Left_back

Not one of the best episodes in the season. I'm writing this as the world is in the grip of the CV19 pandemic (Sep 2021). In hindsight the disease protocols taking a backseat to the drama is to be expected, but one would also expect the contagion to spread exponentially since the antagonist is wandering all over an island (in crowds and on a ferry), while coughing up a lung and the health measures are secretly being applied to suspected patients.

As for the main plot, the story is less about the disease and more about the subplot. The disease is actually a poor plot device to add spice to the suspense. But there were no scenes where the infection was shown to spread (other than the antagonist). Sorry, but not convinced.

Part of a successful series is world building. Unlike many other shows of this type there is no fan service (a blessing, thank you), and no morality tales for the social justice viewer. The two stories in this episode detail beautiful vistas, and the dangers that lurk in the background.

As described by Elaine herself, not every situation has a solution. It's not so much about could she have affected the outcomes of the people she met, but should she. 'Fixing' a situation might solve the immediate issue but likely lead to further problems down the road. Much like the parable she spoke about in the episode. Elaine, for all her power is a part of the world she lives in. She is not a world changer.

I think I like this world view that magic should help, but not conquer. Otherwise magicians would be at war constantly.