‘Motherland: Fort Salem’ Recap – ‘Abomination’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 202 of ‘Motherland: Fort Salem’.
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There are a great many reasons to celebrate the Freeform series, Motherland: Fort Salem. Such as the fact that it really is one of the most original shows to hit the airwaves in years. Because its premise is unlike any other on the air right now and it is filled with wondrous and dynamic characters that have depth to them as well. But above all else, what truly makes this series worth our while and worth celebrating on a consistent basis, is the sheer fact that it does a wonderful job of world-building and following up on every single plot thread that it has introduced. And really, that is top of mind today, simply because continuing and growing all kinds of important storylines that were introduced in season one, served as the focus of last night’s episode of this magnificent series.

For ‘Abomination’ took the time reflect upon the strange manner in which Anacostia and Scylla parted ways last season. Since Anacostia genuinely believed that perhaps Scylla was a redeemable individual, one that would eventually come to discover that her decision to sow chaos was a bad one at best and well… this episode helped us to learn that Anacostia was right. Because Scylla was forced to spend time with this strange new group of Anti-Witchers in places that she once caused great harm and that did indeed force her to face the consequences of her actions and prompt her to feel something for the chaos she brought forth and well, her reflections upon her past didn’t end with a quick walk down memory lane.

Because it turns out that Anacostia has a vested interest in this group as well and opted to join some of the meetings in the hopes of gathering intel for the Witch Army and that too, gave Scylla pause. For being around Anacostia in a more relaxed setting, put her in an uncomfortable place, one where she wasn't sure what is up or down anymore or what exactly she was fighting for. The only thing she knows at this point, is that this Anti-Witch sentiment is not what it seems since she and her new buddy saw an exchange of money take place with the group’s leadership. But all of that aside, this really was a wonderful way to to revisit an important moment from last year and grow Scylla in a manner that she didn’t seem capable of by season one's end and the revisiting of important moments didn’t end there. 

For General Alder and Izadora were eager to figure out how Raelle and Abigail were able to save themselves by way of that massive explosion and after some failures in getting that answer… a surprise breakthrough revealed the truth to Izadora. In that, Raelle obtained some kind of special power when she touched the Mycelial wall back in season one, and that allows for her to connect with the network on a fundamental level and use its power for protection or destruction if needed and well, that’s quite the reveal for certain. Since it makes Raelle an incredibly powerful witch, one that could turn the tide if Alder can truly dedicate her to the cause and that might not be an easy task. Since threatening her life to get results, doesn’t exactly engender trust.

In the end however, this was just another solid episode from this brilliant series. Because week in and week out, it keeps finding new ways to offer enriching and human character moments alongside plot growth and world-building and that really does make this an engrossing watch. One that once again has us guessing as to what awaits our favorite soldiers on the horizon. Because clearly, something evil is brewing behind the scenes and the forces of good haven’t a clue what is coming for them. But the good news, is that perhaps Scylla’s change of heart and Raelle’s new powers will help to turn the tide in the favor of the witches. Because witches truly are powerful protectors and their end at the hands of the Camarilla would undoubtedly sow great chaos around the world. But who knows… that might be their goal and the only way to know if that is the case for sure, is to continue this wild journey. Until next time.

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