The Strain Season 2 Episode 7 Review And Recap! The Born!

The Strain: S02E07 “The Born”

Last week we officially met Quinan. Even though he looked like the ultimate answer to the apocalypse on hand, he left us with one too many burning questions. This week, the episode opens with a flashback into Quinlan’s past giving us a better idea about his unique identity. Surprisingly, he turns out to be far more advanced than humans, not only in his physicality, but also his mentality made him less of savage being. Quinlan was known as the “Night Demon of Sicily”; however, he had more class and grace than the Emperor himself. He served under humans in means of learning their behavior and culture, Humans 101. Save to say Quinlan paid his way through human college by fighting their battles for them.

Back in New York, Fet and Dutch are getting cozy enjoying their new found “friendship”. Sick of her outfits, both of them head out to expand her wardrobe. Once at the apartment, they realize they aren’t quite alone. Unlike Dutch, Fet was not so happy about the surprise that popped out of the closet. In fact, he was very hostile towards Nikki, Dutch’s roomy/lover. Who can blame the guy? She did abandon everyone and cleaned out Dutch’s apartment. He wasn’t too happy about how all of that was easily dismissed. Just like that Fet dropped down to second on her list.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

Meanwhile, Eph finds his way back to New York. He stops at a bar to dull the pain, mentally and physically. After getting so close to fighting the siege, his hopes are now completely drained out. While he finds sweet relief at the bottom of a glass, Setrakian and Fet head out to check one of the buildings Palmer took over during the chaos.

The drama continues as Nikki starts questioning about Fet. I guess she is curious about their standing as well. Accidently, the good doctor set things straight about Fet and Dutch while throwing more sarcasm towards Nikki, the “Track Star”. Nora updates Eph about their close encounter with Kelly, the critter whisperer. He is pretty broken down after the debacle in Washington, but he knows he can’t give up especially when they’ve gotten so close. Zach is still struggling with the idea of his mom being a creature of the night, but he is definitely starting to understand the gravity of the state thanks to his new grandpa figure, Abraham. They are turning into quite a little family.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

Dutch makes an effort to be cool with Fet, but he is anything but peachy about the whole situation. Yup, it went from being just a scene to a situation. Fet’s misdirected anger hits Eph. The doctor took some low blows from the angry Russian. The love triangle gets annoying as it drags on a little too much. Quoting Professor Setrakian, “Mr. Fet, your romantic worries have no relevant at this moment. Not at all” Way to say pipe down. Cannot agree with him more, they all just need to get along and play nice.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

On a serious note, Setrakian and Fet discover the abandon School bus. Just when they were about to get caught, Quinlan steps in to save the day. They cross paths with the terrifying critters as soon as they enter their breeding ground. Not long after, they start to retreat as they sense a greater presence. Quinlan in all of his glory shows up and pretty much gives us a taste of his mad skills. He definitely lives up to his half-breed description, “Human flesh, demon blood and possessed with God like agility” Nothing can compare to his speed and intelligence. Quinlan takes down all the critters with such ease. His “audition” grabs Setrakian’s attention as they remain frozen in place.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

Quinlan and Abraham develop an instant connection and admiration. Consumed by their hatred towards the Master, both have been hunting him for far too long. The Master have taken loved ones from them both, so this is more of a personal vengeance to get closure, rather than a quest to save the world. We get another blast from the past of Quinlan’s search for the master. He “facetimes” the Master through his little critters. After all those centuries of search, you could imagine his delight to get led into the Master’s nesting ground so soon.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

Unlike all the previous instances, the Master is forced to take on new vessel. He was forced to settle, since he had no time to shop around. Panic stricken Abraham instructs Fet to blow up the building to avoid any form of escape. Excited to blow the crap out of the building, Fet rushes out.

Meanwhile Abraham follows Quinlan to find him at a stand-off with the sought after Master himself. Is it just me, or does the Master all of a sudden sound like the Terminator? After exchanging some heated words, Quinlan finally loses his cool with the mention of his murdered mother. As Quinlan charges at the Master, the roof collapses letting the Master slip away yet again. Extremely unfortunate timing indeed. Frustrated and furious Quinlan pretty much abandons the idea for a human army. Dam! It would’ve been nice to see the two join forces.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

Somewhere high above the city, Eldritch Palmer continues to be a creep. His not so subtle flirting skills are hard to watch. He receives the ugly news about Dr. Goodweather going completely dark. Uh-Oh! Needing a little pick me up, Palmer takes Coco on a fabulous ride over the city lights. Later that same day Coco in return takes Palmer on an unforgettable ride. Can’t really say we didn’t see that one coming.

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

This week the episode ends with a change in direction. Eph and Fet grabs a drink to have a heart to heart since both are feeling pretty down about recent events. With the Washington plans down the drain, Eph directs his focus on Eldritch Palmer. Instead of killing the creatures, he is now after the man who started it all. Yikes!

CR: Michael Gibson/FX

I know he has killed enough humans lately, but will he go through with actual murder? Guess we’ll have to wait and see.

Until next week, Happy Hunting!

CR: Michael Gibson/FX