Last week’s double episode, ended with Maximus seizing the throne from his brother Black Bolt, and the Royal Family scattered in Hawaii. This week on “Divide and Conquer,” the Inhumans are desperately searching for each other and learning who their allies are on Earth. I haven’t recovered from the traumatic scene of Maximus shaving off Medusa’s hair, and the heartbreaking scene of Medusa looking at her reflection later on and seeing herself without hair, but we’ll have to see how she adjusts to life without prehensile hair.

Dr. Declan (or is it Desmond from LOST flashing sideways?) suspects Black Bolt of being Inhuman after seeing video footage. Since he’s aware of Black Bolt’s location, he contacts a prisoner named Sammy and offers to help Sammy if he does something for him. It’s obviously something to do with Black Bolt, but we’ll have to wait and see what he wants.

Meanwhile, Black Bolt remembers a conversation he had with his father about not wanting to be king. Pre-terrigenesis, Black Bolt had zero interest in the throne and Maximus was trying to figure out if he was next in the line of succession if Black Bolt died. Clearly, both sons had vastly different ideas about the throne. And while Black Bolt grew into his role as king, Maximus never stopped trying to figure out a way to seize the throne.

Who should the Inhumans trust?

Medusa is still wandering around Oahu in her Attilan garb, and unless there’s a comic-con going on, she’s gonna need new clothes. And cash, because identifying herself as the Queen of Attilan to an ATM to get money isn’t working. 

Back on Attilan, Maximus convinces Crystal to make a statement to the Genetic Council supporting him to ensure a peaceful transition and bring their family home. Crystal is a little wary of Maximus and threatens to kill him if he goes back on his word. Her fighting spirit reminds him of Medusa.

Crystal clear. #Inhumans pic.twitter.com/KaMskSX0wt

— Marvel’s Inhumans (@theinhumans) October 7, 2017

Maximus checks in with Auran and sends reinforcements, including non-fighter Mordis. Not only is Auran incapable of controlling Mordis, she refers to him as death. When Mordis and the others arrive on Earth, we learn that Mordis has no desire to be there and the only reason he agreed to help is because he was promised freedom.

Karnak is taken hostage and when he starts rattling off the names of the Royal Family and talking about his king, they’re convinced he’s crazy. When Karnak decides he’s making mistakes and of no use to his family, he wants to stay where he is. They ultimately agree, and even with diminished thinking, I’m pretty sure that Karnak can help streamline their drug operation.

Karnak is unaccustomed to fallibility.#Inhumans pic.twitter.com/MG32tZAZ4h

— Marvel’s Inhumans (@theinhumans) October 7, 2017

It seems fitting that the Queen of Attilan winds up in a neighborhood named “Royal Place.” After finding some new clothes and a lot of cash, she raids the kitchen. She catches a glimpse of herself in the mirror and I’m as brokenhearted as she is when she sees herself with a shaved head. She notices Black Bolt’s picture in the newspaper and she’s immediately on her way to find him.

Gorgon ultimately decides to trust his surfer calvary and they fire first when Auran shows up with her crew. Is anyone else wondering where surfers got heavy weaponry on such short notice? But despite the heavy weaponry and Gorgon’s destructive stomping, they’re no match for Mordis’ intense laser. Now we know why Auran refers to him as death. Gorgon tells the surfers to retreat and they make a run for it.

Sammy has Black Bolt brought to his cell and starts questioning him on how he got his abilities. Black Bolt manages to convey that he can’t speak. Sammy warns Black Bolt that people like them are disappearing and he wants him to get out to find his family.

Black Bolt is ultimately taken outside for exercise, but it quickly becomes clear that the guard orchestrated this late night stroll through the prison yard so the other prisoners can attack Black Bolt.

No human can ever be king

Maximus lets the Genetic Council know he plans to abolish the caste system, but they’re resistant because it will destroy their society. Maximus brings Crystal for support, and things are going smoothly as she starts to read her statement. She pronounces Maximus king, then quickly goes off script, adding that he is king of “no one.” She freezes everyone’s weapons and runs off to find Lockjaw.

Maximus has a flashback to when he discovered he had no powers and was told that, “No human can ever be King of the Inhumans.” Since Maximus is essentially human, the only way for him to be King is get rid of his brother.  

All of the prisoners want to make friends with Black Bolt since attacking the police is what brought him to prison. It isn’t long before a prison fight breaks out and during the melee, Sammy and Black Bolt make a break for it. Black Bolt keeps covering his mouth so he doesn’t inadvertently make a sound and has a flashback to the Genetic Council informing his parents that his voice is capable of destroying Attilan on purpose or on accident. The Genetic Council wanted Black Bolt kept in seclusion, but his parents insist that he’ll learn to control his voice and vow that he will be king. As usual, Maximus is on the outskirts looking in, even in flashbacks.

Declan shows up in a helicopter to rescue Black Bolt and Sammy. Just as they’re flying away, Medusa arrives. She’s distressed that she just missed Black Bolt and when she encounters Louise, who has camped out at the police station all evening, she orders Louise at gunpoint to follow the helicopter.

Crystal and Lockjaw make it to Earth, but Lockjaw is still sedated. They encounter a man in the forest and we’ll have to wait and see if he’s trustworthy or not.

Final Thoughts

We learned that Sammy accidentally killed his family by not knowing how to control his newfound power. That explains why he was willing to help Black Bolt find his family. But we have no clue what Declan’s motivations are. Is he interested in research? Or is he an Inhuman too?

I’m glad we’re getting to see more of Crystal’s powers. I’m certain that in the next episode she has to decide whether or not to trust the man that found her and Lockjaw. Any guesses on how long Karnak will question himself? I feel like as soon as his wounds heal, his ability to see clearly will return as well and he’ll resume his search for Black Bolt.

I’m conflicted about Maximus. I support him in theory. Getting rid of the caste system is a great idea, but his methods make me root for his brother. I’m certain that Maximus would be in support of the caste system if his father had given the throne to him and not Black Bolt. I’m curious if we’ll see flashbacks of Medusa and Maximus since he keeps hinting at their past.

Next week, everyone continues to search for Black Bolt on Earth and Maximus solidifies himself as King.