Brave New World review: Episode 2 narrowly avoids a sophomore slump

Brave New World’s second outing loses a bit of steam but still manages to impress with intriguing plot developments and exhilarating action.

The second chapter of Peacock’s Brave New World wastes no time introducing World Controller Mustafa Mond (Nina Sosanya), who is eager to get to the bottom of the incident involving the fallen Epsilon from the pilot. Later in the episode, she seeks out another Epsilon who touched the body. After observing some anomalies in his behaviors, she deduces that the aberrant behaviors are being caused by a virus, something so outdated no one but her really knows what it means. She also knows that Bernard may also be a carrier.

Sosanya, who folks may recognize from shows like Strike Back and Killing Eve, is an excellent addition to the cast. She gives off a sleek, sinister vibe, like Cersei Lannister meets The Giver. She’s one to watch.

Meanwhile, Bernard is still feeling the after-effects of coming in contact with the dead, virus-ridden Epsilon. But he forgets all about that as he goes on a much-needed vacation to the Savage Lands with Lenina.

John the Savage tries to convince his mother to leave town after finding out what the extremist group plans to do to the unsuspecting tourists arriving at the park, but she declines.

Lenina and Bernard skip the conjugal orgy pool in favor of seeing the exhibits, including a Purge-style Black Friday sale and a Red Wedding-esque massacre. Only the latter isn’t part of the park; it’s the result of an actual terrorist attack that is still in progress. Bernard is shot, but he and Lenina manage and encounter John, who tries to rescue them.

The plot developments really saved this second installment. We learn that Bernard’s Alpha status may be in question due to the alleged mishandling of his embryo; in fact, he have been sent to the Savage Land to stay there in exile. It’s a thought-provoking twist. John’s backstory continues to unravel, and the virus storyline has quickly become captivating.

I enjoy watching Bernard and Lenina come down off their meds and experience feelings for the first time; it’s like watching a newbie experiment with mushrooms. This kind of euphoria is new to them, and their reactions feel very authentic, particularly the fear and confusion in their eyes when they feel themselves developing a bond that goes beyond just the sexual, which isn’t done in their world. Jessica Brown Findlay’s amazement at the sight of Earth from space was out of this world.

So Savage Land treats our current time as a backwards idiot-scape only worthy to be remembered as part of carnival sideshow. This is clever sometimes, even brilliant. But it can also get a bit stale and veer into Idiocracy territory.

I’m still not sold on Ehrenreich’s performance as John, and after two episodes, I’m beginning to get concerned. At least it feels like the show is about to jumpstart John the Savage’s arc, as the final moments show him betraying the radical group as he tries to help these two terrified New Londerers.

I remember not liking Jon Snow for a good chunk of the first season of Game of Thrones, but eventually, everyone’s favorite unwanted Stark become a fan favorite. So there is still hope for the artist formerly known as Han Solo.

The tongue-in-cheek ad for, “Thanks Buddy,” a device that zaps people who don’t return things on time, felt really out of place and took me right out of the episode. If the series wants the same kind of respect that Westworld gets for its world-building, it might wanna reconsider gags that seem like they were rejected from Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

“Want and Consequence” starts off by showing severe symptoms of a sophomore slump, but redeems itself with a thrilling third act. I’m ready to enjoy more Brave New World, with no yellows, greens and oranges needed.

Episode Grade: Beta –

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