TV Review: Altered Carbon – Episode 3: In a Lonely Place

Altered Carbon – Episode 3: “In a Lonely Place”

Staring: Joel Kinnaman, Will Yun lee, Martha Higareda, James Purefoy, Renée Elise Goldsberry, Byron Mann and Chris Conner
Director: Nick Hurran
Writers: Brian Nelson, Laeta Kalogridis

Review by Sidney Morgan

This review contains spoilers.

When we saw Kovacs last, he was under Miriam’s spell. Or rather, under her pheromones’ spell, and she was having her way with him. Problem is, someone else was watching, and recording. The discovery of this ‘vulgar’ hack (you have to love Poe) coincides with an invitation for Kovacs to Laurens Bancroft’s party, one where he claims the guest list includes everyone he thinks may want to kill him. Of course, only good will come of this, right?

Kovacs realizes that he needs help, a partner, to watch his back. Since Poe is out of the question (yeah, turns out the poor guy, or rather AI cannot leave the hotel), Kovacs turns to Vernon. But to get something, you have to give something. Remember the trauma loop Lizzie finds herself in? Well, Kovacs offers to ‘cure’ her. Vernon can’t refuse. Poe, after learning psychosurgery in the blink of an eye begins her rehabilitation. Meanwhile, off to the party, Kovacs and Vernon go. Oh, and Ortega ends up there as well. Isn’t that convenient?

Still, on a mission to solve Bancroft’s murder, Kovacs mingles with the guests and tries to get any of them to say something incriminating. But nothing comes of it. However, it does come to light that it would have been possible for someone to spin themselves into one of either Miriam’s or even Laurens’ cloned sleeves, thereby gaining the biometrical ability to unlock the gun that was used to shoot Laurens. Nothing is ever easy, hey?

We’re teased a bit more about Kovacs’ past with a few flashbacks of his Envoy training, specifically about the need to have ‘partners.’ As much as Kovacs likes to work alone and care for no one, it’s not hard to see that he’s is assembling his own pack with Vernon, Poe, and Ortega. However, it remains to be seen whether he will simply ‘use’ what he is given (as instructed by Falconer), or go beyond and develop a bond with his new pack.

Consequences of sleeves, or rather immortality, are highlighted in this episode. First, it turns out that children never ‘outgrow’ being children, as their parents never die. This breaks the natural order of the family unit. They are never able to ‘leave’ the nest. And, in some cases, as in the Bancroft one, this can lead to resentment and even hate, all ingredients for a beautiful and healthy family life, wouldn’t you say? Second, the ability to upgrade sleeves can act as a powerful motivator, as we see a husband and wife UFC type team beat each other senseless (for entertainment purposes, of course) in order to get a sleeve upgrade. Oh, but there’s a catch. One of the two must die! 

Which brings up the last point. Violence isn’t an issue anymore. Whether an intent by the author or just an appreciated gimmick by the producers, there are no more limits or constraints to fighting, as death is no longer a factor. If you die, just get a new sleeve, and start again. It’s that simple. So why bother fighting at all then? Why beat someone to a pulp or fill them with bullets? Is it because it satisfies some base human need, or is it because it satisfies some voyeuristic need?

One thing that hasn’t changed in this future is that money and power still lead to corruption. The guests at the party ooze decadence, walking around on top of the world (figuratively and literally as their houses float above the clouds). The party has only one purpose, and it is for all guests to flaunt their unique item Bancroft asked them to bring. Nevertheless, it also helps bring together Kovacs, Vernon, and even Ortega, who ends up helping Kovacs out of a tricky situation.

Verdict: A strong continue to watch

The episode does advance, albeit a little slowly, the whodunit plot. The ‘gang’ of Kovacs, Vernon, Poe, and Ortega is taking shape. The title is “In a Lonely Place,” and though Kovacs has lost much in his many lives, his new wolfpack makes it just a little less lonely.