The Strain Episode 12 Recap: Master Confirmed To Be Child Star Bat Boy

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Dutch Is Back To Save Your Stupid Asses

I was worried that "Last Rites" was going to be a real snoozer but all hell broke loose at the end. The scene opens with Eichorst visiting a close to death Eldritch. He says he did everything the master asked of him and the Master should keep his promise. Eichorst responds with dude ya cant negotiate with vampires. Master does whatever he wants. (Maybe I'm paraphrasing a little.)

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Palmer Dont You Know By Now That Vampires Cant Be Trusted?

Anyway Team Abe arrives back at the pawnshop. Zack and Mrs Martinez act like nothing happened. Zack''s cigarette run almost got him killed In Mrs Martinez's defense, she probably doesnt remember what happened last week.

Poor Abe looks like he's about to give up the ghost. He went a little cuckoo last week while chasing the Master. He goes home to talk to Miriam's heart in the jar. Nora asks asks him about it. Abe barks at her and tells her to go away.

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All That Is Left Of Miriam

Dutch arrives and says she has the solution to their problems. She will hack into the Emergency Broadcast System so Eph can tell everyone about the vampire apocalypse. Fet still has the hots for Dutch. We hear a little of her back story (including why she has a British accent when she's supposedly an American).

There are several flashbacks to Abe in Romania/Albania/or some such place. He and Miriam have spent years searching for the Master. He leaves Miriam at home and goes to the castle. But one of the freaky vampires there lets him know Miriam is in danger. Eichorst appears at the top of the well. Abe finally makes it home only to find Miriam's leg brace. Miriam later returns with two vamp children (voila instant family). Abe kills her and cuts out her heart to remind him of what they're up against.

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Eichorst And Some Mob Vamps

Back at Chez Setrakina, Eichorst and some mafia vamps attack. Bolivar makes a reappearance and gets Nora's mom. Where ya been all this time buddy and how did ya hook up with Eichrost? Nora has to chop off her mother's head to keep her from turning. Poor Nora. That was a rough scene. I thought it was very effectively done. Everyone else escapes through the meat locker (and in the nick of time). Eichorst is hot on their trail.

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Who Thought Opening That Cargo Container Was A Good Idea?

Meanwhile Gus confronts Alfonso (the guy he took the stolen car to previously). Gus is looking for weapons and cash Gus makes Alfonso take him to the pier to open a cargo container. It is full of vamps set to infect people in other cities. Gus, that's what ya get for being greedy! They chase the two guys. Alfonso shoots at Gus (so not cool dude). It's looking pretty bad but just then the Ninja Vampire Recon Team shows up. They kill a bunch of vamps, grab Gus, put a bag over his head and drive away. What do they want with Gus?

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Quinlin Is Back. Yeah!

And in the final scene the Master visits Palmer. He scratches his finger and pours vamp blood down Eldritch's throat. At least I think its vamp blood. It was white Yuck. And what, no worms? Isnt Palmer good enough to get a worm? Next Fitzwilliams arrives and finds a recovered Palmer out in the rain laughing hysterically. I thought his face would fall off when he became a vampire. How does that work?

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And Yes The Master Really Is Bat Boy. I Knew It!

Miscellaneous Thoughts:

So when vampires look at themselves in mirrors in "The Strain" the image shakes. Is that correct?
We didnt learn much about Miriam so it was hard to care about her when she became vamperized.
I usually like the flashbacks but they were a bit much in this episode. And that middle aged Abe's makeup was really, really bad.
Speaking of bad makeup, I do wish they would have done something different with the Master. Yes he's big and menacing. Yes his scurrying around is scary. But when we get a close up of him, I keep thinking of muppets. Dont get me wrong. I LOVE MUPPETS. I'm just not afraid of them.
And still there is not total chaos in the New York streets. How is that even possible with all the vampires running around?

Favorite Quotes:

"I brought you a win."- Dutch about her new plan to have the Emergency Broadcast System.
"He is the Master. He does or he does not."- Eichorst to Palmer.
"I specialize in passionate, destructive relationships."- Dutch to Fet.
"You have abandoned all that love but it will not be enough."- Eichorst about Abe leaving Miriam's heart behind.

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). I would have given this episode a 3 1/2 since it was so slow but the ninja are back (so extra points). The scene with Nora and her mom was very touching. And I'm so happy the ninja vampires are back. Remember the finale is next week but have no fear. There will be a season 2.