Into the Badlands 205 “Monkey Leaps Through Mist”
In a changing of the guard that was subtly foreshadowed in last week’s episode, Jade is the new Baron in town after Ryder’s murder. After learning about how such transfers of power occur during the Widow and Baron Chau’s confrontation last week, viewers get to see the process in action when Jade is sworn in. There’s a sparkle in her eye and a sense of determination that promises we might well be seeing a junior Widow in the making.
After a week away from the exploits of the dynamic duo, Sunny and Bajie things circle around to them again as they come upon a metal scavenging outpost. While there they encounter a charming fellow from Bajie’s past who’s none to happy to see him. It seems that Bajie’s checkered and mysterious past is littered with double crossed allies. As a bargaining chip Sunny presents Moon’s sword in exchange for access to the smuggler’s tunnels that lead into the Badlands. This being the Badlands and all, things go anything but smoothly and present an interesting dilemma for Sunny on his quest to return home.
Things go all MacBeth for Quinn as he begins to see Ryder’s ghost as he leads his army through the woods. There beats a heart somewhere deep within the chest of the former Baron and murdering his son has only served to make it heavier. Speaking of heavy hearts, Tilda tries to explain her actions at the Baron conclave but the Widow at first seems indifferent to her excuses. Things quickly shift in Tilda’s favor as she is praised for her actions as the Widow laments the fact she took Waldo’s advice instead of following her gut. Her reaffirmation of Tilda is a direct slap in the face for Waldo and another score for the sisterhood.
If there’s one thing you can say about M.K. is that he’s consistent. Ever the rebel, the Badlands’ resident boy wonder decides to make a break from Ava and runs away from the monastery. One can only hope that his escape will lead him towards Sunny at some point.
Things begin to get a tad uncomfortable for Veil when Quinn and his men return from battle. Her charade is exposed and a not so subtle threat to keep Quinn alive is the only thing that keeps her from harm. Veil however, has more pressing concerns when Quinn, on the edge of madness, threatens baby Henry.
The most interesting twist of Monkey Leaps Through Mist is the dynamic between Lydia and Jade. The former rivals are now bonded over a common loss and the thirst for revenge. Lydia’s stance in the unlikely alliance is an intriguing one considering her former rival is now the Baron asking for her help to hunt down Quinn. While Ryder may have been an ineffective Baron, his true power may come in the aftermath of his death.
