Warning! The following contains spoilers for The Gifted episode "iMprint." Read at your own risk!
Things are heating up on The Gifted, as the latest exchange between the Mutant Underground and Purifiers resulted in a big character's death. Unfortunately, it was Shatter that happened to get caught in the crosshairs as the mutant who's been on the show since Season 1 met his end while trying to aide the Mutant Underground's escape. It was an event that led to potentially devastating consequences for two individuals, namely Reed and Jace.
For Reed, he might've been able to save Shatter had he been able to help the Mutant Underground escape the Baltimore station a bit faster. Of course it wasn't all on him, but once Blink got knocked out it was time for him to attempt to channel his emotions and try to use his powers at will. He was eventually successful, albeit only after Shatter had taken a reinforced bullet straight through the back via Jace.
The Mutant Underground escaped though things were far from okay with Reed later on in The Gifted. Caitlin and Lauren arrived home to find portions of the house destroyed, and Reed begging them not to come any closer. Distraught and glowing, he informed them that he had lost control of his powers and appeared unable to shut them off. Given he and Shatter had bonded not long before the mutant's sacrifice, it appeared Reed took some blame for what happened.
He wasn't the only one feeling guilty either, as Jace wasn't happy that he had to kill the mutant Shatter. The Purifier had done his best so far trying to keep from the movement contained in its mutant roundup effort, but was forced to act when Shatter began to chip away at a Purifier he crystalized. Now that he's crossed that line, it will no doubt be harder for him to sway any Purifier into showing restraint in the future.
The Gifted fans had a mixed response to Shatter's death on social media, although all seem unified in the fact they were sad to see him go. Some were disgruntled the Fox series brought the character back only to have him killed off, while others were grateful the character got to share his story before his goodbye. Both sides can take solace in the fact that Shatter's death will not be in vain, and will certainly have an impact in the coming episodes.
The Gifted airs on Fox Tuesdays at 8:00 p.m. ET. For a look at what else is happening on television in the coming weeks and as 2018 draws to a close, head on over to our handy fall premiere guide.
