The fifth episode of Under the Dome, titled "Blue on Blue," presents one of the series' most intense moments yet, as the town of Chester's Mill is visited by the military and its isolated inhabitants face the possibility of annihilation. Directed by Jack Bender, this episode blends emotional stakes with looming disaster, making it a turning point in the season. The narrative revolves around the military's announcement of an impending missile strike, intended to obliterate the dome in a desperate attempt to resolve the situation. This revelation throws the town into chaos, forcing residents to confront the fragility of their lives and relationships. The episode's title is a nod to the visual contrast of calm skies and impending doom, symbolizing the duality of hope and despair.
One of the most striking elements of "Blue on Blue" is its exploration of human vulnerability in the face of uncontrollable forces. The arrival of military families to bid farewell to loved ones provides some of the most emotional scenes in the episode. These moments highlight the series' ability to evoke genuine sentiment, particularly through performances by Rachelle Lefevre as Julia and Mike Vogel as Barbie, who share a heartfelt exchange about their uncertain futures. Dean Norris as Big Jim also delivers a commanding performance, portraying his character's struggle to maintain authority while grappling with his growing paranoia. However, some characters, like Angie and Junior, feel disconnected from the central narrative, their subplot seeming to operate in a bubble, which weakens the cohesion of the episode.
Jack Bender's direction shines in this installment, particularly during the sequence of the missile strike. The tension is palpable as residents gather in the church, their faces illuminated by stained-glass light, symbolizing a fragile hope amidst despair. The cinematography is particularly effective here, with close-ups that capture the raw fear and resignation of the characters. The sound design heightens the tension, transitioning from an eerie silence to the deafening roar of the missile's impact. Despite these strengths, the pacing suffers slightly in the first half of the episode, where the focus on individual farewells occasionally drags, undermining the urgency of the plot.
Thematically, "Blue on Blue" delves into the human instinct to seek connection during crises, emphasizing the importance of relationships in providing solace. The missile strike itself serves as a metaphor for the unpredictable nature of life and humanity's tendency to resort to extreme measures when faced with uncertainty. However, the script sometimes leans too heavily on melodrama, particularly in moments that feel designed more to tug at heartstrings than to advance the story meaningfully. Additionally, the lack of significant consequences from the missile strike undercuts the gravity of the buildup, leaving viewers with a sense of anticlimax.
In conclusion, "Blue on Blue" is a gripping episode that succeeds in amplifying the emotional stakes and tension of the series, even if it falters in certain areas. The strong performances, particularly from Norris, Lefevre, and Vogel, anchor the story, while Bender's direction effectively captures the looming dread of impending destruction. While the episode's resolution may leave some viewers wanting more in terms of narrative progression, its exploration of human resilience and vulnerability solidifies its place as a pivotal chapter in the season. As Chester's Mill moves forward, the fallout from this failed military intervention promises to deepen the conflicts and relationships at the heart of the show.
