The Others: The Ones That Lie in Wait (1.7)

This was the episode that made me fall for this show. Before I even began re-watching the season, this was the episode that had stuck with me the longest, right down to specific scenes that gave me chills years ago. The Ones That Lie in Wait is an uncomfortable ghost story grounded in the simple conceit of a demonic presence stalking the Others one-by-one over the course of a stormy night. It features real character-driven horror as well as a remarkably sinister guest performance from Kristen Cloke, who creates one of the most effective antagonists I've ever seen in genre television.

The mysterious female that insidiously appears in the lives of each cast member is known as an entrance demon, and it's through her casual cruelty and enigmatic presence that she becomes so terrifying. Across several hours she manipulates Marian's emotions by impersonating her sister, informing her that her mother has died. Playing on her own deep-seated guilt regarding her mother and her own abilities, she gets Marian to break down and confess her deepest desires and regrets. Similarly, Mark also falls prey to her, answering her trademark question: 'what do you want?'

The woman herself is interested in personal attack, slowly breaking down the existing fragility that's already in her victims, which explains why Marian is most vulnerable to her actions. Elmer, having already encountered the entrance demon before, is strong enough to throw her off course, but warns that she'll make herself present again in the future. The episode also ends with lingering intensity, despite Marian's joy at her mother's survival. Satori is driven home by a friendly patrol officer, but he too asks the demon's question. While the tone is all-together less piercing, the show brilliantly conveys that sense of this presence always being around, even if it's appearing in a less showy demeanor.

The Ones That Lie in Wait is a beautifully constructed bottle show set in just three separate locations but bathed in a palpable sense of isolation. Morgan and Wong's script isn't at all challenging, but bristles with intensity, and you genuinely get the vibe of the demon closing in on the group and each member of the ensemble being rattled by its presence. After a couple of episodes that were fine if a little conventional, this is The Others firing on all cylinders once again. A

Credits
Guest stars Kristen Cloke (The Woman); John Aylward (Albert McGonagle)
Writers Glen Morgan, James Wong Director Thomas J. Wright