This week, The Strain really began to differentiate itself via flashbacks. We were given a brief history lesson on the strigoi and witnessed Setrakian's first encounter with Eichhorst and The Master.

Having read the books, I was hoping the series would include the Poland flashbacks as that is where Book 1 actually begins.

The Strain Season 1 Episode 5 is an important step in establishing the world's mythology.

That poor urologist, she never stood a chance. Ruby reacted as any one of us would by running the hell out of there. Many times in horror flicks characters try to help and end up getting chomped on themselves. Not Gabe's manager, she's a smart cookie. Loved the heel breaking, hilarious. Later on in the episode, Gabe feeds again on the "cleaner." The guy fought for his life though, you've got to give him that.

Which reminds me, I'm seeing comments about how campy and silly The Strain is. Personally, I think there's a huge difference between injecting a little humor and those awful campy/cheesy b-horror movies. This series is dark but does not take itself too seriously and I love that about it.

It was interesting to hear Setrakian finally talk about The Master, referring to him as patient zero. When Eph asks about the rate of infection, Setrakian explains some folks get the flu and suffer merely a sniffle while others can die. The survivors seem specifically chosen though right? I'm sure we'll learn more about this as the series continues.

When Eph mentions "vampire," Setrakian corrects him using the word strigoi (Romanian for vampire). I like it and will be using strigoi instead of vampire from now on!

As I mentioned at the top, the first book in the trilogy does not start with the Master's arrival and the dead airplane at JFK. I can understand why that's a better jumping off point for the series though. Kicking off with a flashback would be confusing for viewers not familiar with the story.

However, by introducing young Abraham and his grandmother's tales of the strigoi the book sets itself apart from countless vampire tales straight away. Trust me, the events that take place in 1944 Poland will be some of the most interesting on The Strain. How great did Eichhorst look wearing that Nazi uniform? Apparently, he was a monster even before being turned by The Master.

So young Abe begins working as a carpenter and he witnesses The Master feeding in the barracks.

My bubbeh told me stories when I was a child. Stories about a monster who fed on the blood of men.

Young Abraham

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Speaking of his bubbeh, I wonder if we will see her again? In the book she meets a terrible end. Curious how she dies? You'll have to read Book 1.

In the present, Setrakian informs Eph they need to visit everyone on the flight manifest and end them. Eph seems fine with this plan for now, but he insists on documenting their encounters. Yep good ol' Goodweather still wants proof for the CDC to quarantine the family. I think we're way past that now Eph. Setrakian warns him that if he's infected he'll have no problem "releasing" him. Ouch, that's cold Gramps!

It was great to check in with Joan Luss at home wasn't it? Super creepy the way she hungered over and sniffed her kids. I could have sworn one of them was a goner. Hey maybe next week, you never know? Neeva noticed Joan's sideways blinking and took the kids home with her.

Meanwhile at the Barbour home, Ann-Marie's story came to an abrupt end. I wondered in last week's review for The Strain Season 1 Episode 4 if feeding the neighbor to Ansel would weigh heavily on her. Well I got my answer, it was all too much for her and she hung herself. The mirror test was interesting though. We learned that a silver mirror will vibrate if a person's infected.

Inside the shed, Setrakian expertly takes out Ansel (and the neighbor) while Eph records it using his iPhone. I've said it before but Setrakian is a badass!

Vasiliy had been noticing the rats behaving strangely and blamed a larger predator. When he heads underground into the subway tunnels we see the ammonia discharge on the walls. It isn't long before he comes face to face with dozens of strigoi. Good thing he wasn't too far from the exit. That sure was a close one dude.

Is The Master's nest deep in those tunnels? Are we headed for a major underground battle between our heroes and the strigoi in the finale?

I was glad we met Nora's mother this week. The character needs her own story arc apart from Eph. She obviously has a lot on her mind, dealing with her mom's Alzheimer's. It doesn't seem the writers are wasting much time reuniting her with Eph though right? Either way, I liked her much more this week.

At CDC Headquarters, Eph arrives with his evidence and presents it to his boss.

I have video documenting the physical effects of this infection. I also have video of an infected person in the full throes of the illness. Everett this is moving fast.

Eph

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I thought the comparison between the strigoi and a caterpillar turning into a butterfly was dead on. The passengers aren't dead but dormant. Why would Everett not be convinced at this point and contain the virus at a family level? I'm thinking he's also in the Stoneheart Group's pocket. After watching Ansel Barbour's stinger shoot out and Setrakian behead the creature, there's no other explanation for his inaction.

It was cool to see Jim warn Eph the CDC had security footage of him dragging Redfern's dead body. Yes, I knew Samwise wouldn't let us down! Though I did find it strange the way Jim asked for Eph's phone... Hmmm. Still, he claims he never meant to betray Eph and for some reason I believe him.

What did you guys think of "Runaways?" Are you as excited about the Poland flashbacks as I am? Hit the comments and let me know what you liked (or didn't like) about this week's episode. Remember if you've read the books, let's stick to episode 5 below to avoid spoiling the show for others.

If you have read the books and don't mind a few mild spoilers, check out our Q&A with Guillermo del Toro.

Miss an episode or simply want to re-watch last week's? Watch The Strain online right here via TV Fanatic.

Do you think Jim Kent will manage to redeem himself for his role in all this?