The Ark season 2 premiere recap: The Arks face death and betrayal in “Failed Experiment”

The Ark season 2 premiere recap: The Arks face death and betrayal in "Failed Experiment"

As a dedicated fan of The Ark, I was on the edge of my seat during the season 2 premiere, “Failed Experiment.” The unexpected turn of events left me in awe and with a renewed sense of excitement for the series.


In the shocking turn of events at the end of “The Ark” season 1, Maddox welcomed Garnet and her group aboard the surviving Ark. However, it became clear in the second season premiere, titled “Failed Experiment,” that Maddox hadn’t extended this invitation to everyone. Instead, we witnessed some surprising revelations and acts of deceit unfold.

Caution: This post contains major SPOILERS for The Ark season 2 premiere

The episode began following the explosive ending of the first season. The Ark-1 spacecraft had taken significant damage. Garnet, deeply moved, expressed her gratitude for the Ark-1 team, who had provided her with a sense of family after growing up without one.

Following that, I headed over to Ark-15 for security measures. However, Maddox delivered some disheartening news, and we came to terms with the fact that not all of us would survive the aftermath.

There isn’t enough space on Ark-15 for everyone

Maddox invites Garnet and a handful of team members on board Ark-15, but regrettably, there aren’t enough supplies for the whole crew. Alicia echoes this sentiment in a brief moment of despair. In reality, Maddox had planned to dismiss some Ark-15 personnel prior to the events concluded in season 1 finale.

Garnet disapproves of that response, and her lieutenants, Spencer Lane and James Brice, share her sentiment. It’s crucial for them to protect Ark-1. So, Spencer and Brice head back to Ark-1 to assess the harm and rescue individuals. Brice rushes towards Ava, thankfully still alive. Meanwhile, Spencer encounters Strickland and together they locate Angus and Cat. Initially, Strickland takes Cat to the Medical Bay, where he learns that Dr. Kabir has been severely injured.

The situation is grim, and it’s been worsened by the heartbreaking event of the first significant loss in “The Ark” season 2: Cat succumbs to her injuries, leaving a distressed Trust mourning beside her.

Strickland and Spencer understand that it’s crucial for the injured Kabir and Angus to be taken to Ark-15 for medical attention. Maddox expresses her discontentment towards this plan due to the impact on her ship’s resources. She also highlights that while Kabir is valuable, Angus is not.

Kelly saves the day with her super blood

Angus requires a life-saving blood transfusion, yet Maddox obstructs the blood supply. The situation seems grim for Angus, but unexpectedly, Kelly—his former adversary from the end of season 1—intervenes and donates her blood. She identifies herself as O Negative, but it’s apparent that her blood holds hidden qualities.

In the episode at hand, Maddox makes a derisive comment, referring to Kelly as a “botched attempt.” Though no clarification is given, it becomes clear from her ability to heal Angus’ injuries quickly and noticeably faster than expected that there may be something extraordinary about Kelly’s blood. Kabir, who required two doses of adrenaline just to stay awake, suspects this as well but leaves the investigation for a future time.

Maddox continues to prevent access to Ark-15 for all residents of Ark-1. Garnet is unwilling to abandon her people and leave them behind.

The Ark-15 crew betray Maddox in The Ark season 2 premiere

Maddox’s team members, such as her doctor and head of security, contribute positively to life on Ark-15. They grow tired of living under an oppressive rule and aspire to join Ark-1. With the influx of new arrivals to replace lost crew members and aid in discovering a new habitat for all, their transition becomes more feasible.

Garnet is willing to let them go, yet Maddox isn’t ready to let them depart. While this may resolve Maddox’s predicament, it isn’t her decision, which is the source of her reluctance. Ultimately, it’s up to Maddox to decide who stays, and she won’t part with anyone beneficial to her.

Alicia gains control of Ark-15’s security system to lock all doors, providing the necessary time for everyone to return to the shuttle. During this process, we discover that Kelly harbors a secret weapon role. As Maddox uncovers Garnet’s intentions, she activates a beeping device in Kelly. Unfortunately, if Maddox fails to act before the countdown ends, everyone on the shuttle faces fatal consequences.

Garnet urgently appeals to Maddox, explaining that letting some of her crew join him resolves her conflict with the Ark-15 inhabitants. This decision not only helps her but also ensures Ark-1’s survival. With this arrangement, they can each follow their separate paths.

Maddox presses the pause button on the counter, yet it’s evident she harbors another scheme. This isn’t the end for Maddox, however, Ark-1 should prioritize fixes, recuperation, and seeking a new location.

The Ark airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on Syfy.

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2024-07-18 18:42

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