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Review: TNT’s <i>Snowpiercer</i> Series Premiere “First, the Weather Changed” – 1,001 Cars Full of Mystery

Snowpiercer, Series Premiere “First, the Weather Changed”

Air Date: Sunday, May 17, 2020 at 9:00 PM ET/PT on TNT

Reviewer Rating: 4 Stars ★★★★★

       

Get ready to have a new favorite weekly drama because Snowpiercer is an absolute knockout thrill-ride! Filled with drama, mystery and intrigue, and set in an apocalyptic frozen earth, TNT’s new series, Snowpiercer, based the Titan Comics original graphic novel trilogy (and there is a 2013 film of the same name), is set seven years after the Earth fell into a new ice age. Coincidentally, the TV series set seven years before the 2013 film’s timeline.

As people rushed to board Snowpiercer, Andre and Zarah jumped on not knowing what the future would hold.

From the first moment the series premiere, “First, the Weather Changed,” hits the screen, the graphic novel type animation and haunting narration describing how the earth fell into a new apocalyptic ice age where nothing is able to survive due to extreme temperatures, I knew this would be an intriguing new series. I am huge fan of the 2013 film from director Bong Joon Ho, so I was excited to see how the series would take on this epic premise.

Seeing how people without tickets got on the train and now occupy the tail section, and derogatively called “Tailees,” the episode dives into describing the various cars and the caste system. First class rules the train with Melanie Cavill (Jennifer Connelly), head of Hospitality, being the main person to express the wishes of the train’s creator, the elusive Mr. Wilford (not seen).

The way the “tailees” are treated versus the upper classes is front and center. To their meager and unappetizing rations of gelatinous bars to their sleeping quarters is deplorable. Although, some would say, these people jumped on the train without paying for tickets. But with the world and civilization coming to an end, it seems unfair to not have had a better system to allow those without the wealth a chance to earn a spot on the world’s last caravan of humanity.

The tailees try to determine the right timing for their rebellion

But the “Tailees” are not without their flaws. Through various flashbacks and conversations about the early days in the tail, the actions of a few earned the “Tailees” a horrible and grotesque reputation. It seems hunger can do strange things to the human psyche.

The only class that seems to be in the middle of the tug-of-war is Third Class which seems to employ the largest number of people on the train. Third Class provides a variety of services – from the seductive “Night Car” to the restaurants, and other laborious undertakings.

Having screened a few episodes, the acting is outstanding, but without the superb writing, it would all be moot. The writers, lead by the amazing Graeme Manson who developed the series, have created this elaborate and intrinsic world set on a train “1,001 cars long.” The number of cars that make up the train is constantly repeated throughout each episode. While that may have its significance, the repetition becomes quite droll.

The various cars that make up Snowpiercer

There are several cars that pique my interest, the Night Car for all the obvious reasons, and the car that literally holds a small ocean, filled with sea life! They even have a sushi bar car. I’m curious about Mr. Wilford’s mindset when designing the train and the cars, and what to include for the last remaining human population.

The cast:

Melanie and Roche take Andre to investigate the murder

Daveed Diggs plays Andre Layton who was a police detective in his former life.

He is a “tailee,” but when a grisly murder occurs in the upper-class cars, Melanie is forced to enlist his expertise to investigate. His involvement is fueled by his ultimate desire to rebel and get better treatment for all the Tailees.

When Andre is taken to the Police car, they present him with a meal – simple by most standards, a bowl of tomato soup and a grilled cheese sandwich. But to someone from the tail of the train, suffering seven years of disgusting protein bars, this is a gourmet feast. The way Diggs portrays Andre’s bewilderment and immense surprise by the meal is fantastic. The way Andre smells the buttery toasted bread of the grilled cheese, taking a small bite and savoring it for the briefest moment before devouring the sandwich and gulping down the soup, made me salivate. That longing in his eyes held such conviction.

Breachman Bess Till becomes an ally to Andre

The main cast that we encounter in the first few episodes include fellow Tailee Josie (Katie McGuinness), who is also Andre’s love interest. Former Tailee, and Andre’s ex-wife, Zarah (Sheila Vand). Law Enforcement personnel include Roche (Mike O’Malley), who is like a Sergeant, and the two Breachman (which are basically Police Officers) Bess Till (Mickey Sumner) and John Osweiller (Sam Otto).

There is also a medical car where they keep prisoners in “drawers” in suspended animation using certain chemicals which have been traded to make a highly addictive drug. This is a key component in several major storylines throughout the first few episodes.

Ruth isn’t the warmest of personalities despite being in Hospitality.

Without spoiling too much, there are so many cast members who will become vital in the series, even with limited screen time. The one I do want to mention is Melanie’s right hand Hospitality manager, Ruth Wardell (Alison Wright). I’m curious if Ruth’s cadence, accent and tone of voice is meant to remind us of Tilda Swinton’s character Mason in the 2013 film.

At any rate, if you are looking for something to sink your teeth into, something that will make you think, find clues, and figure out the mystery of the rarely seen Mr. Wilford and his 1,001 ark train, including who is murdering Third Class passengers, then Snowpiercer is the show to watch.

Tune in to Snowpiercer, Sundays at 9/8c on TNT.

For more on Snowpiercer, go to https://www.tntdrama.com/snowpiercer

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.

Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.