‘Hysteria!’ Recap: ‘Speaking in Tongues’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

HYSTERIA! -- "Speaking in Tongues" Episode 106 -- Pictured: Nikki Hahn as Faith -- (Photo by: PEACOCK)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Six of ‘Hysteria!’ To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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It’s funny how sometimes, we miss things in our search for the truth. Granted, it makes sense as to why. Because when we want an answer, we are quick to latch onto the first one that comes our way. Because that gives us catharsis and direction and we feel a sense of satisfaction as well. But truly, we do miss more when the truth we seek is complex and grand in nature and well, this is top of mind today, because we missed another truth regarding the central theme of Hysteria! on Peacock and USA Network. Because for weeks, we’ve been searching for an answer as to what makes our modern society so divided and so broken, and so far, we’ve come to understand how fear relates to that.

But there are more things that go into division and ‘Speaking in Tongues’ revealed that truth. Courtesy of the fallout of the big dance. Because that brought the wrath of parents and the school and the police down upon our heroes and the potential cult members in this town and well, that heat led to all kinds of sad truth about what’s going on in this town. For instance, Jordy made a point to inform everyone that wanted to join up with evil, that it was all a ruse to bring about sales for the band. Which wounded so many and broke them, and it did so, because of what came out during the chief’s interrogation of everyone in the basement on that night, and in the band. For we learned… this is a sorrowful town, and the Hollow part of Happy Hollow relates to that. 

Because so many spoke to being marginalized and feeling as though they don’t matter and are not seen in this life and just go through the motions and they are desperate to be seen. Including Tracy and her little cult of Christianity. For she feels as though she’s been forgotten and that’s broken her as well and well… that allowed for the story to hammer home how being marginalized will push people to go to great lengths to be seen and be heard. Since it prompted Tracy to get the Reverend involved in her mess and craft a plan that would further push the agenda, she is so desperate to spread about town. One that involved Faith outright betraying Jordy, by planting the inhaler in Jordy’s bedroom. All because of the hideous leverage that Tracy had over her daughter.

Not to mention, it put Dylan in real trouble here. Because the popular misfits in the school believed that they needed to have Dylan atone for reminding them of what they no longer had, or thought they had. So, they demanded he make them whole again through spiritual sacrifice. Which of course, turned out to be actual sacrifice, since they locked him within a coffin and tossed him into the ground. Leaving his fate up in the air over the fact that he crossed the wrong kids and their needs, and even his mother… exhibited unique behaviors from not being seen. Because it became clear here that she has been a bit of a doormat in this town and might be taking part in the ‘evil’ that persists to be noticed and be cared for at a time when everyone is realizing, how little they have and how invisible they are.

Which made for a powerful tale for certain. One that properly explored the power of marginalization and how it does embolden people to do what they must to feel whole. Be it faking a religious crisis to be needed or speaking in tongues to be seen or killing someone to do the same… or giving power to boisterous morons that are also convicted felons in the name of Making Happy Hollow Great Again so one’s close-minded views can be heard. All of which made for a powerful episode, one that leaves us eager for more of this show. Simply because it is taking quite the turn and moving us into fascinating territory, and that will make the wait for next week’s episode, quite painful in nature. Since we must know what lie ahead for a town that is now on the brink of disaster. Until next time.

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