Snowpiercer 1×09 & 1×10 Review – ‘The Train Demanded Blood’ & ‘994 Cars Long’

The 2-hour finale of Snowpiercer was immensely enjoyable and tense. With what happened in ‘The Train Demanded Blood’ and ‘994 Cars Long’, I can’t wait for the second season!

I was provided with free screeners of Snowpiercer for review. The opinions I have shared are my own.

‘The Train Demanded Blood’ opened with a voiceover from Melanie. If you have been following my coverage of the Snowpiercer series, you would already know that I feel sorry for her. I might not agree with every choice Melanie ever made, but I can kind of understand what led her to said decisions. It’s not easy to run a train like Snowpiercer, and I loved how she made Layton realize that in the penultimate episode.

With Nolan, Ruth, and the Folgers out for Melanie’s blood, Melanie still had a couple of people on her side. Jinju and Javi worked together to help Melanie escape being executed. Once free, she ran to find Layton because she knew he was her only hope during the current circumstances.

Melanie’s more than familiar with what’s required to run Snowpiercer. While Nolan, Ruth, and the Folgers think they can manage it, even the viewers know they will bring about the extinction of what’s left of humanity.

Now, Melanie’s plan, while making sense, asked a lot from Layton. We know that Layton doesn’t have the stomach for continuous bloodshed. After Zarah told him she’s pregnant with their kid, Layton was ready to surrender. It was Melanie’s plan that helped him regain his motivation to continue leading the rebellion. But, as mentioned, the price for Melanie’s plan to work was devastating for Layton.

I don’t know about you, but I applauded Melanie for forcing Layton to face a complicated choice. She knew that disconnecting some of the cars would mean sacrificing a bunch of people that fought alongside Layton during the rebellion. It was an opportunity for Layton to experience what Melanie had been going through for years while running Snowpiercer.

It’s easy to point at Melanie and call her out on her decisions. But unless someone really got to spend time in her shoes, they can’t even begin to imagine the pressure she’s been carrying. Running Snowpiercer isn’t easy, and there will be occasions where sacrifices will need to be made for the majority to survive.

‘The Train Demanded Blood’ focused on teaching Layton a lesson. The episode had him see things from Melanie’s perspective. I hope the second season continues to showcase Layton’s emotional turmoil due to him leaving a bunch of his friends to die so the rest of humanity could survive.

As for the finale, titled ‘994 Cars Long,’ it opened with Melanie handing over the train’s control to Layton and his people. Of course, individuals like Ruth weren’t happy about the changes beginning to impact the train. As far as Ruth’s concerned, democracy will never work. In Ruth’s opinion, the Snowpiercer demanded law and order, complete with a society that exploited the less fortunate.

Before Layton could bring together an elected council to represent everyone and get the train back to normal, the Engine began picking up a radio transmission. I don’t know about you, but the existence of another train really took me by surprise. I wasn’t expecting it at all. I thought the radio signal was coming from some underground bunker.

The finale dealt with the passengers of Snowpiercer awaiting the arrival of the real Mr. Wilford. According to Melanie, he’s not a nice guy. And you know what? I believe her. I think Mr. Wilford’s going to be more ruthless than Melanie when it comes to running things.

Melanie’s daughter Alexandra was revealed to be alive. Mr. Wilford’s the one who gave her a home on the supply train and as far as Alexandra’s concerned, her mother abandoned her. So, yes, I’m looking forward to seeing their reunion.

Snowpiercer has already been renewed for a second season. Sean Bean will be playing the role of Mr. Wilford. Rowan Blanchard, of Disney’s Girl Meets World fame, is Alexandra Cavill.

With Snowpiercer season one done on TNT, the network will offer the 2-hour premiere of The Alienist: Angel of Darkness on July 19, 2020. I can’t wait to watch it!

Anyway, what did you think of Snowpiercer season one finale? Let us know. 

Author: Farid-ul-Haq

Farid has a Double Masters in Psychology and Biotechnology as well as an M.Phil in Molecular Genetics. He is the author of numerous books including Missing in Somerville, and The Game Master of Somerville. He gives us insight into comics, books, TV shows, anime/manga, video games, and movies.

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