Ep 2. Grounded

As we delve deeper into season 2 of Manifest, the passengers of Flight 828 continue to uncover more mysterious occurrences surrounding their return. "Grounded," the second episode of the season, picks up shortly after the events of the premiere.

Ben and Saanvi are still trying to decode the messages found in the belongings of the passengers who were killed in the plane crash, and they stumble upon a new clue that could lead to a major breakthrough. Meanwhile, Michaela and Jared are on the hunt for the man who attempted to kill her in the previous episode.

But it's the emotional journey of Grace, Ben's wife, that takes center stage in this episode. While the rest of the family is grappling with their own unique set of challenges, Grace is dealing with the aftermath of her own disappearance. She has a candid conversation with a fellow survivor that leaves her wondering if she even wants to continue living her old life.

As the episode progresses, the tension builds as the core cast begins to realize that they are being watched. They struggle to identify the source of the surveillance and fear that they may not be the only ones who know about the strange occurrences that have surrounded their return.

"Grounded" is a slow burn of an episode, but it sets up some crucial character developments for the rest of the season. The plot is less centered on action and more focused on the internal conflict of the characters.

One particularly striking scene involves Michaela and Jared sitting in a car as they stake out a possible suspect. The conversation turns to Michaela's guilt about her mother's death, which prompts her to question her own mental stability. It's a poignant moment that sheds a light on the emotional toll that the events of the last few years have taken on her.

The episode also does a great job of building tension through the use of music and lighting. There are several scenes where the camera lingers on characters as they react to a noise or a sudden realization, and the sound design helps to ramp up the suspense.

Overall, "Grounded" is a solid entry in the second season of Manifest. It doesn't have a lot of flashy plot twists, but it lays the groundwork for some future revelations and develops the characters in a meaningful way. If you're a fan of the show already, this episode is definitely worth checking out. If you're new, it's a good example of the show's tone and style, and might spur you to watch the rest of the series.