Ep 5. Town

In "Hanna" season 1 episode 5, titled "Town," the plot continues to thicken for the young and deadly titular character Hanna (played by Esme Creed-Miles) as she comes closer to uncovering the secrets of her own origin story and the forces that will stop at nothing to capture or kill her.

The episode picks up where the previous one left off, with Hanna having just narrowly escaped capture by the CIA and finding herself stranded in a small town in the Romanian countryside. With no idea where to go or how to survive, she embarks on a journey to find Erik (Joel Kinnaman), the mercenary who raised her in the wilderness and who may hold the key to unlocking the mystery of her past and her connection to a sinister military program called Utrax.

As she navigates the peculiarities of small-town life, Hanna finds herself drawn into the orbit of a local family who run a quaint restaurant and offer her a place to stay. But as she begins to earn their trust and affection, she also becomes entangled in their own dark secrets and struggles -- particularly those of the daughter Jules (Mireille Enos, in a standout supporting performance), who is grappling with her own demons and conflicts with her father (Dermot Mulroney).

Meanwhile, Erik's search for Hanna leads him on a dangerous chase through the wilderness, where he must confront his own past mistakes and the consequences of his actions. He also receives a surprising visit from an old acquaintance, Marissa (Mireille Enos, in a dual role), the ruthless and enigmatic agent who is hunting them both and who may hold the key to the Utrax conspiracy.

As the pieces of the puzzle begin to fall into place, Hanna and Erik's paths converge in a suspenseful and emotionally charged climax that leaves them both reeling and sets up the stage for the next phase of their journey.

What sets "Town" apart from previous episodes of "Hanna" is its deeper dive into character development and world-building. While the show has always excelled at its action sequences and cinematography, this episode takes the time to explore the nuances and contradictions of its supporting players and the cultural context of Romania. Jules, in particular, emerges as a heart-wrenching and complex figure whose struggles with mental health and identity resonate beyond the immediate plot.

At the same time, "Town" amps up the stakes and tension by introducing more elements of suspense and intrigue. Marissa, in particular, is a fascinating and multi-layered antagonist who challenges the audience's preconceived notions of what a villain should be. Her interactions with Erik and her own conflicted loyalties add a layer of depth and ambiguity to the show's overall message about morality and agency.

Overall, "Town" is a standout installment in an already-strong first season of "Hanna." Its blend of action, suspense, and character development make for a compelling viewing experience that leaves the audience on the edge of their seats and hungry for more.