Ep 1. A Sparrow in a Swallow's Nest

The Terror season 2 episode 1, entitled "A Sparrow in a Swallow's Nest," continues the anthology series' exploration of horror in historical settings. This season is set during World War II, specifically the Japanese-American internment camps of the United States. The episode begins with Chester Nakayama, a young Japanese-American man who has enlisted in the US army, being given a mission to deliver a top-secret package to a remote location. However, as he journeys through the New Mexico desert, strange occurrences begin to happen around him.

Chester's journey is fraught with danger, from sandstorms to enemy attacks, but it's the supernatural phenomena that really begin to unsettle him. As he camps for the night, a sparrow lands on his shoulder, and he takes it as a good omen. But as the night progresses, the sparrow's singing becomes almost deafening, and the other soldiers are disturbed by its presence. Chester begins to suffer from a series of hallucinations, and he's not sure what's real and what's imagined.

The horror comes not just from the supernatural elements, however. The treatment of Japanese-Americans during World War II was deeply unethical and cruel, and the show portrays this with unflinching horror. Chester's family is sent to the Heart Mountain internment camp, where they're forced to live in squalor, subject to constant surveillance and harassment. The camp's commander, Major Bowen, is a particularly brutal figure, and it's clear that the inmates are living in a state of constant fear.

The episode also introduces us to several other characters who will no doubt play a role later in the season. There's Luz, a Latina nurse who falls for Chester, despite the risks of their interracial relationship. There's also Amy, a fellow inmate in the internment camp who is trying to keep her family together despite the horrific conditions. And then there's Henry, a mysterious man who seems to know more about the package Chester is delivering than he's letting on.

As the episode progresses, the tension ramps up. Chester's hallucinations become increasingly vivid and disturbing, and the soldiers around him start to die off one by one. Chester starts to wonder if he's going insane or if there's something more sinister at play. The sparrow, which at first seemed like a good omen, now appears to be leading him down a dark path.

"A Sparrow in a Swallow's Nest" is a gripping, atmospheric episode that sets up the season's themes and characters with skill. The horror elements are effective, but it's the real-world injustices that truly chill the blood. The show is unafraid to tackle difficult subjects, and its depiction of the internment camps is both harrowing and necessary. With strong performances, a haunting score, and expert direction, The Terror season 2 is off to a strong start.