 The character progression of several characters and the performances of various actors were lauded by critics . Wigler noted that Bernthal , Holden , and DeMunn delivered " brilliant character work " , a view that was echoed by Pierce in regards to Emmerich 's performance ; " He has a nervous intensity that grounded every scene he was in , which this show needs . " Similarly , Alan Sepinwall of HitFix described Emmerich 's acting as " haunting " , and ultimately cited the performances of Lincoln , Holden , and DeMunn as episode highlights . Ryan affirmed that character development remained one of the series ' strongest points . 
