Episode 102 “Fist Like a Bullet”
Warning: Review may contain spoilers.
“Welcome to my parlor said the spider to the fly.”
Who knew high heels could be so devastating? Fist Like a Bullet, the second episode of AMC’s Into The Badlands gave viewers some insight into why The Widow now goes by that moniker. The high level of entertainment supplied by last week’s show was maintained this week as another standout fight scene kicked off tonight’s episode. The Widow’s fighting prowess and proficiency with knives elevated her status way, way up the badass meter.
After being released by Sunny in last week’s episode, M.K. finds himself on the run and gets caught by a girl, Tilda who then takes him to her “mother”. Mommie dearest turns out to be none other than The Widow herself! M.K.’s slow realization of where he now is makes for one of the tenser bathtub interrogation scenes in recent memory. The Widow, equal parts cunning strategist and deadly fighter, has the many sides of her persona on display as we see her take on assassins, form alliances with hired muscle and deal with her daughter. Speaking of Tilda, the apple apparently doesn’t fall far from the tree as she helps her mother seal a deal in spectacular fashion.
Sunny, already dealing with some life changing news becomes even more conflicted when he visits Veil’s mother and she reveals that she knows about the baby. Worried about what effect a baby would have on them due to his code as a Clipper, Sunny pleads with Veil’s mother to get her daughter to change her mind.
Baron Quinn gets some bad news and then tests Sunny’s loyalty by asking him to commit an unspeakable act. Sunny’s decision not only puts him in an uneasy position with his boss, but also provides a window into Baron Quinn’s soul – and it’s a view that may come back to haunt both of them later in the series.
Fist Like a Bullet outlined how the loyalty to one’s code, to one’s duty and to others can shape a person’s destiny. Tilda, M.K., Sunny and Baron Quinn were all faced with moral crossroads and chose paths that shook the foundations of some of their most cherished relationships. Despite those developments, new alliances were formed and some preexisting ones were strengthened with a potential Batman and Robin like partnership being established.
Into The Badlands continues to be beautiful to watch with its rich visual palate, interesting sets and steampunk inspired costume design. The action sequences dazzle and are more than just set pieces designed to move the plot along. The fight scenes that punctuate the episode are like intricately choreographed dance routines giving the narrative a rhythm that not only builds suspense, but also adds some character development as well. The absence of guns isn’t missed either as the clang of swords and other weapons during combat helps to drive the beat of those scenes.
Two weeks in and Into The Badlands continues to impress and entertain. With the growing level of intrigue and the fraying of some alliances the show is well on its way to carving out its place among AMC’s bona fide hits.
