Despite at first seeming like a classic filler episode where Team Bo rescues a Fae-in-distress, there were actually tons of revelations in this episode. So as Bo finally begins to piece together what happened in her month of limbo, it’s time for us to do the same.

Ianka – The Alkonost:

This episode introduced us to a new species of Fae known as Alkonost who appear to be a close ancestor of Sirens – I like that this show is going for evolutionary realism here. Alkonost are able to sing much more powerful songs than their Siren relatives that can not only instantly kill whomever listens, but can also make people remember.

Adding to the mystery and allure of these creatures is that Ianka – the alchemist in question – has met Bo before. Through Ianka’s songs and words, Bo begins to slowly remember her time on the train as well as how she left herself clues because she knew she’d lose her memory. Though Ianka dies in the end, she thanks Bo for helping her finally achieve her freedom and rewards her with a small item that contains one of Ianka’s songs so Bo can try to regain her memories.

Bo Marked/History:

Through Ianka’s song, while we get to see what happened on that train, Bo only sees how hypocritical she has become. Bo had been thinking that she was still her same old self, repressing any ideas that she might have changed – despite what Dyson and the Una Mens had been hinting at. With her memories of her time with the Wanderer returning, she sees just how different she has become. No longer the unaligned succubus, but rather a pawn who has been everyone’s obedient dog in one way or another.

The most haunting realization to Bo is that the Wanderer marked her. In her flashback we can see what appears to be a glowing handprint on Bo’s neck, but what does it mean? Is the mark a sign of property or does it influence some sort of control over Bo. Only time will tell.

Femme Fatale Lauren:

Lately it seems like Lauren has been getting around more than our resident Succubus. A few weeks ago sleeping with Crystal – who is still MIA – and now making out with the Morrigan, who stopped by with pizza, beer and more commiserating. So much déjà vu!

Just as I was about to lose all faith in Lauren, she seems to have a plan. When she kissed Evony, afterwards we see her peel off some fake lips and put them in a jar to study followed by her stating that ‘it begins’. What begins? Looks like we have a new storyline to follow. Although I’m personally tired of Lauren’s “keep everyone in the dark/I’ll do this myself attitude”. Whatever she has planned, you have to wonder if it’s necessary – and whom does it benefit?

Kenzi & Hale – Together At Last:

It’s official! After a lot of here say, misread make-outs, and a quick kiss with Ianka, Hale and Kenzi are finally together. But will it last? I’m not questioning their love for each other, nor their compatibility because we’ve seen that since Season 1. The real thing to fear is the after effect of Ianka’s death song.

We saw Ianka’s song kill the homicidal Fae it was aimed at, but also hurt Bo and Kenzi quite a bit. Does Hale’s Siren nature make him immune to it? On the contrary it seems. After their kiss, Hale discovers that his ears are bleeding, but decides to keep this information to himself. Was this a temporary injury or is Hale dying? When will these crazy kids have their happy ending?

Bo and Dyson:

Speaking of crazy kids, Bo filled in Dyson about her change to the Dark, which means that they can no longer be together. Bo – in another example of her refusal to accept things have changed – still drags Dyson into Trick’s barrel room and displays a much darker side of herself.

Despite Trick’s warning about this drawing the attention of the Una Mens, Bo and Dyson continue to see each other. After a heated moment between these star crossed lovers, the Una Mens walk in on them and decide to bring Dyson in for questioning concerning the codex laws being broken.

Una Mens – Chimera

Last week we saw the Una Mens reflect Bo’s succubus powers back at her. This week we saw them imitate Dyson’s shape shifter ability – NOT use valkyrie’s intimidate as some have speculated. In each case we’ve seen them use these abilities only in response to Fae powers being used. So maybe instead of reflecting Bo’s powers, maybe they used their own succubus powers, but how?

A few weeks ago I was thinking to myself how awesome it’d be if the show eventually made a Chimera species of Fae – a Fae that could possess or imitate any Fae around them. Looks like they beat me to it because after seeing this I think the Una Mens are such creatures. Perhaps the papyrus plant is what gave them these abilities and why they want the Blood King to swallow the last seed so they can use his power as well. Either way, Una Mens are mimics of some kind, which would also explain why they particularly hate Mesmers – as we learned in Vex’s torture scene. You cant mimic someone who’s already controlling all your movements.

Final Notes of Importance:

• The episode title “Of All The Gin Joints” is a reference to the mvoie Casablanca. With most of the episode being centered around The Dal – much how Casablanca took place mostly in Rick’s Café – it’s easy to see the reference. This episode closed out with one final nod to the 1942 classic when the Morrigan remarked to Lauren “This looks like ther start of a beautiful … something” – the same words are uttered at the end of Casablanca, just replace ‘beautiful something’ with ‘beautiful friendship’.
• Tamsin is off on some sort of soul searching as we learned in her note to Kenzi at the beginning. Considering last episode, she probably took Bruce with her
• While Bo and Dyson were talking about The Wanderer ‘marking her’ – right before the Una Mens appeared – we hear a strange creeping slimey sound. Is this to signify that something is crawling around and changing inside of Bo? OR is this the Una Mens approaching? Remember that sludge we saw coming out of the box in the first episode of this season, maybe that was the Una Mens. It would also explain how they just pop up as if from nothing. Guess we’ll learn the connections soon.

With the Una Mens now gunning for Dyson, will Bo’s fight against them resume? Will Rainer/The Wanderer hinder or help her in the long run? And where did Vex and Tamsin disappear to? The search for answers continues.