IR TV Review: THE TERROR - DEVIL IN SILVER - EPISODE 3 (“Che Guevara”) [AMC+-S3]

The progressive nature of "Devil In Silver" is seemingly set by those living it though the different reasonings of their possibilities (or proof of life). Like "Cuckoo", the aspect of what the meds do and how they are needed are an tricky play with reality. "Che Guevera," as the 3rd episode, starts to play with the idea of what Pepper thinks is happening or if he literally might be having a mental breakdown. The arrival (or possible arrival of family) is painted by what he thinks he needs to do in order to escape this "reality". The "truth", as it were, might be struggling to make itself heard. Stephen Root's therapist may or may not be aware and yet the inclusion of this specific week's "Jaws" reference speaks to the "terror in the water". Pepper thinks rebellion might be the order of the night but once the episode moves forward the idea that it might not be an isolated incident is an interesting play because the psychology of whether these circumstances are in a certain person's head starts to be challenged.

Coffee's story is the most peculiar in certain moments because he could have been a scientific experiment. Dory might have been a brainwash but the fact that Che comes into play (in this episode) when Pepper seems to think he is someone else is an indication that something larger is afoot. The interaction of a character like Tony makes sense but not in the requisite time space considering what is happening outside. One question that could be posed is: Is this a wait stop?...a purgatory...since the force here is pushing buttons but using loyalty of the people against one another despite their differences. The "pizza party" is an odd inclusion but breaks almost the idea that there is a chain around the people. Pepper's decisions might be his own but in a greater sense they may not be. Are the residents simply sheep for the slaughter. The question also becomes: are they empty sacrifices? Does New Heights keep bigger malevolence at bay...and considering what happened in episode one, is there repercussions for the inside world to this outside world? However, judging by the last shot, this might be simply a rat maze and people might not be who one thinks. B

By Tim Wassberg