If one can be sure of anything after this exciting episode of Damages, it’s that the relationship between Patty and Ellen is about to undergo a major upheaval.

We’ve all but confirmed that Ellen is indeed firing at Patty in that crucial flash-forward scene in the alternate timeline. Granted, we haven’t seen her actually getting hit with bullets—a distinction that must be made on a twist-laden program such as this—but we’ve at least seen a sequence wherein Ellen is arrested for the crime by her own federal agent. I don’t think I’m going out on a limb in saying that Patty will obviously be back for Season 3. So what’s next? What will Ellen v. Patty Version 3.0 look like?

Also, does anybody else feel like Ellen’s new private dick is probably going to get killed? Ideally we’d see him for a few more episodes—he’s a charming new addition to the growing cast—but given his demeanor it seems as though he’s being groomed to get got. Or maybe this show has made me unfairly paranoid.

Darrell Hammond’s goon/hitman character finally got to speak a bit more this week (“I love my job”) which is a rare treat. And, since we’re on the subject of amazing line readings, Daniel’s profession of love to Claire (“Maybe we should find out what’s really here between… us”) was an understated classic of William Hurt-ian delayed syllable delivery.

All in all, another solid instalment. The clock is ticking—just two more weeks until it all comes together!

Check out the Showcase Video page to catch up if you’ve missed any episodes.