Why The Train Was Built & How The World Froze Over
Christopher Ramos The series premiere of TNT's Snowpiercer provides detailed explanations on what caused civilization to fall, why the train was built, and more.
The Snowpiercer series premiere provides a detailed introduction to the world featured in the highly anticipated TNT show. Snowpiercer, which has been in development for years and already has a second season on the way, stars Daveed Diggs as the main protagonist, Layton, a former homicide detective. It was previously scheduled to premiere on TNT at the end of May, but was moved up by two weeks.
Inspired by the French science fiction graphic novel Le Transperceneige and Bong Joon-ho's critically acclaimed Snowpiercer movie, the TV adaptation of the story follows the same concepts and focuses on people who live on a train of 1001 cars that travels non-stop through a world that's completely frozen over, with snow and ice all around them. The show takes place seven years after the apocalypse and ten years before the setting of the 2013 film. Similar to the film, the train depicted in the TNT series divides people into different social classes, which results in a great deal of unrest and turmoil for the lower-class passengers.
It's worth pointing out that Snowpiercer isn't set in the same continuity as the movie, so it would make sense if there are some minor differences between the two. Also, the series wastes no time in introducing its world. In the first episode, Snowpiercer gives thorough explanations about how the world fell apart, how and why the train was built, and more. Here's everything that was revealed about the setting of Snowpiercer in the series premiere.
How The World Was Frozen In Snowpiercer
Narration provided by Layton Well in the animated intro of Snowpiercer reveals the cause of the apocalypse; it all started when the humans abused the environment and caused the weather to change. Apparently, many were aware of what was happening, but there were others who were in denial, and failure to do anything about it made the problem worse, as Layton says the deniers "doomed" everyone with their "lies". Later, war broke out, and this made everything even hotter than it already was. It reached a point where it became critical that people in charge take action. Scientists banded together to find a solution, and it was agreed that their best hope to reverse the damage that was done by cooling the Earth through scientific means. An animated sequence shows chemicals being launched into the atmosphere. Unfortunately, this plan worked too well; the temperature of the planet dropped until it became unbearably low. The Earth became frozen "to the core".
Why The Snowpiercer Train Was Built
Just as it happened in the movie, human civilization - or at least part of it - survived through the genius of a "visionary" named Mr. Wilford, who understood what was happening and came up with the idea of an "ark train" of 1001 cars that would allow people to get through the apocalypse. Mr. Wilford's company, Wilford Industries, designed the train to run perpetually, so that it would never have to stop. A shocking twist at the end of the episode reveals that its creator, "Mr. Wilford" is in fact Jennifer Connelly's character, Melanie Cavill. The idea was to only let the rich ride on the train, but others forced their way onboard. Plans were made to make sure that the passengers could survive on the Snowpiercer for years. Through greenhouses and artificial light, they grow plants and fruits on the train, and that's what sustains most of the people (excluding the ones who live in the tail section). Over 130 cars have been devoted to the purpose of producing natural food. Some passengers are, of course, fed better than others, due to the class system that was put in place seven years prior.
Everything Else That Was Revealed About The Snowpiercer Train
Layton Wells and the people on the who live in the back of the train - nicknamed the "Tailies" - were never supposed to be on the train in the first place. Since passage on the Snowpiercer train was apparently reserved for those rich enough to afford it, Layton and all the people not allowed to enter had to fight their way onto the train before it took off. Though they suffered heavy casualties, they were able to secure a position at the back of the train, and that was where they were forced to remain. The Tailies get by on rats and black protein bars (the primary source of food in the film).
Those who ran the Snowpiercer allowed them to stay in the tail but didn't tolerate anyone getting out of line. One way they're able to make use of the Tailies is as a work force, which the Tailies refer to as "slavery". However, Tailies are capable of moving up. It's revealed in a conversation with Miles (Jaylin Fletcher) that people can be moved from the tail section if they develop certain skills that Mr. Wilford needs. It's also mentioned in the episode that the women in the tail section are being sterilized to prevent reproduction. A child hasn't been born in the tail section in five years. This suggests that the Snowpiercer isn't suffering from the same situation shown in the film, as it was explained at the end that small children were needed to keep the engine running.
Layton reveals that a rebellion already took place on the Snowpiercer train. The Tailies tried to revolt, but no one else in the other train cars were willing to help; and so, 62 Tailies were killed in the battle. Numerous arms were taken to punish those who participated in the failed rebellion. For those who break the laws on the other cars in the Snowpiercer train, a punishment is in place to deal with them. Once someone is sentenced for committing a crime, they're put in small chambers, similar to a morgue. It serves as a prison of sorts, and is known as "The Drawers". Those who have been sent to the Drawers are put in suspended animation for the duration of their sentence.
Another problem that's currently facing the Snowpiercer is "mounting weather". It would seem that what happened to the planet seven years ago wasn't the end of it; weather conditions may be worsening. One of the characters hands Melanie Cavill a report that about the weather. What it says isn't mentioned, but she's clearly troubled by what it reveals, and this could become a significant concern in the future.
