The Strain Season 2 Episodes 7-8 Reviews: Makeovers By Eichorst

"Intruders" begins with Eichorst giving Kelly a new look-- complete with hair, contact lenses and makeup. Who knew he was so talented? Eic also reminds Kelly how to behave like a "normal" human being--now that the Master has relinquished enough control of her. The Master still have his sights set on Zach for some reason. I personally would stay as far away from that kid as possible.

Elsewhere Eph and Zach go on a father/son bonding trip. Eph is after a gun but finds that the owner of the boat shop/illegal goods store has been shot. His daughter begs him to help. Eph performs surgery with Zach assisting and saves the guy's life. This was absolute filler unless we see the family again.

It Appears Your Almighty Has Better Things To Do

Palmer and Abe are still looking for the "Occido Lumen". A cardinal is offering to sell it to the highest bidder. Eichorst thinks all of this is taking way too long and pays MacNamara a little visit. MacNamara won't tell him where the book is. Needless to say, things don't end well for him. Fet and Abe arrives and scare off Eichorst. McNamara reveals the person with the book is-- Rydyard Fonescu. He's the boy that Abe rescued from the strigoi all those years ago. Abe then promptly chops off the cardinal's head before he can turn. Another great scene by Eichorst. He is delightfully evil.

My Eyes!! My Eyes!!

There's trouble in paradise for Palmer and Coco. He keeps lying to her and she pushes for more info. She eventually stomps out. Coco has some game plan. I'm just not sure exactly what it is. The good news is, if they break up, we wont have to see a half naked Palmer any more. Yuck!

I Look Lovely

Kelly, looking smashing in her sunglasses, sneaks into Brooklyn thanks to a staged strigoi incident. She has the feelers in the trunk under some clothes. Did I mention that I love those crazy kids?

Just Taking A Selfie

Across town, Gus and Aanya share a kiss. This probably means her days are numbered. Quinlan seeks out Gus to help him find the Master. And Quinlan (AKA "The Born") is very persuasive.

Eph finally confesses to Nora (kinda) that he had a fling in DC. Oh, and he also chucked Barnes off a train and got Rob (and Lee) killed. But other than that, it was a good trip. While he's blathering on upstairs, Kelly is downstairs hovering outside the window. He tells Zach she loves him and to let her in. Of course the stupid kid does it! Can he seriously die already? I would gladly pay someone to shoot him myself! A gun/sword fight ensues with Eph, Nora and Zach on one side and Kelly and the feelers on the other. A few feelers catch it. The slow mo of one jumping between Kelly and some bullets was great fun.

Time To Make Some More Feelers

On a side note. Are there any feelers left? Looks like we're down two more. Anyway, Kelly escapes but she'll of course be back.

Dutch is MIA in this episode. Apparently shes still off with "what's her name".

Favorite Quotes:

"I've studied your photographs. I think I can do you justice."- Eichorst to Kelly.
"Mr Fet, get your head out of her skirt and back in the game!"- Abe to Fet.
"We're going to rob the son of a bitch."- Abe to Fet about Cardinal McNamara.
"Now we musn't forget the eyes. They are, after all, the windows to the soul. See. I was correct. This is the mother our dear Zach cries for in the night."- Eichorst to Kelly.
"It appears your almighty has better things to do."- Eichorst to the Cardinal as he prays for God to save him.

Grade: 4 1/2 Monsters (out of 5). Some people have complained that "Intruders" was a filler episode but I dont care. Eichorst and Kelly knocked it out of the park. Eichorst's makeover of Kelly and his visit to the cardinal were great. And the attack by Kelly and the feelers was super fun. Word on the street is that "The Strain" will be decreased to 10 episodes next season. Fine with me since that will force the story to be more directed and faster paced.