The Strain – “The Disappeared” Review. Holy Bat Caves!

Season 1, Episode 9

Air date: Sunday, September 7, 2014 at 10PM ET/PT on FX

Rating: ★★★★★

“Where is he? Where is your God? I don’t see him. There is no one to help you, wood carver.” – The Master

Holy bat caves, Batman, “The Disappeared” is darker than an underground lair! There are many revelations during this episode, and we finally get to see The Master (Robert Maillet).

If you would have told me from the beginning how truly dark and demented this series is, I may not have been so anxious to watch it…at least not alone, and definitely not at night! But The Strain has me transfixed me with its smart writing and stellar cast. I am hooked and I cannot lie. These other vampire shows can’t deny…ok. You get my drift. Admittedly, I had some scary dreams about poor Jim (Sean Astin) biting it in last week’s “Creatures of the Night,” but I’m a glutton for punishment and need more darkness in my life.

Eph and the gang arrive just in the nick of time to save Zach.

“The Disappeared” picks up after Matt (Drew Nelson) was attacked at his place of employment. We know new strigoi go back to their loved ones to feed so what Matt, Kelly’s (Natalie Brown) new live-in boyfriend, does isn’t unexpected. Needless to say, Eph’s (Corey Stoll) young son Zach (Ben Hyland) gets a startling surprise when he comes home. My heart raced during this very intense scene as Zach desperately tries to maneuver his way around a very hungry Matt. And where is Kelly by the way? Has Matt gotten to her already? Or, does she manage to escape without injury…without being infected? We don’t know those answers yet but hopefully, we’ll find out soon.

I’m fascinated with Abraham (David Bradley) and his backstory. He was the skilled carpenter who carved the 9’ coffin for The Master during his days in the Nazi prison camps in Poland. We finally learn what happened to Abraham’s hands and why they are slightly deformed. Let’s just say, it’s rude to watch people eat. The Master likes his privacy. Can you imagine how frightening it is to know this thing is lurking about and sucking your roommates dry? I would have lost my youknowwhat five times over watching that long disgusting tongue lash out.

Am I the only one who thinks Dutch is hiding something more?

Dutch (Ruta Gedmintas) lets Abraham in on her little secret about the Internet and cell phone services going down. It’s only when she mentions the creepy “German dude” that Abraham’s ears perk up. I like Dutch but I think she’s hiding something else. I can’t quite put my finger on it yet. I just hope she and Vasiliy (Kevin Durand) don’t hook up. Is that in the books? If it is, I guess I have no choice but if it isn’t, I beg you, writers, don’t do it! Eph and Nora (Mia Maestro) have the romantic interludes covered. Can you say ‘rug burn?’

The Strain does a great job of introducing frightening creatures and creating intensely dramatic moments all while keeping its main characters as realistic as possible. Some shows in this genre try to overcompensate by making ordinary humans a bit too extraordinary. The Strain’s “The Disappeared” gives us realism that is relatable. Eph’s love for his son and wanting to protect him is a terrific plot point. Eph uses his knowledge and parental instincts to keep Zach safe. Hyland does a fantastic job as young Zach. Zach is a smart kid and asks intelligent questions about what happened with Matt but you see the fear and worry on his face knowing his mother is missing. There is also a moment when Abraham brings Zach a big glass of milk while he has a glass of booze. Very contradictory but it showcases their vast age difference and how each beverage soothes them. I wonder if Abraham will take Zach under his wing and teach him a thing or two. It’s these little nuggets of humanity nestled into this very supernatural, ominous series that gives The Strain such appeal for me.

Our friend Gus (Miguel Gómez) faces a hard truth about his compadre Felix (Pedro Miguel Arce). The intensity of the prison transfer scene had me biting my lip. Gus loves his friend but he knows there is no going back now. What would you do if your friend was infected with the strigoi virus? Could you pull the trigger? And we still haven’t received any further insight about that strigoi SWAT team from “For Services Rendered,” so I’m hoping that story arc will be revisited very soon.

What did you think of “The Disappeared?” I’d love to hear from all of you, but especially those who have read the books. I welcome all comments. Tweet me @judybopp or leave a comment below.

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Judy Manning

Dream chaser extraordinaire! Judy tends to be a tad sarcastic and kind of goofy! She is an avid admirer of all things supernatural, paranormal, celestial and mystical. She loves to read, write, and watches way too much TV. She enjoys many genres of film and music (and let's be honest, most music from the 80s). She also has a wicked sweet tooth. Cupcakes beware.