What happened in 'Snowpiercer' Season 3? Here's a recap before Season 4 hits AMC+
Contains spoilers for 'Snowpiercer' Season 3
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: After a long wait, 'Snowpiercer' Season 4 is finally almost here, with the premiere date set for Sunday, July 21, 2024, on AMC+ (AMC picks up Season 4 after TNT scrapped the show). Fans have been eagerly anticipating this season, especially after the intense cliffhanger ending of Season 3, which aired over two years ago.
The finale of Season 3 left viewers stunned as the train split between those loyal to Melanie Cavill (Jennifer Connelly) and followers of Andre Layton (Daveed Diggs), who ventured to New Eden in search of a new beginning outside the confines of Snowpiercer.
This pivotal moment marked a shift in alliances and ideologies, setting the stage for a deeply transformative journey ahead. As the new teaser trailer suggests, 'Snowpiercer' Season 4 promises even more gripping developments and heart-pounding action.
Here's a recap of Season 3 of 'Snowpiercer' that you should catch up with before diving into Season 4.
Layton charts his course with Big Alice while Cavill holds the fort on Snowpiercer
When Snowpiercer divided at Ag-sec, Melanie Cavill claimed the front half with the Eternal Engine, while Andre Layton took control of Big Alice.
Layton led many, including Zarah Ferami, his daughter Liana, Ruth Wardell, Roche, Carly, Josie Wellstead, John Osweiller, Dr Headwood, Icy Boki, Javier De La Torre, and Alex Cavill, to New Eden. Luckily, Layton's vision proved right, and New Eden was viable.
On Snowpiercer, those who stayed with Cavill were mostly from higher classes, including Bennett Knox, Miss Audrey, Miles, Dr Pelton, Gilles, Bess Till (now lead Brakeman), and Tristan (now Head of Hospitality).
The farewells were emotional, with no certainty of reunion. Cavill and Layton agreed to care for each other’s children—Miles chose to train as an engineer on Snowpiercer, while Alex ventured to New Eden.
Snowpiercer says goodbye to major antagonists in the Season 3 finale
In the finale of 'Snowpiercer' Season 3, the only character who died was LJ Folger. She accidentally choked on her late father's artificial eyeball, the same eyeball she had originally poked out.
LJ was known for aligning herself with Mr Wilford and hoped to regain power alongside him. After Wilford's downfall, LJ stayed on Snowpiercer, aiming to overthrow Melanie, whom she saw as her enemy. Her death, choking on her father's eyeball, has a sense of poetic justice.
With LJ's demise, Snowpiercer no longer has its main villains from the first three seasons. Wilford has been banished, Kevin is dead due to LJ, and Pike is killed by Layton. This clears the train of its most troublesome characters.
LJ's actions, including her past murders, were a catalyst for Melanie to bring Layton from the Tail and make him the Train Detective, setting off the events of 'Snowpiercer' Seasons 1-3.
Mysterious Missile launch casts shadow over Snowpiercer's future
At the end of 'Snowpiercer' Season 3, viewers witnessed a significant time jump to 'Three Months Later', where Melanie observed a missile launch from the engine's cockpit. The origin of the missile remains a mystery, with speculation that it could have been launched from Big Alice in New Eden, although this seems unlikely given Snowpiercer's direction away from the Horn of Africa.
Another theory suggests the missile came from an entirely new location, possibly harboring more survivors yet unknown to the train's passengers. The introduction of Asha in season 3 hinted at the existence of other surviving groups beyond Snowpiercer's known routes.
The addition of new cast members like Clark Gregg from Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. suggests fresh dynamics and potential conflicts in Season 4. There's also speculation that Wilford might be involved, leveraging the missile for his own purposes.
The missile's launch echoes past attempts to counteract global freezing, possibly hinting at a new plot direction involving climate-altering technology. As Snowpiercer continues to evolve, Season 4 promises to chart uncharted territory for Melanie, Layton, and their fellow passengers aboard what remains of the 1,029-car train.
Wilford banishing leaves fans to question Sean Bean's return
In the finale of 'Snowpiercer' Season 3, Melanie and Layton realized that their plan to divide the train wouldn't succeed if Mr Wilford remained on board.
His strong influence and self-serving nature would disrupt their efforts. So, they made the tough decision to banish him. They sent Wilford away with drugs that would keep him suspended in a Drawer for six months, ensuring he couldn't interfere.
As for Sean Bean's return as Wilford in 'Snowpiercer' Season 4, it's uncertain. The show recently brought back Melanie after sidelining her for Seasons 2 and 3, so they might do something similar with Wilford.
He's known for his cunning and survival skills, much like Melanie, so it's possible he could return. Wilford also has a knack for secrets and staying ahead, so he might have connections to the mysterious missile launched at the end of Season 3. His potential return could shake things up once again for Snowpiercer's passengers.
Melanie chose Snowpiercer over New Eden in the Season 3 finale
In the finale of 'Snowpiercer' Season 3, Melanie decides to stay aboard Snowpiercer instead of joining Layton and the others in New Eden. She had initially led Layton to New Eden based on her data, but she couldn't support disembarking because there wasn't enough proof that New Eden could sustain life.
Melanie knew the tracks to the 'Horn of Africa' were deteriorating, risking a derailment that could endanger everyone. Having learned from her mistakes in Season 1, where she posed as Wilford for years, Melanie couldn't agree with Layton's deception about his supposed visit to New Eden.
Despite Layton's insistence on going forward, Melanie felt responsible for the train she designed and built. She understood that many passengers saw Snowpiercer as no longer sustainable and wanted to disembark, but she believed staying aboard was safer while they searched for a better option than New Eden.
Ultimately, Snowpiercer was Melanie's creation and sanctuary. She chose to remain aboard, continuing her quest to find a secure place for everyone before the train and its tracks deteriorated beyond repair.
How to stream 'Snowpiercer' Season 4?
To stream 'Snowpiercer' Season 4, you can tune into AMC and AMC+ starting on July 21, 2024.
A monthly membership is required for an ad-free viewing experience, priced at $8.99 per month.
Additionally, an annual plan is available at $6.99 per month, which is $83.88 for the entire year. With ads, subscription plans begin at $4.99 per month.
'Snowpiercer' Season 4 trailer