‘Motherland: Fort Salem’ Recap – ‘Say the Words’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

THIS IS THE EMERGENCY SPOILER ALERT SYSTEM. YOU ARE ADVISED TO READ AT YOUR OWN RISK.

Alternative history is nothing new to the world of fiction. Because ‘what if?’ is a fun game to play for creative minds and some of the finest out there have been able to create fascinating worlds where history played out in vastly different fashion and that’s allowed for us to explore what the modern world might look like if say, the Nazis won World War II. But while that particular concept has brought about some fascinating stories over the years, changes to the timeline, revolving around war, do seem to be a popular way to go with this notion in popular media. But once in a while, a big-time publisher or a network take a chance on something different in regard to this concept and last night, Freeform premiered a new series that offers up an interesting alternative history concept for all of us to chew upon.
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For Motherland: Fort Salem presents us with a world where the Salem Witch Trials ended quite differently. Because actual witches in that time, were able to prove their powers were real and that show of strength allowed for them to strike a deal with their captors. In that, if these men let them be and acknowledged their power, these witches would fight alongside them in war and help them win. And they were true to their word and aided colonial forces and eventually American forces in conflict after conflict, creating a modern world where witchcraft is now commonplace, and witches are held in the highest regard. For they still fight the big fights and in 2020, witches are now facing the fight of their lives. Because a strange group of terrorists known as The Spree are working to harm innocents around the world with magic, and it will be up to America’s witch army to save the planet from this twisted scourge.

Which is, a fascinating concept to explore and really, the worldbuilding is what makes this series premiere quite worth the audience’s while. Because ‘Say the Words’ immediately sucks you into this universe and you quickly find yourself hanging onto every moment, in order to get a little snippet from the news or the characters in regard to how this world was created and oddly enough, it is the characters in this tale and their views of the chaotic world they live in, that helps to paint a broader picture of this unique version of America. For we come to learn that this alternate United States really isn’t that different from the one we currently live in. Because this magical America is embroiled in endless war, and expected to be the planet’s police force, and the commentary present on all of that comes through loud and clear.

Yet while this entire set up is indeed fascinating in its own right, we do need to discuss those colorful characters in greater detail. For in this particular tale we are introduced to three key witches; Raelle, Tally and Abigail and each one of them bring some conflict and balance to the story and this premiere focuses heavily on Raelle and Abigail. For they are two polar opposites, since Abigail is witch royalty since her family has been in the service for generations and they’ve made incredible contributions to the endless war effort. While Raelle is a young witch who is questioning the system and whether or not continuous war is a good thing since her mother died in combat and their conflict is fascinating and powerful since it leaves us to wonder whether or not they will come together as a unit.

Plus, there’s definitely trouble for this trio to deal with as well, since a member of the Spree is at Fort Salem and Scylla has entered into a relationship with Raelle, which should bring about some unique drama in the weeks to come and it should be interesting to see if Scylla is going to try and use Raelle’s concerns about the witch army to recruit her… or if she’s here to straight up wreak havoc. Either way, as far series premieres go, this one is pretty solid. For it does a fine job of building the world we are about to explore with these characters, and we get to know our main characters fairly well and there is plenty at stake since the Spree indeed has a cause and a plan, and they will seemingly stop at nothing to get it. Which means, this should be quite the unpredictable ride, one that will be worth watching since we haven’t a clue where it is going to take us. Until next time.  

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