Nightflyers’ 10 most terrifying moments

NIGHTFLYERS — “The Sacred Gift” Episode 106 — Pictured: Angus Sampson as Rowan — (Photo by: Jonathan Hession/Syfy)

Rowan’s descent into madness

Rowan loses so much so quickly that his descent into madness isn’t entirely out of the ordinary. That being said, it’s clearly due to the ship getting closer to the volcryn. Nor is he the only one at this point; everyone on the ship is beginning to lose their sense of self.

But there is a different level to Rowan’s loss of control. Yes, it can be said that it’s because of the volcryn, but he becomes unhinged, determined to have the blood of those who led to the death of Tessia and his daughter, Skye. He wants Roy gone, no matter the cost.

He may not be a free man any longer, distrusted by the entire crew, but there is an aspect of Rowan’s strike that seems almost on the brink of insanity. He was so happy the episode before, excited at the prospect of being in love and finally having the chance at a family. Then, in the blink of an eye, his love is dead, just as his baby is, and he has nothing to show for it except for a captain who let it happen as he lived.

What’s interesting about his breakdown is the fact that he says “All work and no play” not an episode before, a quote that is featured in The Shining. Of course, it famously features Jack Torrrence attempting to kill his family with an axe. Maybe it’s just a call back back to the movie, or maybe it is just what kind of insanity took over Rowan… but his loss of control is absolutely terrifying.