ming-Li as Sam Roche and Carly Roche in Episode 408 of ‘Snowpiercer’ – ‘By Weeping Cross’. (Photo Courtesy of David Bukach/AMC.)

Because once the council was briefed on what they were facing, and who was behind all of their problems, the people of New Eden entered a period of reflection. Wherein they faced quite the incredible decision. In that, should they join up and do as Nima asked, and sacrifice for the greater good, by handing over Big Alice and their safety… or… fight. Fight to push back Nima’s forces, so they could live and grow what they built, and what they had. Which was… community, unity, family and everything we cherish. Because those are elements that make life worth living, and Sam’s rousing speech and story about how he escaped… prompted everyone… to fight.

After all, the best minds were aboard Snowpiercer, and they would easily figure out how to launch the rocket without hurting others. But alas, that still meant a fight was coming. So, to ensure safety and force Nima’s hand to think over impose… Big Alice was moved to a safe space and lookouts were prepped and that did indeed create a little panic on Snowpiercer. Wherein Nima did his best to manipulate Alex to go out there and infiltrate the town to get Big Alice in hand. A move that led to chaos in the town, and wounds and death. Since Nima’s forces had their cover blown, and gunfire ensued. All of which put Alex in a tough spot, one where she must decide what matters more as well.

But while we wait to see what she decides, we can celebrate, one unique episode. One that truly spoke to something that few apocalypse stories do. In that, these stories don’t think about the fact that someday, the dark times will end, life will go on and normalcy will be found… and who will we become on that day? Which made for a beautiful story, that saw good people cherish the best parts of our world, of who we are, of how wonderful it is to have another in our lives… and focus deeply on building the foundation for a better tomorrow that doesn’t repeat our mistakes by cherishing life, and hopefully Alex also chooses that better path. So, compromise can be found, and humanity can finally work together on a plan to restore the world they lost… so they can rebuild society, the right way. Until next time.

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