Surprisingly for a show as utterly chaotic and mysterious as "Wayward Pines", its most prominent revelations actually occur midway through the series rather than at its conclusion. Episode 5 is undoubtedly the strongest instalment of the season to date, and that is because it unpacks the mysteries of the town and its confusing timelines in a very intelligent and shocking way. The audience is effectively afforded the perspectives of all three members of the Burke family - Ethan, Theresa and Ben - as they each begin to understand where they are and why they are there. Yet it is undoubtedly Ben's story that offers the clearest explanation of events to date (which perhaps justifies the inclusion of his narrative in the show). Ben is brought into a special room at his school and is taught about the history of Wayward Pines by his teacher, the hypnotherapist Mrs. Fisher. She basically unravels the entire mystery of the first four episodes in one substantial monologue. Brilliantly, acknowledging the potential for this to become quite dull television, the show simultaneously offers silent images of Ethan also finding out (in a more action-packed way) the same information. Essentially, the year is no longer 2014. In fact, it is 4028. Humanity died out many centuries ago. Those that remain in Wayward Pines were placed into temporary stasis by the mysterious David Pilcher in order to preserve the species after all energy and food resources have run out. This explains the timeline issues, and it also clarifies why no-one is supposed to discuss the past (it is too upsetting to think about something they can never get back). It also explains the bestial cries from beyond the walls. No-one can leave Wayward Pines because, as Ethan discovers during his attempted escape in this episode, what remains of humanity beyond the town's walls has evolved into carnivorous aberrations (or "abbies" for short) that could kill and consume everyone within with absolute ease. Ethan is forced to escape the clutches of the "abbies" in a helicopter with David Pilcher himself, while Theresa learns about the suspended animation pods that they were placed into over 2000 years ago. Ben is told not to talk to adults about what he has been told, as they cannot comprehend the complete dissolution of their past lives. Brilliantly, the show has managed to unpack its central mysteries while raising further questions - questions that drive the second half of the season.
