Station Eleven Rewatch: Episode Two
"I remember damage."
This post contains spoilers for the second episode of Station Eleven, but no spoilers for future episodes. You are invited to share your thoughts in the comments below, or in the chat. You’re also invited to join me for Zoom discussions on 12/4 (Episodes 1-5) and 12/18 (Episodes 6-10).
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“I remember damage.”
We’ve already heard these words more than once when they find us at the close of Episode Two. In my mind, this statement defines the second installment.
We’re there when Young Kirsten learns, via text, that her father has died. We see her two years later, a feral bloody kid holding a knife, willing to use it to survive. We get a taste, 18 years after that, of the near-constant danger that exists as Kirsten navigates life on the road with her adopted community. As the group encounters unknown characters, it’s hard to know who to trust. We learn quickly that Kirsten has an excellent bullshit detector. We also learn she still has a knife, and she’s still willing to use it.
My Favorite Scene in Episode Two
“You’ve been out here a long time by yourself, haven’t you?” Young Kirsten is asked upon meeting Sarah from the Traveling Symphony. What follows feels pivotal. We see Sarah’s bravery and kindness, not to mention effortless cool. We watch as Kirsten finds a family and a home. She also finds a place to be a Shakespearean actor again, which we know is no small thing.
Something that really stands out to me in this scene is how much the Station Eleven book has impacted Young Kirsten in the two years since the world changed. When she tells Sarah, “Doctor Eleven can’t feel time,” it’s clear this fictional story has become part of her reality. The book—which we can imagine Kirsten has been reading endlessly—is now the story that she’s living. The word haunted comes to mind, though I also wonder if the book has saved Kirsten, by giving meaning to her life.
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“We’re the Traveling Symphony. We travel for a reason. You burn the house down, then you go. Just try to make the world make sense for a minute… You know, they blame you if you stay, but, they love you, like you saved ‘em, when you come back.”
I mentioned Sarah’s effortless cool. It’s on display as she delivers the words above. I really related to this part. We all hate hard goodbyes. We hate when bands we love break up, or go years without touring. We love reunions and returns. We love a good comeback. If I’m honest, Sarah’s take on travel had me thinking about TWLOHA and my place in the whole thing, wanting to figure out some kind of return, or some meaningful connection, wanting to be wanted.
Moments I Noticed