The Time Traveler’s Wife Episode 2 Review: A Tragic Death Keeps Pulling Theo James in the Past

The Time Traveler’s Wife Episode 2 is now out! This HBO drama is a romantic, science fiction drama created by Steven Moffat and based on the novel of the same name by Audrey Niffenegger. The series is directed by Game of Thrones’ David Nutter and, is produced by Warner Bros. Television and Hartswood Films.

It stars Rose Leslie and Theo James in the main role as Clare Abshire and Henry DeTamble, respectively. The other cast members include Caitlin Shorey, Everleigh McDonell, Brian Altemus, Jason David, Kate Siegel, Desmin Borges, Natasha Lopez, Michael Park, Jaime Ray Newman and Taylor Richardson amongst others. The second episode of the series is out now and has a runtime of 47 minutes.

– HBO Max’s The Time Traveler’s Wife Episode 2 Review Does Not Contain Spoilers –

The Time Traveler’s Wife Episode 2: Henry’s Most Tragic Memory

Like the previous episode, The Time Traveler’s Wife Episode 2 opens with Clare and Henry recording their versions of Henry’s time travelling. In this episode, they start off by addressing the dangers of time travelling that slowly take us to understand one key aspect of this phenomenon- the most important memory in your life pulls you towards it to be revisited. For our time traveller Henry, it is an inevitable, unrecoverable death of a close one.

We witness the death of Henry’s mother, Annette (played by Kate Siegel) on the Christmas of 1988. This is the day which is the worst in Henry’s life from all timelines as we see different versions of Henry visiting this incident when an 8-year-old Henry is travelling with his mother and their car crashes. The memory is tragic, sad and so strong that it pulls back Henry all the time.

But, that is not all the episode has to offer. Clare tries to bond with Henry in this episode and, we learn how no matter how far and when you time travel, it is inevitable to change the ultimate outcome. The decisions that we ultimately make are the decisions that are already made for us and, we are just following its course.

Also Read: Stranger Things 4 Volume 1 Review: The New Chapter in Hawkins Induces Horror But, Is It Enough?

Throughout The Time Traveler’s Wife Episode 2 we see our characters try to defy fate, change it, and challenge it even but, it is of no help. It starts with Clare getting down at a stop, which turns out to be the stop she was supposed to get down at anyway and ranges to even little 8-year-old Henry trying not to give into fate when he sees his mother but, he does anyway.

The episode also addresses one theme that is going to be laid out throughout the series and is a potent one when coming to the book. We understand how finite happiness and relationships are and, yes, they do not last forever but, it is worth the time spent together. This is what will form a basic building block for Clare to pursue a relationship with Henry, irrespective of his time travelling abnormality.

The Time Traveler’s Wife Episode 2: Final Thoughts

Well, this was a sweet episode but, yeah, the grooming thing is still lurking in the shadows. The fact that Rose Leslie’s Clare goes on even says that ‘my libido formed around you’, well, it does not help the grooming vibes that are pre-existing in this book and series. With fewer scenes between young Clare and old Henry, maybe we might be able to put the thought out of the window but, as it forms an important part of the narrative, it will not be a faithful adaptation if the scenes are cancelled. Only time will tell if audiences can warm to a series like The Time Traveler’s Wife.

You can watch The Time Traveler’s Wife Episode 2 now on HBO Max. To read our review of the previous episodes, click here.

Also Read: The Flight Attendant Season 2 Finale: When and Where Will It Release?