After a meticulous four-week interrogation of mysteries, "Watchmen" finally unravels some enigmas in an episode that seamlessly blends impeccable editing, captivating scene composition, and an unwavering hour of intense drama. With fresh insights into the colossal squid assault and a subtle yet profound evolution of the Cavalry's narrative, the series appears to be steadfastly charting a course towards revelation.
Our journey begins in 1985, where a preacher, his voice echoing with apocalyptic warnings, stands before a doomsday clock. He's then lured into a whimsical trap by a mischievous girl, leaving him vulnerable and exposed in a funhouse. Suddenly, shattering glass and a deafening explosion herald what seems to be the fulfillment of a dire prophecy. As a young boy emerges, the camera pans out, revealing a colossal squid perched atop a skyscraper's pinnacle, while millions lie lifeless below.
Fast-forwarding through the years, Wade confronts corporate bigwigs with grim news: fear has gripped potential New York transplants, deterring them from relocating. Meanwhile, at the precinct, Agent Blake assumes command, orchestrating a church-sweep operation to uncover the elusive Cavalry. In the aftermath of her briefing, she cordially beckons Looking Glass—whom she endearingly dubs "Mirror Guy"—into her office to delve into the murky waters of his conversation with Angela about pills. However, he remains tight-lipped, his silence only amplified by Blake's revelation that she's planted a listening device amidst the prickly cacti on his desk.
Wade's paranoia is palpable as he returns home, the aftermath of the squid attack etched in every corner of his bomb shelter. As he silences an alarm, we finally comprehend the reason behind his prolonged seclusion when Angela's visit preceded.
The following day, Wade visits Cynthia at her workplace, where she offers him a vial of Nostalgia pills—potions that purportedly unlock forgotten memories. A shocking revelation dawns: the youthful preacher from the episode's prologue is none other than Wade himself. In a therapy session, he encounters a woman who instantly captivates him. Their conversation flows effortlessly, leading to flirtatious exchanges, but when a lettuce casually tumbles from a passing truck, Wade's instincts are ignited. Suspecting a connection to the Cavalry, he follows her trail, which leads to an abandoned church.
Wade steps inside, only to find that this was all a meticulously crafted trap, designed to lure him in so that the Cavalry could unveil the truth to him. The stage is set for a confrontation that will shake the very foundations of what he thought he knew.
Pressing him into a chair, a revelation unfolds: the Senator, too, wears the Cavalry's colors. He divulges Judd's role within their operations and, as a sweetener, unveils a video, contingent upon Wade's cooperation in halting Angela and unraveling Judd's murderer. The footage exposes Ozymandias as the orchestrator of the colossal squid attack, a Machiavellian scheme to instill fear, keeping the populace in line and averting a war with Russia.
Meanwhile, in a cosmic odyssey, Ozymandias harnesses his trebuchet, propelling himself into the vast expanse, only to find himself imprisoned on a Jovian moon. Employing the frozen husks of his former clone comrades, he carves out a desperate plea—"Save Me"—on the lunar terrain, but his cries are met with silence as the warden reels him back into his celestial jail, casting a judgmental gaze upon him.
Back at the precinct, Wade betrays Angela's secrets, his conscience momentarily eased as she's led away in handcuffs. Little does he know, Angela, in a cunning move, swallows her cache of nostalgia pills, concealing vital clues. As Wade settles into the solitude of his home, the Cavalry's shadow looms close, their weapons cocked, ready to pounce as they infiltrate his sanctuary.
With each passing minute, Watchmen sheds light on the enigmatic giant squid, weaving a cohesive narrative centered around Wade. Though the series still grapples with the aftermath of sluggish episodes, this installment marks a decisive stride forward. Though myriad mysteries linger, the show adeptly balances intrigue with satisfying revelations.
The episode's cinematography, particularly the haunting image of a bugged cactus on Wade's desk, is masterfully crafted, a testament to the editing team's prowess. The seamless transitions between scenes and timelines are nothing short of artistic, painting a vivid canvas of this dystopian world. The shift in focus to Wade's troubled past adds depth and complexity to his character, yet Agent Blake continues to steal the show, her charismatic presence a beacon of hope in this grim landscape.
As we eagerly await the unfolding narrative next week, one thing is clear: if this episode is any harbinger, Watchmen is finally firing on all cylinders, emerging from its slow-burning inception into a full-fledged masterpiece.
