The cause of the blackout, it’s an answer we’ve all been waiting for since Revolution’s premiere - and "The Song Remains the Same" provided it.

The Virus Flynn unleashed on the terrorist encampment is to blame, as these tiny, self-replicating devices float in the air and only absorb electricity. It’s slightly disconcerting that an answer of such magnitude wasn’t treated with any kind of grandeur, but the reveal was also indicative of Revolution as a series: instead of posing supposed answers that are really just masked questions, actual answers are given. It’s a refreshing take on the usual genre staples.

It turns out the biggest story was just how much everyone hates Neville. It’s, chilling just how far Tom is willing to go to save his own hide. He’s okay using Jason’s feelings toward his mother against him and it’s good to know Jason has begun waking up to his father’s deceptions; however, Tom’s conversation with Jason did reveal how he views his place in the post blackout world: the weak are killed.

Tom’s penchant for violence and deception was particularly frightening when we saw glimpses to his past self. Compare his enjoyment of Lionel Richie in the truck before getting captured with the man who escaped from the rebels with a nail and a prayer against the father. He’s a man who has shed almost every last scrap of his humanity in order to survive. He’s willing to use his son’s life - and it’s highly probable he’s willing to use Julia’s life now that they too are on the run.

As for Jason, he really blossomed for me as a character tonight. He has a purpose and is able to follow his morality with the rebels, two things he could not do when he was part of the militia. But his exchange with Tom makes one thing clear: he’s a lot like his father. Jason uses his dad’s own tactics against him to extract information about where he was heading. Tom should be proud.

Rachel, meanwhile, is not content with the idea that Monroe might have his hands on a nuke. She set off with Aaron to The Tower to hopefully turn the power back on for everyone. But not before telling Miles to take care of Charlie... and not before Miles plants a passionate kiss on her... because this installment wasn’t packed with enough story already.

Rachel continues to surprise me. Sometimes she’s only acting to protect her children, and sometimes she bases all her decisions on the greater good. She’s willing to leave Charlie, right after she’s started to reconnect with her, to go on a suicide mission.

The saddest part of all is Rachel has no expectations of actually making it back, but she’s going anyway. She walks a fine line between being selfish for family and being a martyr for the greater good.

Two More Thoughts:

1. The device Rachel stored in Danny’s body – a possible “antidote” for the virus?
2. I highly doubt Flynn wants to be Monroe’d lackey. Tom and Julia know Monroe is unstable, and Flynn probably does too. I’m betting he’s just biding his time and preparing to take over.