The fifth episode, literally titled “Smoked Eel,” centers on our unofficial heroine, Humility Lucas. As the crew is left incapacitated by an invisible force, Miss Lucas must prove to herself she’s capable of more than just science. And on the Dreadnought, Jagadish learns of Captain Millais’ past with Nemo.

The episode focuses a lot on our characters’ past lives. Viewers learn that Miss Lucas was escorted to Bombay for an arranged marriage, her mother’s doing to deter Humility’s ambition to attend university. Elsewhere, we get a clear view of Millais’s relationship with Nemo.

Millais confirmed to Jagadish that he was Nemo’s classmate and best friend at Ravenforth boarding school in England. However, his kinship with Nemo deteriorated, hinting that those close to the Indian prince become casualties of his arrogance and bravado.

Back on the Nautilus, the crew must devise a plan to get loose from the giant eel. Humility suggests electrocuting the creature back to the tune of 1,500 volts. Nemo agrees but insists they not exceed 1,000 to prevent the engine from blowing. Thinking she must prove herself, Humility ignores his warning, and the vessel suffers. As soon as they attempt to regenerate power, each crew member falls into a comatose state.

We are to assume that an organism from the island was transferred onto the submarine via Archie the dog’s fur. Soon, the eel departs, but the vessel is headed straight for the Ring of Fire, the deep-sea collection of volcanoes. As the last member standing, Humility goes solo to redirect the Nautilus’ course. But in her efforts to save the ship and its crew, she loses grip and floats aimlessly in the deep waters.

This episode finished stronger than it started. The spreading of the virus felt a little disjointed, with no actual explanation of how it worked. However, the execution of the effects on Humility and Nemo helped steer the emotional weight. Nemo seeing apparitions of his wife and daughter helps establish the crippling guilt he feels over their deaths. It helps explain why he is so hard on everyone else — he can’t yet forgive himself. Humility’s vision of her father’s funeral — her one true supporter of her pursuit of an education — motivated her beyond the immediate failure.

Rating: 7.5