'See' Episode 8 Review: Haniwa and Kofun bear the price of enlightenment in this dark episode
"The gift of sight can be blinding," Paris (Alfre Woodard) had ominously told Haniwa (Nesta Cooper) and Kofun (Archie Madekwe) in the previous episode of 'See', as they approached Jerlamarel's House Of Enlightenment.
And the children learn the meaning behind her words in this gripping episode, titled 'House Of Enlightenment'. Jerlamarel's House of Enlightenment is reminiscent of the witch's house in the age-old cautionary tale of 'Hansel and Gretel'.
While the witch's house was covered in chocolates, candies, cakes and other sweet things to entice two lost and hungry children, Jerlamarel's 'civilized' house possesses the same amount of fascination for Haniwa and Kofun.
Apart from finding a father who had never looked in their direction for 17 years, the twins are in awe of the facilities available to them.
Indeed, they seem to have entered a new era of knowledge, as they grasp the concept of a hot shower, different clothes that include shirts and trousers, as well as books.
Jerlamarel, like any good host, takes them around the house and introduces them to his children, who also possess the gift of sight, unlike the normal dystopian world Haniwa and Kofun have grown up in.
The house possesses practically everything from our modern world. The land of milk and honey, or is it?
While Haniwa is willing to give this new world a chance, Kofun still misses Baba Voss (Jason Momoa), the father who took care of him all these years, rather than their biological father.
The viewer knows that it can't be this easy, and the discomfort slowly seeps in, especially at Jerlamarel's overtly enthusiastic welcome and fondness. And sure enough, events begin to spiral radically out of control.
Betrayal becomes the order of the day. Kofun can also helplessly stare as he faces separation from Haniwa. Though Baba Voss comes in to save the day, even he is not able to salvage much apart from a gruesome Game Of Throne-esque murder.
However, hope is not lost, and the episode ends with Baba, Paris and Kofun finding a small chance of being reunited with Haniwa again.
While this drama is taking place, Tamacti Jun (Christian Camargo) entrusts Maghra (Hera Hilmar) with an uneasy task: Convince Kane (Sylvia Hoeks) to abdicate the throne.
A fool's fantasy, Kane reminds her. In her haze of delusional grandeur, Kane says that it is all god's will. Ironically Kane makes the revealing statement, "There is no succession, there is no majesty, no legitmacy, there's just a petty lie, agreed upon by petty people." What a hard-hitting statement.
If Maghra must defy god's will, then she must do the honorable thing of "picking up a knife" and taking what is hers. Maghra echoes what we've all been thinking, "God's law, god's words, god's choice, it's amazing how they all align with whatever you want at any given time."
And later in the episode, the tables are quickly turned, and Kane makes a decision that is in her favor again. There's a hint of a very uncomfortable union ahead, if Maghra allows it, that is.
Another point to note is Maghra has still not forgotten her family in the least and has something planned for them. That would be an interesting meeting, considering that they believe she is dead.
While the action scenes are always thrilling to watch, 'See' delivers the best performances, when it is surrounded by silence. With its facade of paradise, false cheer and seeming subservience, the episode could best be described as an uneasy itch that slowly devolves into a rash.
The performances by Kane and Maghra with its undertones of tension and resentment are the highlight of the episode. Episode 8 of 'See' released on Apple TV on December 6.
