The Underground Railroad Season 1 Episode 5 Chapter 5: Tennessee - Exodus

Cora, the main character, reaches the dangerous state of Tennessee in Chapter 5: Tennessee-Exodus of The Underground Railroad season 1 episode 5. The episode follows Cora as she leaves behind her previous home, where she lost everything she cared about, and starts on another journey. This time she's traveling by train, which is a relief after all the walking she's done.

However, Tennessee proves to be just as challenging as the other states on the road to freedom. Cora's guide, Royal, tells her that Tennessee is unique because it has more Freedmen towns than any other state. These are towns made up entirely of Black people who have either escaped slavery or have been freed. They have self-sufficient communities and are a sanctuary for all who make it there.

On their way to one of these towns, Royal and Cora have to navigate through a Tennessee river. The scene is tense and uneasy as they sail quietly through the darkness, evading patrols that are out looking for fugitive slaves. They finally reach the Freedmen town where they're welcomed with open arms. Cora meets Grace, a young woman who's been living in the town her whole life, and the two form a quick bond. Grace sees in Cora what she used to see in herself - a person on the run, trying to survive.

As the episode develops, Cora comes face to face with the worst aspects of her journey. Several runaways are caught and executed, and one of them, a woman, is burned alive in front of her own children. Cora is traumatized by this act of brutality and starts to question whether or not it's worth it to continue her journey. She feels like she's running just to stay in one place; every state is worse than the last, and she's not sure where she's going or why.

Cora's sense of despair increases when Royal tells her that he's leaving. He's been guiding her for months, and his departure leaves her feeling helpless and alone. Royal tells her to keep moving forward, but Cora can't shake the feeling that she's never going to make it to safety. The Freedmen town proves to be a good respite, but Cora feels like she can't stay there forever. The urge to be free is in her bones, and she knows that she can't stop until she's reached her destination.

The episode ends on a cliffhanger, with Cora and Grace being caught by slave hunters and taken to a plantation. As the camera pans out, we see the plantation is surrounded by soldiers, and that there's little hope for escape. It's unclear what the future holds for Cora and Grace, but the next episode promises to be just as gripping as the last.

The Underground Railroad season 1 episode 5 is a tense and emotional chapter in the story of a woman's escape from slavery. Cora's journey is difficult and fraught with danger, and this episode shows the toll it takes on her emotionally. However, it also shows her strength and resilience, as she keeps moving forward despite the odds against her. The episode ends with a sense of uncertainty, leaving the viewer eager to find out what happens next.