Episode three of AMC’s Nautilus makes tremendous strides in storytelling as Nemo and his crew seek refuge on land. They discover a village commandeered by a benevolent suitor known as the Raja, but they soon realize his hospitality is a ruse.

After escaping The Company’s attacks, the Nautilus falls into the grips of a giant squid. Swallowing his fear, Nemo volunteers to scare the creature from the vessel. As his attempt fails, the ship is miraculously rescued by the mother whale and child Nemo, saved from the poachers.

Meanwhile, Humility happens upon the stowaway, Company trooper Edward Cuff, holding Blaster at knifepoint. Swearing he does not share the Company’s sentiments, Nero spares his life and imprisons him. Next, the team strategizes their next move: search for a month’s worth of food and supplies. Still surrounded by Company-owned territory, they settle on shores allegedly run by cannibals.

Once on land, they meet the Raja (Richard E Grant), who welcomes them after realizing Nemo’s royal lineage. Here, Humility learns of Nemo’s past, changing her view of the determined captain. Elsewhere, half of the crew guards the vessel while Blaster, Turan, Jagadish, and Ranbir enjoy the palace’s pleasures.

Later, Nemo speaks with the Raja, who claims to have met his father years ago in London. When Nemo disputes that his father ever visited England, the Raja shows him a photo of the time they met. He alleges Nemo’s father signed his land over to the East India Mercantile Company, disowning Nemo in the process. As Nemo contemplates this information, members guarding the Nautilus discover that the gifted food is rotten. Suspecting a trap, Kai goes to warn Nemo.

These suspicions come to a head when Nemo discovers the White Raja has offered him to The Company for the highest price. Simultaneously, Nemo’s team discovers that the natives who serve him are enslaved. In a surprising act of defiance, Jagadish encourages the soldiers to fight back. An uprising ensues as the natives take back their land.

During the melee, Edward frees himself and gives Humility the key to release Nemo. But Jagadish discovers Edward has called the Company for reinforcements. To cover his betrayal, Edward shoots Jagadish and claims he tried to save him before the Raja took him prisoner. As Nemo’s team reconvenes to escape, the Dreadnought appears in the distance.

This episode proved to be the strongest yet, trading the isolating waters for a more narrative and character-focused plot on land. Here, our characters can expand, delivering an emotional punch that had for the most part been absent in the prior episodes. The eventual uprising by the palace’s people is inspiring, and Jagadish’s sacrifice displays a tremendous amount of character growth, showing he’s more than just comedic relief. Richard E. Grant’s appearance as the Raja also elevates the material, creating a worthy adversary and complicating Nemo’s understanding of his relationship with his father.

Rating: 8/10