Episode 5 of Snowpiercer's gripping fourth season commences with a soul-wrenching dilemma confronting Josie: the unthinkable trade of Big Alice for Liana's life. Ben, in a hushed and urgent conversation, implores Josie to reject the deal, reminding her of their desperate need for the engine and the potential spark of rebellion it could ignite.
As news of this bargain reaches Layton's ears, he recognizes the urgency of securing irrefutable evidence. But the Admiral, ever the proactive strategist, confronts Layton directly, deftly deflecting blame for Zarah's tragic demise as a mere mishap. To substantiate his claim, he arranges a call with Dr. Headwood, whose solemn voice echoes through the line, confirming Liana's continued existence.
With heavy hearts, Layton relents, ordering the trains to be linked, a decision that elicits a pained sigh from Ruth, yet one she ultimately acquiesces to. As the colossal machines merge, Ben, working in secrecy near the engine, confides in Layton his secret contingency plan, a safety net against all odds.
Once inside the labyrinthine facility, Layton is abruptly separated from his companions, descending into the bowels of the lab where truth and deception intertwine. Eventually, he's ushered into an office where the remainder of his team awaits: Alex, Ruth, Ben, and Till, their faces etched with tension. Till's words are a stark reminder—they have a mere 2 hours and 36 minutes before the train's inertia gives way to motion, and the facility's twisted design threatens to dissolve their sense of time.
Yet, amidst this grim countdown, Josie remains conspicuously absent, sequestered in the medical wing. There, she falls victim to a sedative's embrace, her consciousness slipping away as the fate of their world hangs in the balance.The Admiral strides into the room, divulging that Mel has ostensibly ventured off-site to gather vital climate samples. Yet, amidst this revelation, stands an unexpected presence: none other than Joseph Wilford, the Admiral's own assistant, in stark contrast to their absence. This disclosure sparks a gasp of surprise, as Wilford smoothly declares his allegiance, having been rescued by the Admiral, their secret collaborator. It is he who covets Big Alice and who has also abducted Liana. Layton's fury boils over, launching him at Wilford in a blind rage, only to be swiftly restrained and held back.
As Wilford departs, the Admiral reveals their sinister intentions, informing the passengers aboard the trains that they will toil to prepare everything, while they themselves will remain as "guests" – a euphemism for prisoners – until the world is deemed safe once more. Ruth, wary of Wilford's true colors, cautions the Admiral against trusting him, but Wilford possesses a cunning ability to manipulate minds and hearts. In private, he counsels the Admiral to keep Liana and Layton apart for the time being, a strategy fraught with hidden motives.
Wilford, accompanied by Nima, boards Big Alice, intent on transforming its sub-engine. The intricate conversions are already in motion when Alex appears, intrigued by their ambitious plan. She offers her assistance, her true purpose a blend of reconnaissance and uncovering the ultimate game plan. Wilford leads Alex on a winding journey through labyrinthine corridors and hidden passageways to Mel's lab, where he deftly worms his way into Alex's psyche, entwining his manipulative words around her doubts and attempting to sway her to his perspective.
Meanwhile, in the central chamber, Ben unleashes his engineering prowess, shattering the confines of their imprisonment. Knocking out the guard with precision, they navigate the labyrinthine halls and ascend the stairs, the clock ticking against them as they confront a vast area to explore. Ruth, recognizing the urgency, strategizes a divide-and-conquer approach, their mission to cover more ground and uncover the truth.
Ben and Till finally make their way to Mel's labyrinthine laboratory, only to encounter a roadblock when Wilford, despite their best efforts to subdue him, triggers the alarms, summoning the relentless guards. Alex, opting to remain steadfast amidst the rebellion's exodus, imparts vital escape instructions to the duo. Meanwhile, Wilford ascends to the heart of the control room, issuing his demands with a steely resolve.
Ruth finds herself isolated, her steps hastened as she catches up with Layton, mere moments before he's spirited away in an elevator, descending into mystery. As she grapples with her next move, Ben and Till forge ahead, infiltrating the Snowpiercer's crew and orchestrating a daring coup aimed at their liberation. Their strategy intricately involves sealing off access to the sub-train, while the Tailies valiantly fend off the Admiral and his soldiers.
However, their plans hit a snag when they discover the coupling system has been sabotaged, trapping them in a seemingly hopeless situation. In a selfless act of heroism, Ben elects to sacrifice himself, locking the others out and performing a perilous manual override that not only frees them but also cripples the Snowpiercer. His bravery proves triumphant as the two colossal trains finally part ways, Big Alice breaking free from its oppressive shackles.
Back in the confines of the Silo, a different drama unfolds. Layton, Alex, and Josie remain trapped, the latter revealing a chilling truth: Josie is undergoing the same enigmatic blood transfusion procedure witnessed among the soldiers. And Layton's torment intensifies as he witnesses Wilford holding Liana captive behind the glass, taunting him with a sense of impending doom that threatens to engulf them all in a maelstrom of violence and betrayal.
