‘A Discovery of Witches’ Recap: ‘Season 3, Episode 6’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 306 of ‘A Discovery of Witches’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course the of the past three years, the Sundance Now and Shudder series, A Discovery of Witches, has been a refreshing monster story. One that humanized these creatures like never before and of course, it has woven a story an intricate as a spell… one that has enthralled us and enticed us to keep watching, to learn more about this mysterious world and the dynamic beings that inhabit it. But alas, we are now reaching the end of this journey. Which means that the immersing nature of this world has to be replaced with a mad dash to the finish line, one where showdowns take place, hearts get broken and important plot threads are tied together neatly and well… the beginning of that shift toward the conclusion of this sweeping tale, got underway this week.
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For this week’s adventure through this realm, took the time to resolve a couple of long-standing plot threads. For instance, now that Diana had the pages she needed, she decided the time had come to return to Oxford and retrieve and reassemble the Book of Life, ending a multi-year journey to do so and well… it was not without its worry. Because Peter Knox was undoubtedly waiting for this moment and that meant every precaution out there was put in place to keep Diana safe in the library and thankfully, the actual retrieval of the book was pretty calm and quiet. In fact, the only real surprises of note, are how easily the Book assimilated the missing pages and how eager it was to spread its teachings to the right being. For when the opportunity to explore the book as a complete work presented itself, Diana took it and actually merged with the book.

Which wrapped up that search in a wonderful and mystical manner and once the Book of Life was safely where it belonged, the next plot thread in need of resolution could take the center stage. Because for the past three years, Peter Knox has been a thorn in both Diana and Matthew’s sides, and his evil has only grown to nightmarish proportions, culminating in the murder of Em at the end of last season and well… with the Book in hand, Peter finally confronted Diana and Sarah at the airport and demanded they relinquish it to him in a manner that was both arrogant and un-remorseful. So much in fact that his doubling down and outright relishing of his actions, provoked and angered Sarah to the point of no return and well… that brought about the end of Peter Knox by way of a violent vortex. Putting an end at last to his twisted reign of terror. 

But while it was incredible to see a pair of major storylines reach their conclusion, there is another one that only grew in intensity in preparation for the end. For while Diana was handling the book and her personal nemesis, Matthew went to Poland. To the place where his father died horribly, to be precise, so that he could square off with Benjamin at last and end this mess between the two of them. But despite being able to easily best Benjamin in hand-to-hand combat, that little weasel prepared a surprise for his father. Specifically, Satu. For she used her magic to weaken and disable him just long enough, for Benjamin to capture and torture his father, and of course… he was also happy to record and send a message to Diana as well. In the hopes of luring her to this godforsaken place for a second showdown and he will no doubt… get his wish. 

But he may come to regret that decision. One that we discovered is part of a long con, courtesy of Gerbert in order to seize control of all of monster-kind, and well… they have now provoked an angry mother that is armed with incredible knowledge of magic and thus… the stage is set for the grand finale. For battle lines are drawn, heroes have been born and the forces of good know what is at stake and what it will take to win the day and that might mean heartbreak and loss awaits us in the finale of this long and sweeping journey, and the possibility of things to come… is going to make the wait for next Saturday’s episode as painful as it gets. Because this is it, the grand finale of A Discovery of Witches and this writer has no doubt, that we are in store for a powerhouse conclusion, one that will leave our eyes wet with tears over having to say goodbye to characters we’ve come to love. Until next time.

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