Rescue operations are never easy, and the latest chapter on The Gifted is no exception.

Let's start with what was the most awkward on The Gifted Season 1 Episode 4 with Dreamer's action on The Gifted Season 1 Episode 3. I guess that Clarice is, at this point, stuck with those feelings.

I suppose it would have been too easy if Dreamer had been able to undo what she did. It took me a week to realize she could have injected Clarice with memories or feelings of anyone but Thunderbird!

I get that she did it so that Clarice would be motivated enough to save Thunderbird and the others. But she couldn't have picked any other memory for Clarice? 

It makes this situation awkward and slightly uncomfortable, but I appreciate the fact that Clarice can sense that something isn't right with her.

It would have otherwise felt like an insult to the character if she was, essentially, completely under this love spell. I'm not exactly looking forward to when she discovers what happened to her.

Because there is no way she would feel violated by Dreamer, right? I'm glad that they aren't portraying her as entirely unaware of what's going on.

Had The Gifted Season 1 been 13 or 22 episodes, I'd have a completely different opinion with the A-plot. But given that it's only 10 episodes, the rescue operation for Reed and Polaris was perfectly placed.

I could have watched Polaris tear Reed a new one for a full hour. Don't get me wrong, I dig Reed, but let's not kid ourselves. His "self-realization" isn't enough to justify his past moves, and I love that Polaris called it out on him.

You only realized how badly mutants were treated because your kids are mutants? A person with common sense would have known that without the lesson.

I don't see Reed as an enemy, but he isn't entirely one of the good guys either. Can he be redeemed for what he has done in the last few years?

"eXit Strategy" sort of hints at that answer, but more on that later. This arc is why I'm even more intrigued now about what happened on July 15.

What the hell happened that would make society allow this treatment of mutants? This might be a stretch and very comic book-y, so stay with me.

Could The Gifted's timeline be what eventually sets up the events of the Logan film? It still remains to be seen wherein the X-Men Cinematic Universe the show is set.

For those who have seen the film and are watching the show, think about it. If you haven't seen the masterpiece that is Logan, then you're missing out. Big time.

I appreciate that Polaris eventually agreed to help Reed. Reed's sacrifice in getting out the screws in his knee was quite a shock, though.

I'm not saying that makes up for the damage he has done, but I still dig that he did it. In addition to that, anything that offers an opportunity for Polaris be badass is worth it.

It was, in a way, a subtle nod to Magneto's move in X-Men 2 when Mystique helped Charles get out. Like daughter, like father...am I right?

The little side story with Eclipse and the drama queen that was Carmen? That was rough. I didn't care much for that plot other than seeing Eclipse clearly having a messy background.

I could see Eclipse having the past of a bad boy, but at the same time, brother has enough obstacles as it is. It's not a story that I necessarily need to see right now.

Something I wish had been given more focus was Thunderbird's past with Pulse. Giving us one flashback at the start only to reveal that he is now with baddies felt rushed.

I enjoy when you build up to a plot twist like that which is tough when you only have 10 episodes. But at the same time, this story needed a victory for the heroes, so I'll digress.

I'm sure I'm not the only one who is noticing Caitlin crossing lines for each chapter. It's almost as if Caitlin is getting edgier while Reed sees the wrongs he has committed.

And guess what? I dig it! It makes sense because of the danger they're in, but that doesn't make it less enjoyable. Besides, anything that leads to Amy Acker kicking some ass is fine with me.

Overall, "eXit Strategy" is the strongest episode of the season so far. Besides the awkwardness that is Clarice/Thunderbird, The Gifted took major steps forward.

There were lots of great mutant actions and finally a victory for the heroes. Bonus: seeing Jace all butt-hurt was simply delicious.

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Now it's your turn to let us know what you thought of The Gifted Season 1 Episode 4! Are you stoked Polaris and Reed are finally free?

Will the Strucker siblings get stronger the more they work together? Should Carmen show up again?

Is the Clarice/Thunderbird situation awkward to you too? Let us know in the comments below!

Remember you can watch The Gifted online right here via TV Fanatic!