With Freeland under full-blown occupation, the Pierce family gets pulled in different directions. Jefferson and Lynn find themselves at odds with each other. Meanwhile, Anissa rebels as Blackbird while Jennifer feels powerless despite having powers.
- Boomerang Bigot: Williams uses "Meta" as a slur despite being one himself.
- The Bus Came Back:
- Lala returns, taking back his reputation on the streets from a former associate named Sinzell.
- Anaya and her father and the rest of the Perdi return, as they are the ones providing shelter to the Meta's on Anissa's behalf.
- Came Back Wrong: Khalil is completely under the control of Odell, with no memories of his past life, as he kills his mother on his behalf without any hesitation.
- Curb-Stomp Battle: Jennifer effortlessly kicks the asses of two school bullies, without even using her powers.
- Does This Remind You of Anything?: Jefferson compares the ASA using the Markovians as an excuse for their suppressive methods with the WMD lie and the Iraq war.
- Even Evil Has Standards:
- Lala is disgusted with Sinzell's men having people pay for such basic things as food during the crisis.
- Played with with Williams, who seems initially shocked by Odell ordering Khalil to kill his mom, but he then gives mostly pragmatic reasons for objecting.
- Gilded Cage: Williams provides Lynn and Jefferson with a more luxurious cell suited to their needs. While Lynn tries to look at it positively, Jefferson is disgruntled because of the ASA making a point to let them know they know their habits.
- Gratuitous Russian: Markovians all speak Russian.
- Kick the Dog: The first thing Odell orders a resurrected Khalil to do is killing his own mother simply to see if the control chip works properly.
- No-Sell: When Lala chews out the 100 for selling food, their leader shoots him in the chest and head. To the shock of the gang, Lala just gets right up with the wounds healing. The leader runs off in terror as the entire gang instantly pledges themselves to Lala.
- Pet the Dog: Odell authorizes contact between the Pierces parents and daughters and also exempts them from the rationing and tells Jennifer to call him when she needs help.
- Rousing Speech: Colonel Yuri Mosin gives one to his men, promising them american blood.
- Self-Made Orphan: A resurrected Khalil kills his mother on Odell's behalf.
- Stealth Hi/Bye: How Odell appears in the Pierce's home to get in contact with Jennifer.
- Tears of Blood: Maryam suffers from these, alongside with losing hair and nails.
- Took a Level in Jerkass: Anissa violently threatens the Perdi when they are trying to back out of their deal, making it clear that they do not have a say in the matter.
- Voice of the Resistance: Freeland has an underground radio.
- What the Hell, Hero?: Jefferson and Lynn both lash out at each other. Jefferson because he thinks that Lynn is complying with Odell's orders a little too good in regards to Maryam, and Lynn at Jefferson for endangering the girl by questioning her.
