The episode The Tether of Impulse Revisionism takes viewers on an emotional and psychological journey, focusing on trauma, power, and personal connections. The show explores the aftermath of violence, the complexities of human relationships, and the implications of superhuman abilities, all wrapped in an intense and thought-provoking narrative.

Cleo, still dealing with the trauma of being shot by Bill Boone, attempts to return to normalcy by interviewing for a job at a doctor’s office. However, her past haunts her, causing her to blow the interview. It’s unsettling how she tries to pretend everything is fine after such a near-death experience. The way she gets dressed and puts on a front as if nothing happened almost feels like a surreal moment—like she’s in a Secret deodorant commercial for a new life that doesn’t exist.

Meanwhile, Henry has mastered the art of teleportation. She can now transport herself anywhere simply by meditating on an image—even one on television. This evolution of her power brings an eerie yet fascinating aspect to her character. The way she visualizes her destination and makes it reality emphasizes the growing depth of her supernatural ability.

The episode also subtly hints at a romantic subplot. The producers seem to have wanted a romantic moment for Henry, but instead of forcing it, they craft a more natural scene of her and a coworker spending time together in a backroom. While nothing overtly happens, the scene cleverly mirrors real-life workplace dynamics, where casual interactions can sometimes carry deeper meaning.

Another major subplot involves former sheriff Anna, who is consumed with anger toward her father for blaming her. The weight of her resentment is self-destructive; she is hurting herself more than him. The episode suggests that she needs to forgive and move forward, as holding onto anger only leads to personal suffering.

Cleo’s moral choices also come under scrutiny. Despite still being married, she lives with another man, setting a questionable example for Henry. This raises questions about responsibility and the kind of influence parents have on their children.

On the technological side, we see Zoe and Townes maintaining their relationship through FaceTime or Zoom, reflecting how modern connections are increasingly digital. Meanwhile, Townes stumbles upon highly classified Clear Tech technology, gaining access to teleportation weaponry, secret teleporter operations, and detailed video records. His discovery raises the stakes significantly—now he holds the key to a power far greater than he initially imagined.

The central theme of the episode revolves around “tethers,” as Henry refers to them. These are the emotional and psychological bonds that tie her to certain people and places. Henry seeks to break her tether, as it always pulls her home in times of danger. However, going home is no longer an option because Clear Tech Corporation wants to trap her in a fabricated environment. More importantly, she fears for her mother’s safety if she continues returning home when threatened.

One thought-provoking aspect of the episode is how society fears individuals with unique abilities like teleportation. The show subtly raises the question: what if there were people with superpowers that defied death? What if someone could never die or possessed superhuman strength? The idea is both fascinating and terrifying, as it suggests the world would instinctively seek to control or eliminate such a person.

Zoe teleports back to her climate damaged home where garbage, aluminum cans, and concrete building with antennas loom everywhere.

The tension between Henry and law enforcement escalates when Sheriff Fisher confronts her about Bill Boone’s disappearance. While Henry’s family refuses to let him search without a warrant, the sheriff and his team strongly suspect Henry’s involvement. However, they lack concrete evidence, forcing them to search for circumstantial proof to build their case. Not that it would matter—Henry could simply teleport any incriminating evidence out of sight before they find it.

Climate change devastation in Zoe’s world.

An intriguing revelation in the episode is that teleporters emit radiation, requiring them to take a drug called “Factor” to manage it. Without this treatment, the invisible radiation buildup could be fatal. Nikolai, one of the teleporters, uses a goldfish as an early warning system—if the fish dies, it signals that the radiation levels around him are too high. This chilling detail adds another layer of realism to the series, showing that even supernatural abilities come with their own set of risks and responsibilities.

Clear Tech corporation secret teleportation weapon.

A dramatic confrontation unfolds between Henry and Jenna. In a heated moment, Henry outs Jenna’s secret—she is gay. Jenna attempts to retaliate by exposing Henry’s secret as a teleporter, but she falters and cannot finish her sentence. In this battle of vulnerability, Jenna loses, reinforcing the idea that secrets hold power over people.

Another subplot touches on the politics of information control. Wendy Jacobson, Lucas’ mother, learns about Bill and Lucas’ situation from the news. However, it becomes evident that law enforcement and politicians were aware of the situation long before it became public. This suggests that institutions selectively control what information gets released and when, keeping certain groups—such as the church—out of the loop.

By the end of the episode, Impulse Revisionism leaves viewers with a profound message: material things are unreliable and fleeting. As the world becomes more unstable, clinging to physical possessions will only lead to frustration and despair. Instead, the episode encourages searching for something deeper—perhaps spiritual or emotional strength—as a way to navigate an increasingly chaotic reality.

Overall, The Tether is a strong episode that weaves together personal trauma, supernatural elements, and societal fears into a compelling narrative. It challenges viewers to consider how fear, power, and control shape our world while delivering intense drama and emotional weight.