TV Show Review

TV Review: THE STRAIN: Season 1, Episode 10: Loved Ones [FX]

Corey Stoll the Strain

FX’s The Strain Loved Ones TV Show Review. The Strain: Season 1, Episode 10: Loved Ones changes the pace set by the first 9 episodes and tests the internal strength of Ephraim (Corey Stoll) and his team. With all these different personalities shakeups are bound to happen. We also find out what happened to Kelly (Natalie Brown), who was missing in action.

The choice to start out with Zack (Ben Hyland) looking for his mother was a brilliant move. This was his moment to shine in the show and he delivered…so did the writing. Zach’s determination and resourcefulness tells us he is going to be just like his father when he grows up. It also tells us this little boy loves his mother.

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There was a very solid short scene with Nora (Mia Maestro) and Eph that showcased serious inner conflict between the characters. Nora, though she tries to tone it down is in love with Eph. We can read that a part of her doesn’t want him to go looking for Kelly. She is afraid she will lose him but knows it’s the right thing to do. Her expressions and demeanor is spot on. Eph also delivers by dealing with this complicated situation like a champ. His son is expecting him to go out and find his mother and he is feeling the weight that she may be another infected victim. We also can feel that a part of him would like his family back together. For me, this was a very strong scene that really makes these characters more likable.

I am very amused by Vasilly Fet (Kevin Durand) and his infatuation with Dutch Velders (Ruta Gedmintas). His eyes give him away every time he looks at her. So I wasn’t surprised at him so quickly agreeing to go with her to Eldritch Palmers (Jonathan Hyde) office to try and get the Internet back up. There are a few things that are baffling about this excursion. Vasilly was reckless in his approach getting them in the building and could have gotten them killed. He also didn’t try and fight when it appeared they were going to be shot. Minor details we can live with but the bigger question is what is Mr. Fitzwilliams (Roger R. Cross) expecting for a reward from his boss? He appears to be willing to do anything Eldritch tells him. With the virus spreading fast and the threat of the possible new world getting more real…where does he think he will fit in? We do learn something about his character when he decides to let Vasilly and Dutch go. I was surprised.

Finding out what happened to Kelly was very satisfying. I feel like she has betrayed Eph on a few levels and had to be punished for it. She married a man who is the head of the Center for Disease Control in New York City. He has a very serious job and is committed to helping keep people safe. He also has shown he loves his family but has to juggle both. She comes off being very selfish and foul for moving Matt (Drew Nelson) into their home…with his son.   That said, it was fitting that Matt was the one to infect her. Ephraim told her a few episodes back to take their son and get out of the city. Knowing what his job is, she should have done so without question. Because of her being so stubborn, she got herself infected and her friend Diane (Inga Cadrannel). Even Diane’s son got infected. Kelly ruined a lot of lives and had to go. The interesting thing about how this closed was seeing the Master (Robert Maillet) make an appearance. I get the feeling he is going to use Kelly against Eph and his team. This could be something really interesting developing.

After following Kelly’s trail and killing Diane and her infected son, seeing Eph break down was very touching. You could feel the buildup setting in when he found Kelly’s necklace. This man has been on a rollercoaster ride and is losing friends and loved ones very fast. Abraham (David Bradley) has been fairly quiet in this episode, especially when Eph’s harsh words cause Dutch to leave the team. At this point they cannot have anyone leave the team. They will need all the help they can get. I was surprised Abraham allowed her to leave without having words with her. Maybe he has another plan.

Leave your thoughts on this review and this episode of The Strain below in the comments section. For more The Strain reviews, photos, videos, and information, visit our The Strain Page, subscribe to us by Email, “follow” us on Twitter, Tumblr, or “like” us on Facebook.

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Brian Fire

Brian is a screenwriter and visual fx Artist who loves science fiction, drama and follows many TV shows. He is a versatile writer who is published and has written copy for: CompUsa, The California State Lottery and Princess Cruise lines. Every year he attends The Sundance Film Festival and the San Diego Comic Con filling up on his other passions…indie films, comic books and video games.
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