The Nevers opens on a somber note this week as one of the Touched is buried and mysterious boxes are brought into the city. The plot thickens, so they say, but quickly the show zips to Amalia True (Laura Donnelly) guzzling pints and starting a bar fight. A truism to this show is how it always has at least three subplots going at once so it’s always able to cut away to something entirely different and to keep the plot moving forward. This episode is another good example of that as it continues to unravel its many mysteries.
This show continues to do a good job fleshing out characters in interesting ways. Detective Frank Mundi (Ben Chaplin) just lost a loved one and to see him lose his temper, control himself, and eventually use his wits to get new leads is entertaining. At one point we even find out he’s a boxer in a scene that also reveals he’s willing to do things to enact a response from a certain group of Touched haters.
The main crux of this episode is Lord Massen (Pip Torrens) and his plotting. We know he has something hidden away in his basement, and he’s somehow tied to the mysterious boxes introduced at the start of the episode, but whether he’s evil or in some kind of grey area remains to be seen.
This character comes into contact with True in a real way this episode, thanks to her powers revealing she’d meet him later in the day. This scene does a lot to make Massen seem a lot more understandable in his plotting and plans. On top of that, he may not be the true enemy of True at all, though from what we know from previous episodes there is likely a much more dangerous villain at work.
Speaking of these powers, it’s becoming obvious her powers are more like messages from some entity. Earlier in the episode, True says, “They tell me I don’t get to plan my own day. They’re not treasure maps.” The trouble with time travel is one could argue True isn’t so much fulfilling what will be, but simply being redirected by an outside force.
Her powers become even more intriguing in a final scene where she seems to suggest her powers are tied directly to the mysterious ship that gave everyone powers at the end of the first episode. It’s also a reminder that True’s powers are more of a curse than a blessing. This scene also helps to convey the fact that the powers the Touched have are connected in a way we don’t yet understand. That adds a layer of complexity that gives the show more structure.
This scene includes Bonfire (Rochelle Neil) and Penance Adair (Ann Skelly) who clearly respect and believe in True’s decision-making and leadership. It’s a nice way to reinforce this group is solid and on the same side. That’s helpful to know after True’s ability to lead came into question in the last episode.
Figuring out who the murderer is the main plot going right now.
Credit: Photograph by Keith Bernstein/HBO
This episode introduces a new character known as Nimble (Vinnie Heaven). It’s a reminder there are Touched who aren’t part of any one group in this world and they’re out for themselves. Their power is quite cool as they can make discs of metal appear out of thin air. Used as a shield or a platform, it allows Nimble to be, well, nimble! This character’s powers are interesting too as they seem to be a foil to Bonfire’s flames. Learn more about both actors in our interview.
Based on Nimble and the scene with Massen it’s clear this show is about various factions joining forces, breaking away, and making clear they are the enemy. For that reason, this episode and the show, in general, continues to be intriguing as we try to make sense of who people really are and what their intentions may be. Furthermore, “Undertaking” makes True’s powers far more interesting and the greater mysteries in The Nevers all the more addictive.
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