‘Motherland: Fort Salem’ Recap – ‘She Returns’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 307 of ‘Motherland: Fort Salem’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Often times in storytelling, the march to war or the beginning of one… is quite the epic and emotional affair. One where a solemn general or other military leader is left with no choice, but to command their troops into battle for the greater good and the safety of others. And of course, through great suffering and great loss, the good guys emerge victorious and changed, but heroes none the less… and it makes sense as to why war is viewed in this manner. For it is, romanticized in American culture, largely because of the fact that the US of A has fought in several crucial, planet changing battles where America helped to turn the tide, and vanquish evil. Which made the American Army quite heroic at the time and the perfect springboard for stories that celebrate that nobility.

But alas, in this day and age, that kind of romantic view of war and our own Army simply isn’t possible. For the War on Terror started under dubious circumstances and the fighting took place for so long… there was no longer a noble point to it anymore. Making the army now appear to be nothing more than an endless war machine, one driven by men that wish to use the Army to fulfill their agenda and well… that more somber side to combat is top of mind today, simply because it was put on full display during this week’s episode of Motherland: Fort Salem on Freeform. A feat that ‘She Returns’ accomplished, by having the dark arrive in this tale. Wherein the United States Army, led by the president’s new lackeys, arrived at the borders of the Cession to find their fugitives, and bring every witch to ‘justice’. 

Which in turn, treated us to some uncomfortable moments where leaders with ugly agendas were pushing to basically commit atrocities left and right, as evidenced by how quickly a Marshal was dispatched. And to complicate matters further, the United States Army pushed into the Cession without a fight, thanks to a backroom deal made by Cession Council Member Milly. Which meant, the opening salvos of war came quick in this tale, in the most dishonorable and disgusting ways imaginable, but thankfully… there were indeed real heroes, such as the Bellweather Unit, ready to fight for the right side and the right cause. Since Abigail was quick to fight back with Adil’s help and put a stop to the madness before it spiraled out of control, and she also made sure to inspire the troops that were just following orders... to do what they must to ensure that evil did not prevail here.

If anything, this segment of the story was downright brilliant to say the least, since it truly hammered home how the army is viewed currently through subtle and powerful commentary, and it let our heroes finally become just that, since they took part in noble and just acts left and right. Such as rescuing the council and committing to sacrifice to do so. But as this series is wont to do, it had more to offer than just that plot thread. For this is a story that also set the stage for how the First Song will come to fruition, since Alder came to learn through a shady Camarilla historian… that the only way to uncover its roots is to look into the past. Something Tally might help with. Plus, this is also the story that saw Raelle return to the fold since the Mycelium was finally good with letting her return to the world, giving new life to the unit at a crucial time.

Because this fight is about to get, extremely ugly. Since now we know that the Army is going to be asked to commit atrocities in the name of the Camarilla, and that means the Bellweather Unit is going to have to fight harder than ever to  keep witchkind safe, and well, that makes this episode as brilliant as its commentary. For it perfectly set the stage for the final three episodes in this series. For now, we know what is at stake, how bad things might get and how hard our heroes are going to have to work, and that is going to make the final run of episodes here… worth our while since they will be grounded in action, adventure and big moments through and through. The kind that will send this series into the sunset in the right way, and well… all we can do now is impatiently wait to see how our heroes will handle the biggest fight of their lives. Until next time.   

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