After leaving viewers to mull over an enormous cliffhanger for months, Freeform's mermaid-themed drama is back and better than ever before.

With the events of Siren Season 2 Episode 8 catching both the audience and characters off guard, it didn't seem as if the series could get any more explosive.

But Siren Season 2 Episode 9 proved us wrong.

The stakes were high right from the get-go. Viewers were thrown directly back into the action with only moments passing from the time we last saw the characters.

In a nail biting-worthy scene, Ben and Maddie were able to save Xander and Calvin from The North Star with only minor injuries. Despite Ben's offer, Xander decided to let the boat burn rather than call the Coast Guard.

But not everyone was as lucky as Xander and Calvin were.

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In addition to being a strong episode plot-wise, Siren Season 2 Episode 9 was also made up of many different emotional components.

Sarge's death hit hard, and while it appeared as if he had been killed on Siren Season 2 Episode 8, the premiere sealed his fate when the mermaid's had an underwater funeral for their fallen friend.

As heartwrenching as the moment was, the real impact came when Ryn returned from the water to tell Helen the news.

In the water...others in danger. He saved them, but he die.
Ryn

Permalink: He saved them, but he die.

Helen and Sarge's connection brought something special to the show, and their dynamic was wholesome and pure.

It's a shame that it came to an end right when their relationship was starting to come to fruition.

Since Helen is such a strong individual, there's no saying how this loss will impact her going forward. Helen appears to be the suffer in silence type, as she always puts the needs of others over the needs of herself.

Despite Sarge's death, Helen still pushed her own feelings of grief aside and went with Richard to talk to his sister.

Things didn't exactly go as planned, and now that she's holding Richard and Helen captive there's no telling what her endgame is.

On another note, Ryn, Ben, and Maddie's relationship is the emotional thread that ties together the entire series.

Almost every move that they make is related to their love for one another.

Because they missed her so much, Ben and Maddie decided to listen to Ryn's siren song to "take the edge off."

Ben: Maddie, it could be dangerous.
Maddie: But you're listening.
Ben: Just to take the edge off.
Maddie: That's what I need! I miss her so much.
Ben: I know how that feels.

Permalink: I miss her so much.

Although the recording isn't as powerful as the real thing, it is undoubtfully going to have some negative side effects on the two. Ben didn't react well to it the first time, and we have no idea how it will impact Maddie, or if it will at all.

The more pressing matter at hand, is Ryn's agreement with the military.

Ryn's decision to aid Ben's mom stems from her love for Ben and desire to help him at all costs.

The military may have treated Ryn well the first time, but the same can't be said for her sister.

Ryn: Military was bad to sister, but good to Ryn.
Maddie: For now. But we don't know what they want to do to you.

Permalink: But we don't know what they want to do to you.

Nicole seems to genuinely want to protect Ryn, and has undergone a lot of character development since first being introduced in the show.

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She may have used Xander in the beginning, but there's seems to be a classic case of "fake relationship turned real" on Nicole's side.

I don't have to stick around anymore, but I am. For you.
Nicole

Permalink: I don't have to stick around anymore, but I am. For you.

Xander has made it obvious that he doesn't want anything to do with her, but I can't help but root for them.

Nicole is one of, if not the most, interesting character on Siren. It was impossible to tell where her loyalty lied and how far she would be willing to go for the military.

You wanted to trust her, but were never sure if you could.

Nicole has reached a point where, as far as we know, all of her secrets are out in the open. She cares about the mermaids and humans and wants to find a way for them to benefit from each other.

But the real issue is, does everyone share Nicole's morals?

She's not in charge of the operation, and the military could easily take their research in a different direction with one word from Nicole's superior.

So what happens to Ryn if Nicole is undermined? Losing control of the experiment is where the real danger could set in for the season.

The military may be playing nice for now, but that doesn't mean that Ryn is in safe hands.