At first sight, episode four of season two of Humans, seems like another development episode. Much like episode three, it built up the stories more. However, there is some exciting action, that is just going to get bigger over time.
Another expansive episode, with so much going on, you would think it would be difficult to follow; and yet it’s quite the opposite. Humans manages to immerse its audience into every separate storyline, making you feel a part of the entire story; it’s pure brilliance.
We open in Westgate-on-Sea, where Mia and Ed, played by Gemma Chan and Sam Palladio respectively, are lying in bed together. They talk about her feelings, and, well, if, she can “feel pleasure”. It’s pretty much that awkward moment we’ve all found ourselves in, once upon a time.
That awkward moment straight after you're done 'doing it'. #Humans pic.twitter.com/uHHTFRMySk
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) November 20, 2016
Their story expands, as Ed wishes to take Mia to meet his Mother, Diane, played by Anastasia Hille, as a couple. Yet, whilst there, he finds out that he has to pay a large sum of money upfront to allow his Mother to stay at the care home. He suggests fraud to Mia, once again, but even she says it’s too risky. Her idea was the lottery, but they didn’t win. The ending suggests that Ed is going to give up his happiness with Mia, in a shocking ending that sees Ed power down Mia, whilst his friend Danny, played by Eric Kofi-Abrefa, can be seen in the background. What are their plans for Mia? Ed needs money, and fast.
*Gives up all hope of ever winning the lottery* #Humans pic.twitter.com/avFhCAL6Ig
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) November 20, 2016
The Hawkins family play a massive part in this episode. We start off with Sophie, played by Pixie Davies, being interviewed by Dr Rose, played by Finlay Robertson, a psychiatrist who assesses her actions and the way she’s speaking. He tells Laura and Joe, played by Katherine Parkinson and Tom Goodman-Hill, that Sophie is mimicking Synthetic behaviour. This syndrome comes from seeing Synths as adults too, and that they can’t do a thing wrong, and so becoming more like them allows her to keep a hold of emotions and other abilities inside. It’s an interesting observation, and he suggests that she be kept away from Synths. Although, in a world full of Synthetics, that’s not going to be easy. This leads to a fight between Joe and Laura, but they make it up in the end.
When someone approaches you on a Monday morning before you've had the first coffee. #Humans pic.twitter.com/K3pvaO7Bf0
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) November 20, 2016
We follow Laura to work, as she brings out a curveball for Niska, played by Emily Berrington. Laura has brought Astrid, played by Bella Dayne, all the way over from Germany, in an attempt to show that Niska can feel. Astrid is confused, however, as she always identified Niska as human. In a passionate lovely conversation, Astrid admits that she still likes Niska. She found out Niska was in trouble and got a flight to England as soon as she could.
Astrid & Niska 4 eva <3 #Humans pic.twitter.com/sHepltH7b3
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) November 20, 2016
As for Leo Elster, played by Colin Morgan, he’s found out about another Synth that has started to develop feelings. Him, Max and Hester, the latter two played by Ivanno Jeremiah and Sonya Cassidy respectively, track this Synth down. Max and Hester argue about what to do next, with Leo siding with Hester to stay back and watch their enemies pick up this Synth so that they can learn where they are holding these so-called malfunctioned Synths. Max doesn’t agree with the plan and walks off, with Hester suggesting they’re better off without him; talk about a burning comment.
As for Dr Athena Morrow, played by Carrie-Anne Moss, she and Vee, voiced by Chloe Wicks, are talking about people; the person who the doctor married, the father of her daughter, is mentioned; do we really need more proof about Vee being her daughter?
Uh oh. Things are getting awkward. #Humans pic.twitter.com/6WP6rOaFGX
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) November 20, 2016
Dr Athena Morrow has a meeting with Milo Khoury, played by Marshall Allman, who talks to her about his childhood and being brought up through the foster-care system. He does have vulnerability after all. However, he spins it back on Dr Athena Morrow, suggesting he could fire her because she isn’t doing what he’s paying her to do, and use all her research as his own. Can she really trust him?
The police detectives story-line seems the most unconnected so far. DI Karen Voss, played by Ruth Bradley, thinks it’s next to impossible for Synthetics to be gaining consciousness. In quite a ballsy attempt, DI Pete Drummond, played by Neil Maskell, follows some leads that certainly gets him into a bit of trouble. Whilst, DI Karen Voss, follows-up a case where the owner of a malfunctioned Synth, is getting paid to not tell the police about it. If only they follow the clues, they’re going to play a very important role in all of this. Just remember, DI Karen Voss is a conscious Synth; don’t forget how that could affect everything.
Back with the Hawkins family, and Toby, played by Theo Stevenson, continues to pursue Renie, played by Letitia Wright. Her interaction with Sophie definitely makes an impression on the young girl, especially as Renie has totally enveloped herself as a Synth.
Yet, it’s Odi, played by Will Tudor, that leads us on quite the emotional hunt, with Mattie, played by Lucy Carless, trailing behind. We visit the place that Odi spent his time with Dr George Millican, before his death in series one. He was played by William Hurt. Odi talks about how he felt nothing when his owner died, but now he does. Such a sweet moment.
Anyone else feeling this tonight? #Humans pic.twitter.com/HKS6VOPNXb
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) November 20, 2016
At the Hawkins house, Sophie answers the door to a meter reading Synth, who Joe later lets in. Yet, this Synth isn’t an electrician, he’s come with an important message for Laura. She must confirm that she will drop the case with Niska. Joe attempts to shut the Synth off, but it pushes Joe away with every try. It isn’t until Odi and Mattie return home, that Odi comes to the rescue. The electrician wasn’t a normal Synth, as Synths don’t have the ability to harm people. Pushing Joe out the way is next to impossible when it comes to Synthetic capabilities. Has someone already managed to put consciousness into a Synth? All that hard work Dr Athena Morrow is doing could have already been completed by a whole new organisation. Who are these bad guys? And what implications do they have for Laura in future episodes?
Oh no he Odidn't?! Oh yes he Odid! #OdiSavesTheDay #Humans
— Channel 4 (@Channel4) November 20, 2016
Put those thoughts with the fact that Joe and Mattie hacked his work’s database to find out the reasons as to why Joe got redundant; which lead to us finding out that the emails sent were only Synths conversing in Joe’s redundancy and it being no official management decision, leads to the potential of the rise of Synthetics. It changes the whole gameplay.
Don’t forget to read our recaps of episode one, episode two, and episode three if you’ve missed them.
Trust is important, and this episode completely tore it apart. What did you make of this episode? Let us know on Twitter @CelebMix.