Into the Badlands Ep. 203 – Red Sun, Silver Moon
A bridge over trouble waters yields an unexpected outcome for Sunny and Bajie as a bounty has been placed on their heads following their escape from the mines. When a bloody battle complete with severed heads is over they come face to face with an unlikely ally. Or is he?
Red Sun, Silver Moon showcases the horrors of being a Clipper and what it does to the soul. There’s a heavy price to be paid for being a clipper and there’s no way to escape it. The mystery surrounding the fate of M.K.’s mother deepens and he is shaken by what he leans about the Abbots. They aren’t as noble as they appear to be particularly when their loyalty is tested. The contrast between how Quinn and the Abbots deal with those that break rank is quite interesting.
The line between honor, duty and destiny runs deep for everyone involved in this episode. The Clippers struggle with their role as killers, Sunny and M.K. are driven by family, and Waldo, Tilda and the Widow all follow a path based on doing what is right for their roles. Tilda feels the sting of rejection when she’s told she’s not going to the Baron meeting organized by Ryder. The Widow is taking Waldo in her place and that fact doesn’t sit well with the young regent.
Quinn, possibly the worst baby sitter imaginable, continues to train his army. He still suffers from the tumor in his head and things are getting worse. The true nature of his condition is being hidden by Veil as her treatments are having no effect. The clock is ticking on that storyline but it’s highly unlikely that Quinn will “go gentle into that good night” to quote the poet Dylan Thomas.
The highlight of the episode is the Clipper showdown between Sunny and Moon. Ballet with swords and bloodshed showcase the talents of two legendary Clippers. Not to be outdone, Bajie even lends a hand revealing a little more of the mystery surrounding his character. Hopefully more of his past will be revealed along with other Clippers from Sunny’s past.
Any fears of Into the Badlands falling prey to the sophomore slump can be put to rest. Three episodes into Season 2 prove that last season wasn’t an aberration. The characters are more complex, the intrigue has been heightened and the action choreography is still far and away the best on television. Even with The Walking Dead now on hiatus Sunday nights on AMC will continue to showcase one of the best hours on the small screen.
