TV REVIEWS: FTN Reviews The Gifted Season 2 Episode 5: Aftermath

Man, I miss The Gifted. Because this is a show that knows what it is, and then strives to be better, and I love that. And “afterMath” did just that, and more.

True to form, they made sure to address all the major plotpoints of their previous episode, which was two weeks ago ironically enough. Yet the episode made it feel like it was just the other day, and you felt all the power of the episode. You felt the pain that Kate was going through as she was trying to understand what happened at the mental hospital. You felt the desperation that John was going through trying to get even the smallest victory from what happened. And you felt the shock that Lauren and Reed had over Andy’s attack.

But that still wasn’t all, for all the Mutants they saved had to be taken somewhere, and that led to the Morlocks. And while I was apprehensive at first, I liked where it ended up. The Morlocks are shown in many different lights over the various X-Men continuities, but here, with Urg (and not Marrow), we see them as a true third party. And this third party wants nothing to do with the Inner Circle or the Mutant Underground. They just want to survive, and make it through, and if that means stealing and living in the sewers, then so be it.

Then, there’s the Purifiers. Who finally got more time in the spotlight, and at first, they attacked like the hate group that they are known as. But as if a conduit to us the audience, Jace saw through the crap and saw a better way to do things, and in a much more logical way. Having them attack the mutant clinic was powerful, because it not just showed the different ideology of the people, but it proved just how small the world was. And Kate and John know that he’s with the Purifiers, and it’s going to get bad.

Finally, the Inner Circle got their newest “weapon”, named Rebecca. But due to her time in the hospital, was not in a place to help them. So leave it to Andy to be human (not mutant, human), and treat her with decency. Seeing them have a day outside was simple, yet fun. It was a little corny to see them kiss at the end, but hey, young love is like that. But I’m glad that Lorna sees to be waking up to what they’re doing.

Now, as much as I loved the episode, I’m a little miffed at some things. Rebecca apparently “hating cops” and being a bit bloodthirsty was a little much. Also, Marcos meeting that girl who had light powers was a bit over the top. I know he won’t leave Lorna for her (I hope anyway…), but it was played that way a bit.

Still, “afterMath” did a great job of showing off all the sides, and how one event changed the landscape. The Mutant Uprising is here, let’s hope we all survive it.