'Snowpiercer' Episode 1 paints a post-apocalyptic picture with an animated intro inspired by the original comic
Spoilers for 'Snowpiercer' Season 1 Episode 1
The series adaptation of Bong Joon-ho's groundbreaking movie 'Snowpiercer' is everything we hoped for and more. Set approximately seven years after the titular train began its global journey, 'Snowpiercer' is both a meditation on the politics of class and beautifully created work of art.
The series captures much of the movie's tone and it's got a gripping plotline to boot. At no point do you feel like looking away from this runaway train and it's definitely worth the ride.
Based on the French graphic novel 'Le Transperceneige' by Jacques Lob and Jean-Marc Rochette, the series follows former homicide detective Andre Layton (Daveed Diggs) as he follows the trail of a mystery across the 1001-car "ark train" that houses what remains of humanity. The opening scene pays homage to this original masterpiece using an art style that's reminiscent of Rochette's illustrations.
Episode 1 'First, the Weather Changed' begins with an introduction to the show's post-apocalyptic world, with a beautifully created animation sequence. Right from the opening scenes, we know we are in for a work of art.
It begins with a view of train tracks with a single flower growing out of the gravel. As the narrator talks about the catastrophic effects of global warming, the flower burns up and dies, turning to ash that scatters in the wind.
The camera then pans upwards to follow rockets sent up into the sky by scientists seeking to cool the planet down, accidentally unleashing a new Ice Age. The animation then seamlessly shifts to live-action as we see people mob the titular train in the hopes of surviving the terrible eternal winter.
With themes of class warfare and systemic inequality, 'Snowpiercer' is a show that's as politically and philosophically poignant as it is thrilling. As the story unfolds, there will be more beauty and horror to come but it's all captured perfectly in that opening sequence that sets the tone for everything that is to come.
'Snowpiercer' Season 1 Episode 1 'First, the Weather Changed' premiered on TNT on May 17.