In the fifth episode of Earth Abides, "The Return," the community of San Lupo is once again tested by the harsh realities of a post-apocalyptic world. The episode picks up after the devastating events of the previous one, where Charlie and his group, initially seen as saviors with their drilling machine, have overstayed their welcome and brought darkness to the community.
The episode opens with a stark revelation of Charlie's (Aaron Tveit) true nature, as he commits a heinous act against Evie, one of the most vulnerable members of the community. This act, committed under the guard of Silas, is discovered by Ish, who rushes to comfort Evie. The community, now aware of Charlie's actions, is left reeling and divided on how to proceed. Emma, ever the proponent of trust, now advocates for the most extreme measure—killing Charlie. This decision, fraught with moral complexity, weighs heavily on the community and particularly on Ish, who must bear the responsibility of executing the deed.
In the wake of Charlie's death, Ish and the community must grapple with the consequences of their actions. Perry, once associated with Charlie, reveals that she too was a victim of his abuse, and the community is faced with the reality that not all of Charlie's group shared his malevolent intentions. The decision to allow some of Charlie's group to stay while Silas leaves is a testament to the community's capacity for forgiveness and the complexity of their judgments in this new world.
As the community begins to stabilize after the turmoil, a new threat emerges with the return of the mysterious illness that initially decimated the population. Joey, Ish's son, falls ill, and the fear spreads that the illness has mutated and is now targeting those who were previously immune. This development sends the community into a panic, questioning their previous understanding of the illness and their own immunity. In a poignant moment, Heather returns to San Lupo alone, bearing the weight of her decisions and the loss of her companion Raif. Her return is a stark reminder of the dangers that lie beyond the safety of their community and the consequences of youthful rebellion.
As Ish grapples with the guilt of taking a life and the potential loss of his son, he finds himself questioning the purpose of his existence and seeking solace in faith. His struggle is a reflection of the moral ambiguity that pervades the community's journey in this post-apocalyptic world.
"The Return" is a stark and powerful episode that delves deep into the psychological and moral struggles of a community trying to rebuild in the face of relentless adversity. It is a tale of survival, guilt, and the enduring human spirit, set against the backdrop of a world that refuses to relinquish its grip on chaos. As the episode concludes, the community of San Lupo stands at a crossroads, their future uncertain and their past a heavy burden.