‘A Discovery of Witches’ Recap: ‘Season 3, Episode 4’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 304 of ‘A Discovery of Witches’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
​
Something that is truly fascinating about storytelling in general, is how well it manages to mirror real life. For much like the characters in a book or in a television show, we too have chapters and episodes that we go through that are sometimes filled with drama and difficult moments. But both sides go through them to grow and move toward something special and that strange parallel is of note today, simply because it has become extremely relevant to the world of A Discovery of Witches. Because last week’s episode, wherein Matthew took the time to face his past and resolve it in a brave and dynamic manner… truly symbolized the journey we go on in life and how we have to close certain chapters in our lives in order to be able to begin new ones and it just so happens… that the new chapter, served as the focal theme of this week’s new episode.
​
Because shortly after putting together his Scion and taking a little time to reflect upon his long and winding journey through life… some big things came to happen in this tale. Such as the fact that Matthew came to learn through science, that his affliction is not what he expected it to be. In that, Blood Rage is a direct result of a human genetic quirk, one that created mutations in his rewritten vampire DNA. Which means that Matthew may never find a cure for this and that new ways to cope with it might be the only way for his family line to thrive, and that was a fascinating twist to inject into this tale. Since it subtly speaks to how sometimes a new chapter in one’s life, involves learning to cope with something that is out of our control, and this is special, because you rarely see horror themed shows dig into such matters in any capacity.

But while it was fascinating to see Matthew look ahead instead of behind for a change, there were other moments of growth and new chapters to be found in this tale. Such as the ones involving Diana. For when she was faced with the prospect of losing out on the final page of the book, because of the secrecy its owner wanted to keep surrounding it… she decided to go bold and risk it all to find it. Which motivated her to assemble a coven and weave a spell, and of course… with a little of her trademark kindness injected into the matter as well, she was able to obtain the page in question, giving her everything she needs. But what matters more here, is that Diana operated with a confidence we’ve never seen in her before, and this segment truly signified how far she’s come and how ready she is to be the powerful witch she knows she can be, and that she is indeed entering a new chapter in her life.

However, what was truly incredible about Diana’s journey in this tale, is that embracing her power wasn’t the only change that came into her life. Because in addition to being perhaps the world’s most powerful witch, she also received a new title in this story… that of mother. Because shortly after retrieving the final missing page to the Book of Life, Diana went into labor and the twins were born at last. Mostly uniting the family and this truly signified a unified new chapter for Matthew and Diana, one that will undoubtedly be filled with bittersweet moments. For while they will be loving parents for certain, great challenges lie ahead. The kind that will force them to figure out quickly how to balance being the heroes they are while keeping their children safe. But they are no doubt up to the task and stronger united… and that’s a wonderful thing for certain.

Because the threats that are growing behind the scenes are terrifying to say the least. Since Baldwin’s allegiances are to the old ways and he is simply unpredictable at this point and of course, Peter Knox is losing his mind and is beyond desperate to taste power again, and men with nothing to lose know no bounds. Plus, Satu is clearly gearing up to challenge Diana down the line and well, while we wait to see what comes of these threats we can revel in the majesty of a refreshing tale. One that really did focus on the wonder of rebirth and growth and how important it is to embrace change when it presents itself. Because to do so makes life worth living and allows for us to make new and wonderful memories that push us forward and it will be interesting to see what other wonders await Matthew and Diana as they enter a bold new chapter in their lives. Until next time.

---