The Strain

The Master, wounded by the sun, turns blind children into Feelers, psychic trackers, and sends Kelly after her son, Zach. The team sets up in Fet's Brooklyn loft, and Eph and Nora bet on science. Setrakian makes a secret deal with the Ancients and hunts the Occido Lumen, a book that could beat the Master. Flashbacks reveal Eichhorst's Nazi past. Quinlan arrives, half human, half strigoi, with an old grudge against the Master. Palmer double-crosses the Master and Eichhorst. In the end, Setrakian wins the Lumen at auction and survives an ambush with help from Quinlan and Gus. Vampires derail the train carrying Eph, Nora and Zach. Kelly infects Nora and takes Zach. Nora says goodbye to Eph and kills herself on the third rail.

1. Behind the scenesMostly made up

   Carlton Cuse estimated that about 80% of S2 came out of the writers' room. Whole stretches of the season aren't in the books.

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2. Behind the scenesDel Toro's fairy tale

   The 1932 prologue of the premiere, showing Jusef Sardu's origin, was directed by del Toro. Gregory Hoblit directed the rest.

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3. Behind the scenesFrom dozens to thousands

   S1's big attack days used about 30 to 35 vampires. In S2, the count went into the thousands.

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