Helix Season 2 Episode 8 Review: Vade in Pace
Henry A. Otero
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Did you see those twists coming? This week's Helix Season 2 Episode 8 certainly had its fair share of surprises, but I found it much slower paced than earlier episodes this season. That's not a complaint, just a quick observation.
I admit I wasn't sure how the future storyline would tie in with the past, but leaving Michael buried alive in the pit was a brilliant way to go about it. Shame he lost his head so damn soon. Doesn't it seem the character had more to contribute?
Was Sarah's baby dead or alive? Well, we found out in the final moments of the installment.
Apparently "thinning" his flock wasn't enough, Brother Michael wanted everyone, including the CDC team, "purified." He sure had a unique way of looking at things; didn't he? I must confess I'm going to miss the guy. Steven Weber turned out to be this season's Jeri Ryan; didn't expect that at all.
It's fantastic that the writing team does not repeat themselves, otherwise the series would be too predictable. And that's the last word anyone can use to describe Helix
Anyway, in the future, Jules arrived at the remains of the abbey. She found nothing but a grave, literally, as Michael had been buried alive in the pit. The aging effects have been really cool this season, I've enjoyed those.
So, Brother Michael informed Amy that his evil plan had been carried out.
Brother Michael: The thinning is completed. It was a terrible day, but a necessary one. The children are always the most difficult; tiny hands. A pity they couldn't be spared.
Amy: I'm sorry you had to go through it alone.
Brother Michael: That's not what you were saying yesterday.
Amy: I've had time to think.
Boy did Amy have time to think, and to decide she was taking the monster out. I bet Michael was looking forward to the "planting ritual" haha. However, Amy had plans of her own. I honestly wasn't expecting Sister Amy to play such a pivotal role this season.
In the dining hall everyone mourned the dead and we learned Peter's "associates" would be arriving soon. Will Balleseros finally get some screen time and something fun to do this season? However, it was the Coast Guard that arrived first. The virus spread to a U.S. military outpost and the CDC team was needed there. Hey at least the Coast Guard gave Anne 24 hours to bury her dead right? This is Helix, a lot can happen in 24 hours.
Kyle shared that family tree journal with Sarah. He couldn't wrap his head around the fact Michael fathered every kid on that island for four hundred years. It's pretty out there if you think about.
Kyle: Come on, things are intense enough without you screwing with my head.
Sarah: Look Kyle, we really need to talk.
Kyle: About what? A five hundred year old man?
I certainly wasn't expecting Sarah to remove her contacts and reveal she's immortal. No matter how many times I've seen those silver eyes, they're still creepy as hell. Kyle was being a little silly denying the physical proof Sarah healed in a matter of hours. Guess he had to struggle with the immortality thing a tad before accepting it and moving on. Quick question, did Sarah infect herself by tasting that honey? Aren't immortals affected too?
Peter confessed to Anne he knew quite a few immortals and the poor thing felt dumber than dirt. I really hoped she would be the one to kill Michael. Any one of his children would have satisfied me I think. I'm not sure his death played out properly. Then again, we'll see soon enough.
Quick autopsy FTW! Were we finally about to learn why the infected folks outside the gates never died of the disease? We're closer but not yet. Alan's reaction to hearing Kyle mention the "immortality stuff" was excellent. He finally shared the truth about Ilaria being run by immortals, and his role in the entire thing. Will that thing they pulled from the infected guy lead to a cure? First Alan, Kyle and the Coast Guard had to go search for the surviving Mycotics.
Burying Michael alive was a bold move, because killing him off would have been too merciful. Leaving him in that pit to rot with a few rats would have worked better; don't you think?
Brother Michael: What do you think you're doing?
Amy: I'm creating a monument to you; a shrine.
Brother Michael: You think this is going to scare me? But you can't do this to me, I'm your father.
Amy: And I'm a dandelion with teeth.
Brother Michael: You can't do this to me. I will have centuries and you have mere seconds. You will become dust and the dust will settle upon this island. And when I'm free, I will walk upon that dust. No matter what you do, you will wither away and die. I will live forever and you will die.
I quickly made the connection between Michael's "burial" and the clanging noise Julia was hearing in the future. What would he look like after all those years in that pit? Would he be a changed man or more insane than ever?
Well, as soon as Jules saw the tombstone covering the pit we got our answer. Still, would he be helpful to Julia or would he be bent on revenge?
Anne confronted Amy, but the little dandelion with teeth was the boss now. Wasn't Michael's photo on the wall a nice touch? Only, thirty years later he was back and Julia informed him she was looking for a child. Immortal stem cells are the ticket eh? Again, I never considered that.
When I saw her getting close to that cliff, I realized Michael's plan. What I didn't see coming was the beheading. That's how our villain goes out; seriously? Didn't it seem he still had a major role to play in all this? Apparently not, the king's reign has ended... bummer.
Caleb may still be Sarah and Alan's baby after all. The wicked looking fetus had grown in that test tube thingy and he had silver eyes.
What did you think of "Vade In Pace"? Did Michael's death surprise you? What will Alan and Kyle learn about the mycotics outside the gates? Is Caleb immortal? Your turn ladies and germs, please share your wildest theories with me in the comments below. Let's talk Helix!
Don't forget you can watch Helix online via TV Fanatic if you want to re-watch this installment or any others you might have missed.
NOTE: Helix Season 2 Episode 9 is titled "Ectogenesis" and airs on Friday, March 13.
