The Strain Season 4 Episode 10 Review:The Final Battle (Series Finale)

We've finally at the end of the human vs strigoi story. I have at times been frustrated with the pace of "The Strain" (and it's ancillary missions that went no where). Examples: Much time was spent locating the "Occido Lumen" but it didnt hold any secrets. Much time was spent on locating the nuclear warhead. And the list goes on. You had potential great "The Strain". Alas ya never really lived up to it. All past issues aside though, the finale was what I expected. Thank goodness we werent stuck with a cliffhanger. That would have been a sharp stick in the eye to fans who have faithfully followed the show for four seasons.

I originally thought the battle between Abraham and Eichorst would be part of the finale. After all, they have been mortal enemies since WWII. Instead they both left the game three episodes earlier. Sure Abe croaked but at least he took Eichorst with him. Well played old man. Well played.

That leaves Eph, Fet, Dutch, Gus, Roman and Quinlan to take down the Master. The original plan was to detonate a bomb. This will kill a lot of innocent people though. Fet comes up with a slight variation. Fet and Quinlan will lure the Master to underground Tunnel Number 3. Quinlan will keep his father busy while Fet detonates the bomb. It is a suicide mission for both.

Of course things didnt work as planned. Eph instead jumps in the elevator (leaving Fet and Dutch above ground). The Master and Quinlan battle it out. Quinlan ripes out his throat. The Master retaliates and stomps Quinlan's head into a bloody pulp. Zack watches on in shock. That was a good fight but I was hoping for something a bit more epic. These two creatures have been at odds for 2000 years.

The Master must find a new body...stat. He eyes Zack but Eph gets in the way. The Master spews his white wormy juice down Eph's throat. That was disgusting (and also fun to watch). For anyone keeping count, the Master has had four hosts during the series-- giant guy, the rock star, Palmer and now Eph.

Zack is still an insufferable little jerk but at least he manages to somewhat redeem himself. When the Master takes over Eph's body, Zack tells his father he loved him and detonates the bomb (for a SECOND time). Given the internet's hated of Zack, if he had lived a riot would have ensued.

Fast forward some months later. All the strigoi are rounded up and killed. They're not very smart without the Master. The sun is shining again and life returns to normal. Fet and Dutch meet and walk along the river. Fet does a voice over. Love saved the world blah, blah, blah. Not really dude. An old man, a rat catcher, a drunk doctor, a polyamorous hacker and a 2000 year old half breed saved the world.

Grade: 4 Monsters (out of 5). A fitting series finale. I would have enjoyed an "all out" humans vs strigoi battle but i guess the budget didnt allow it. I'm glad we actually got an ending (vs some crazy cliffhanger). Despite my issues with the show, it did give us some great characters. My favorites are: Eichorst, Abraham, Quinlan and the creepy feeler kids. You can guess who my least favorite is.