The second episode of Man on Fire opens with Poe trying to calm himself before an interview. Creasy encourages her to set aside her feelings, so they can face the mystery of her family’s murder with a clear head, though he is obviously reluctant to see her suffer more pain.
Soares’ men accompany Creasy and Poe to the U.S. embassy, where they are ambushed by the forces of Osmar. Reacting swiftly, Creasy orders a detour to the nearest military base and hangar, forcing the attackers to withdraw.
Creasy, who believes there’s a leak in the chain of command, won’t allow Soares or anyone else to interrogate Poe. Soares hesitates but agrees. Creasy, using unorthodox methods, forces Poe to face her traumatic past. She remembers details, including two white vans arriving at the complex and the face of a biker. She can’t handle the emotional punch and Creasy, surprised but understanding, gives her space.
Soares, impressed by the outcome, agrees to help Creasy, but worries that giving him a new purpose in life could be a catalyst for his darker instincts.
Soares leaves to brief the president, and arrangements are made to fly Poe home to the United States. She wants to stay with Creasy but he persuades her to get on the plane. Osmar’s men strike again, and before they can leave a violent shoot-out breaks out. Creasy captures one of the attackers, Tiago, and escapes in a civilian vehicle with Poe.
Elsewhere, Gabi becomes concerned about Melo’s daughter, who has withdrawn after the murder of her father. Gabi tells Melo to go to the United States, she says they are no longer safe. Melo agrees to help Creasy when he calls for help, in exchange for legal relocation.
Creasy then phones Tappen, his old CIA boss who signed off on the mission that killed his team. Tappen promises Poe money, protection and a plane.
Melo takes Creasy and Poe to a favela where her cousin has connections with the local police. In the safehouse, Poe spots a chess set, remembering something Rayburn once told her about life being like a game of chess. In a rare moment of warmth, Creasy quietly admits that he was the one who trained Rayburn.
Poe asks Creasy what happened to Tiago and the interrogation, and he does not conceal his intentions. Meanwhile, Melo sees a kindred spirit in Poe since the girl and her daughter are similar. Both are lonely and this creates a quiet connection between them when they are together.
Tiago breaks quickly in the interrogation, confessing that he and his crew were hired muscle for a local gang. After the bombing they were enlisted by Osmar of the FRP. He also predicted Creasy’s relocation to the military hangar, confirming the insider info.
Meanwhile, the CIA approaches the Brazilian government for help. But President Carmo is wary of Creasy, seeing him as unpredictable and politically dangerous.
The episode concludes with Creasy formulating a plan to use Tiago to get him straight to Osmar, a plan that will need Poe’s assistance to execute.
The Review of the Episode
The pace is maintained in episode 2, with a mix of fast-paced action and steady story development. The addition of new characters like Tiago, Tappen, the CIA leadership and Soares adds depth to the story as it unfolds. Soares is suspected of being the possible leak, although it may be a deliberate red herring at this early stage.
As well as the central mystery, the episode also invests in its emotional heart. Creasy’s tough exterior is chipped away as she is forced to care for Poe, her vulnerability a counterpoint to her rebellious nature. The way their relationship changes makes the story more interesting, and it looks like the characters will develop a lot.
Melo is also capable of being more than a logistical ally. Her personal stakes and emotional attachments suggest she could be a major player going forward.
