'Snowpiercer' Season 3 Episode 8: Why did Asha sacrifice herself? What does it mean to Layton?

Rescued by Layton from a nuclear power plant in Korea, Asha sacrificed her life in Episode 8 of 'Snowpiercer' Season 3
PUBLISHED MAR 15, 2022
Archie Panjabi as Asha in a still from Episode 8 of 'Snowpiercer' Season 3 (TNT)
Archie Panjabi as Asha in a still from Episode 8 of 'Snowpiercer' Season 3 (TNT)

Asha is one of those characters on 'Snowpiercer' that has managed to remain unpredictable. Played by Archie Panjabi, the character was first seen in Episode 1 of 'Snowpiercer' Season 3. Titled 'The Tortoise and the Hare,' the premiere episode saw Layton rescue Asha from a nuclear power plant in Korea. 

A little later in Season 3, we find out that she belonged to a group of nuclear scientists who worked at the plant before the Freeze and that they survived by living off the residual heat from the reactor as it cooled. Sadly, most of the group members died after being attacked by marauders while the rest perished due to radiation poisoning. Asha's nephew was the last to die and she lived by herself for four years before being rescued by Layton. 

RELATED ARTICLES

What is Daveed Diggs' net worth? 'Snowpiercer' star is also a rapper and film producer

Jennifer Connelly net worth: 'Snowpiercer' star charged $1.5m for her role in 'Hulk'

In Episode 8 of 'Snowpiercer' Season 3, we see Asha accompany Layton to the breach in the agriculture car. They soon figure out that the entry to the area with the opening is too small and that one of them is going to have to exit their suits to fit in. As Layton begins to step out of his suit, she hits him to ensure that he's temporarily incapacitated, and exits her suit. She seals the opening, essentially saving the remnants of humanity from extinction. However, she inhales the toxic gas in the process and dies. 

Why did Asha sacrifice her life?

In Episode 2 of Season 3, it's revealed that Asha has radiation poisoning. She also feels extremely lonely and mostly keeps to herself as none of her family or friends survived. These two factors coupled with Asha's opinion that Layton is of more importance to the train than her made her sacrifice her life in Episode 8 of Season 3.

(L-R) Archie Panjabi as Asha and Daveed Diggs as Andre Layton in a still from 'Snowpiercer' Season 3 (TNT)

What does Asha's sacrifice mean to Layton?

Titled 'Setting Itself Right,' Episode 8 showed Layton making a promise to Asha right before she died. Giving her his word that he would lead the train to New Eden, Layton feels the need to be more responsible for the sake of his people and to ensure that Asha's sacrifice doesn't go in vain.   

'Snowpiercer' airs Mondays at 9 pm ET on TNT.

RELATED TOPICS SUITS (2011)

GET THE BIGGEST ENTERTAINMENT STORIES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Season 2 of ‘Deadloch’ heads to Australia’s dangerous Top End as detectives probe grisly murders, missing backpackers, and a chilling mystery
2 hours ago
Sony Pictures Television has released the pictures for 'S.W.A.T. Exiles' ahead of the London TV Screenings, scheduled for next week.
3 hours ago
Despite being praised overall, 'Tell Me Lies' Season 3 finale failed to satisfy several sections of fans who took their mixed reactions online.
4 hours ago
Emily Deschanel is headed back to her on-screen criminal-investigator roots in an upcoming, unnamed NBC show.
4 hours ago
Miley Cyrus celebrates 20 years of ‘Hannah Montana’ with a nostalgic Disney+ special featuring interviews, throwbacks and surprises.
5 hours ago
Mckenna Grace has landed the first major role in the upcoming live-action 'Scooby-Doo' series from Berlanti Productions and Netflix
8 hours ago
Social media posts from the 'Game of Thrones' franchise have sparked speculation about 'House of Dragon' Season 3
8 hours ago
An original ‘Baywatch’ favorite slips back into red trunks as Fox revives the beach drama with a next-gen captain
9 hours ago
While 'Tell Me Lies' Season 3 ended with some bombshell revelations, it still left several major questions unanswered
11 hours ago
'One Chicago' shows will be on hiatus until the end of February for the Winter Olympics coverage but 'Chicago PD' has a surprise planned for fans.
1 day ago