6. 'I Am Marla' (Episode 7)
The episode is all about the final scene. Before that, there is bonding between the Augments and the Elbs that humanizes both. That’s contrasted by Ivan challenging Khan’s command and trying to poison him! Their one-sided fight is both verbal and physical, and losing the trust of his closest advisor drives Khan closer to the edge. There's even a fantastic homage to The Wrath of Khan, as Ivan screams out his leader's name in anger just like Admiral Kirk does in the classic film.
The biggest moment is Marla's tragic fate. Even though we all knew what happened to her, hearing her ordeal is far worse. Like Khan, we've come to love Marla and rely on her, making her loss far more heartfelt.
Andrews is stunning here, wringing out every instant of Khan’s emotional breakdown over his wife, and it’s clear how her death is yet another factor in his growing madness. That last scene alone is a key moment for the series, and both actors give their all to the material. It's not an easy listen, yet it is one of the most vital for Khan's journey.
