We return to the end of the world as we know it, with Carol’s defenses waning. After succumbing to the need for human connection, she and Zosia spend some quality time together. Like the dallying of an awkward first date, Carol rummages her way through meet cute activities with the Hive liaison. All the while, she’s collecting information shared during these smaller, calmer moments.
Meanwhile, Manousos has awaken in a Panama hospital. The Hive rescued him from the perilous jungle and began medical treatment. However, the lone wolf refuses care and opts to leave the facility. Before leaving, he demands an itemized receipt of all charges, as if he would be billed in the future. He refuses to accept any help from the foreigner.
Back in Albuquerque, Zosia takes Carol to one of her old stopping grounds when she was a young, uninhabited writer. Before the pressures of bookstore tours and publishing contracts, she was working days to support her writing habit. It was her sanctuary. It’s here, in this moment, she realizes it’s been forever since she was genuinely happy. This spurs Carol to return to writing, and rework her galavant knight back to their original identity: a woman. Zosia basks in this joy with her, but the happiness is fraudulent. Both ladies know this dance is only a distraction from Carol’s desire to make things normal again. But before that day can come, she gives in to her deepest desires and sleeps with Zosia.
Afterward, the two share an honest moment, where Zosia shares a memory from her actual past — not one of the hive. Suddenly the joy escapes her as she’s alerted that Carol will soon have a visitor. Manousos has reached the States.
Another beautifully written and performed episode, with Seehorn receiving excellent support from Karolina Wydra. Carol has seemed to finally adjust to the new normal, even though she fears what she hast lost. However, something cues this feeling will be dashed by the presence of a stranger who wants nothing to do with the new guests on the planet.
Rating: 9/10