The Season 3 finale of Snowpiercer provided a degree of resolution as the train's passengers faced a choice between remaining aboard or joining Layton in the quest for New Eden. The latter group uncovered a potentially viable land for rebuilding. Although it could have served as a satisfying series finale, the unresolved cliffhanger of the exploding rocket left many questions unanswered.
In the season 4 premiere, the narrative adopts a dual approach, showing Layton and the New Eden settlers as they endeavor to establish a new home and the new troubles that befall Melanie and the Snowpiercer crew. The initial excitement of Layton's crew leaving the train has faded, and they face the typical challenges of post-apocalyptic survival. Discontent is brewing, highlighted by an early altercation between Oz and Boki. Power outages are frequent, and severe weather continues to pose a significant challenge.
This episode mostly follows Layton and the New Eden residents. One of the episode's numerous subplots centers on Layton's personal life, including his co-parenting arrangement with his ex-wife Zarah for their daughter Liana, as well as his current relationship with Josie. Additionally, he is constantly tasked with locating certain individuals and resolving various issues among the camp.
A calmer existence appears to have softened the community's drive. The council mainly gathers to play cards, and a growing sense of apathy is settling over the group. Tensions are also rising between the New Eden residents and those still aboard Snowpiercer, particularly since Layton hopes the train will eventually return to unite with the community. Many believe the passengers do not deserve the rewards of their efforts, as they did not take the initial risk of settling.
Several key events toward the end of Episode 1 escalate the tension significantly. It all starts with the arrival of Miss Audrey, who is delivered in a cart during the night, barely alive, and warns Layton that "they're coming." But who exactly are "they"? It turns out to be someone with a snowcat vehicle, indicating they are from neither Snowpiercer nor Big Alice.
Dr. Headwood, a loyalist to Wilford, is allied with these newcomers. One of them kills Layton's ex-wife Zarah and abducts their baby. This shocking development is likely to propel Layton into a violent course of action, potentially putting him in conflict with Ruth and the emerging community of New Eden.
In the past, Ben and Till set out to examine the remains but are ambushed by heavily armed soldiers who force them to return inside. These soldiers identify themselves as the International Peacekeeping Forces and are the same group that abducted Layton’s child. Since they managed to catch up with Snowpiercer well before expected, Oz’s fears that everyone onboard might be dead could indeed be accurate.
The final season is off to a great start. Once it gets rolling, it truly picks up speed, and if it can maintain that level of shock and tension throughout the next nine episodes, fans can expect a genuinely thrilling conclusion to this show.
