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Avenue 5 Season 1 Episode 7 Review: 'Are You a Spider, Matt?'

Television

Avenue 5 Season 1 Episode 7 Review: ‘Are You a Spider, Matt?’

‘Avenue 5’ is at its best when its about the characters.

Warning! Spoilers for Avenue 5 ahead!

The story so far: Judd seems too be going to far. Clark and the rest of the Avenue 5’s leadership decide it may be time for drastic measures. The ship has to face its greatest danger yet. With their lives hanging in the balance, the passengers are on the verge of mutiny. The President of the United States decides drastic measures are in order to ensure the safety of the essential members of the crew. Judd comes up with another of his plans that have turned so many against him.

The last episode of the series introduced a new danger to the ship. ‘Are You a Spider, Matt?’ continues to show how the passengers are reacting to what is happening around them. It is often said that people turned to religion in the most dire of times. Avenue 5 sees this happen in a hilarious way as people aboard the ship begin seeing a holy figure in space.

This brings a great dynamic to the show. It is set in a future where science has advanced to the point where interstellar travel is possible. However, people still look to their faith when they need hope. It also brings up an interesting question as some among the crew state only “good” people are able to see the spirit in the sky. An actual debate is not a part of the show. It is much more subtle world building. Only time will tell if this was just a one off or a development that will be further explored.

Avenue 5 has occasionally shown how the citizens of Earth have felt about what is happening to the ship. The last two episodes have seen increased focus with episode six seeing Rav make a shocking decision. She is one of the more interesting characters on the show. In the few moments we have seen her, she has shown herself to be a leader who cares about the people aboard the titular ship. She cares about public perception, but not in the same way as Judd. It looks like she may be in the show more in the future.

Viewers may have taken for granted what sort of passengers are on the ship. After all, only the rich can afford a cruise around the solar system, right? While the show has shown the division between crew and guests (with some members of the Avenue 5 feeling there are some “non essential” passengers), there has never been any talk of class. The seventh episode shows there is a clear class divide on board as an uber wealthy passenger does not like that certain passengers are on his part of the ship.

It also gives the show a chance to show another side of Judd. He is able to talk down to those he feels are beneath him. This has been seen in many previous episodes with how easily he is able to dismiss what others are saying. When there is someone who is in the same economic strata as he is, Judd acts differently. It adds a layer to the character and allows the viewer to see why he is so concerned with profit over safety. In Judd’s world, the amount of money a person has tells everyone else what kind of person they are.

Avenue 5 is at its best when it concerns itself with the denizens of the stranded vessel. Episode seven introduces religion and class while also showing how much people on Earth care about what is happening. Letting the viewers see different sides of Judd and Billie was also a great idea as it prevents them from being static characters. The surprising ending opens up more possibilities for the future.

Avenue 5 Season 1 Episode 7 Review: 'Are You a Spider, Matt?'
Avenue 5 S1 E7: 'Are You a Spider, Matt?'
Is it good?
A strong episode that focuses on the characters in the show. Introduces new themes and shows different sides to characters.
Interesting themes are introduced
Characters are becoming more well rounded
We are supposed to care about Clark's private life, but it is not working
8
Good

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