Ep 8. The Horde

The Returned season 1 episode 8, titled "The Horde," picks up where the last episode left off with drama, suspense, and unanswered questions. The previous episode ended with Lena, who initially supported the Horde, running to the border with Camille and Simon to evade the Horde's growing numbers. In episode 8, Lena keeps running until she reaches a seemingly safe location, but she's quickly faced with another danger.

Meanwhile, Claire, who was promised the possibility of reuniting with her deceased husband, Camille, marries a wealthy man to gain the means to get into the Marked Zone. Claire understands that it would be close to impossible for her to reunite with Camille without outside help. However, as the time passes, she questions whether the guarantees of being reunited with Camille were legitimate at all. In this episode, viewers see Claire's emotional state deteriorating rapidly as doubts and desperation creep up on her.

Moreover, Audrey, who was presumed dead, emerges as the leader of The Horde. When her family and friends thought that they would never see Audrey again, they finally have proof of her survival. However, Audrey's transformation is unsettling to the point of being scary. She seems to lose the last remnants of her humanity, revealing herself as a new kind of Returned. Her eyes now perpetually glow and influence others to follow her lead. In this episode, we discover that Audrey is not just the leader of the Horde but also planning something that terrifies even her followers.

In addition, the series introduces a new character, Sandrine, mother of Simon, who returns home after being absent for years. While it becomes clear that she has some physical problems, Simon is thrilled to have her back in his life. However, Sandrine's reasons for leaving and coming back are murky and vague, making Simon and the others suspicious of her intentions. As this episode progresses, Sandrine's past is slowly being revealed, throwing even more strife and mystery into an already complex and difficult situation.

Overall, The Returned season 1 episode 8, "The Horde," is jam-packed with twists, turns, and surprises that keep the audience hooked from beginning to end. The plot is complex and captivating, revealing secrets and unanswered questions that have been brewing since the beginning of the season. This episode is a must-watch for those who love an excellent mystery or thrill. The character development is intense and profound, adding much-needed depth to the characters whom viewers have come to love and support. The pace is quick, and each scene is essential, making the hour-long episode feel like 20 minutes. This series continues to raise the stakes with every episode, with "The Horde" being one of the best yet.