The Strain 3.1 FAQ
What’s it called?
“New York Strong.”
Who’s responsible?
Teleplay is credited to showrunner Carlton Cuse and Chuck Hogan (who co-authored the “Strain” novels).
What says FX?
“The strigoi are evolving, becoming faster. Smarter. Eph struggles to improve his failing bioweapon while trying to work through the emotional fallout of the abduction of his son, Zack. As Setrakian and Quinlan attempt to crack the Lumen’s deepest-held secrets, Fet helps a Navy SEAL team in a deadly mission: search for the Master through the underground tunnels of New York.”
The Occido Lumen was written in 1667. Given that it’s apparently worth millions, did no one ever bother to make a photocopy?
At FX’s TCA event in Beverly Hills earlier this month, I asked showrunner Carlton Cuse if the Lumen can be photocopied. He replied that it can and we will see it photocopied this season.
Does the episode open with a flashback?
No.
Are there flashbacks this week?
No.
How does the episode start?
Setrakian reminds us it’s only been 23 days since Eph entered that plane in the first episode. Then soldiers with skulls on their shoulders kick down a door and disrupt a vampire feeding.
Is Dutch gone for good?
Last seen kissing Nikki goodbye, Dutch did not appear in last year’s finale and does not turn up tonight either. But she’s back next week.
What’s doing with the Guptas?
Wholly absent.
Are Gus and the Silver Angel still doing the bidding of gladiator school grad Quinlan?
Gus is busy with his new pet. The Silver Angel doesn’t show tonight. Or next week.
Does councilwoman Justine die this week?
No. She’s around, now helping Fet and bringing Eph the raw materials he needs for his bioweapon.
What’s doing with Eldritch Palmer?
No Palmer in this one. Lizzie Brocheré, who played the late Coco Marchand, has a new series on USA titled “Falling Waters.”
What’s doing with Nazi vampire Thomas Eichorst?
He torments Fet with his superspeed.
The big news?
If The Master isn’t dead in two days, the U.S. military is pulling out of New York to deal with more winnable scenarios.
What else is FX not telling us?
This is a pretty great episode.
What’s good?
Quinlan. Setrakian. Samantha Mathis as Justine. Corey Stoll as Eph, still embracing his alcoholism. The worms on the knife. Kelly and her spider-children. “What’s that rat-catcher’s name again?” “Give him our autograph.” “Time to make the donuts.” “Do you have a taser?” “You were gone?” “Your ‘I told you so’ will be a source of great comfort.” “Actually I think he is.”
What’s not so good?
No Silver Angel. And there’s not as much Setrakian or Eichorst as I’d prefer.
How does it end, spoiler boy?
“The Lumen or Zack.”
10 p.m. Sunday. FX.
