‘Moonhaven’ Recap: ‘Dreadfeel’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode Five of ‘Moonhaven’. To revisit the previous episode, click here.
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Over the course of the past few weeks, our discussions and analysis revolving around the AMC+ series, Moonhaven, has focused heavily on the nature of the human condition and what it might take to change or remove our darker tendencies and it makes sense as to why that’s been a focus of these recaps. For this series has been a masterclass in examining those two concepts, allowing for us to pour over every little detail and thought and question and answer that this series has taken the time to focus upon. For this show really does offer a comprehensive look at what mankind might need to do to finally remove itself from the ugly behaviors it exhibits, and the cycles it creates, if we want to find the lasting peace that so many of us crave. 
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But while we’ve been privy to some fascinating concepts regarding how we grow as species, this series has also excelled at world-building and storytelling. For this is a dynamic science fiction story through and through, one that features a colony on the moon and artificial intelligence technologies we only dream of right now. Not to mention, the story itself has also put forth some compelling concepts that we’ve been eager to see develop, since the flower that set this in motion is clearly something significant and powerful and of course… discussions regarding alien civilizations that might be interested in the show’s AI… are fascinating indeed. But alas, those latter elements have gone the wayside over the analysis of the human condition, at least that is… until this week’s tale.

For ‘Dreadfeel’ is a story that did something quite surprising. In that, its heavier analysis on the human condition was more or less set aside for a change so that the show could indeed focus upon those storytelling concepts and their meaning and purpose, and it accomplished that feat, first by having Arlo not only save the flower from Tom in a supremely unique manner, but by having him work with the Envoy to uncover its secrets. Because clearly, it was pointing everyone toward something on the moon and that motivated the Envoy to take a team out with Arlo to see what that something might be and well… that led to a unique mystery as well. Since it brought them outside of the habitable zone toward that mysterious tree that Bella spotted a little while back.

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As it turned out, that tree was indeed something quite special. For it wasn’t a traditional tree in the slightest. For it was able to illuminate itself in a stunning manner and anyone who touched it, came to learn a great deal about their past and their family line. Which was a strange revelation that clearly required more research, but that was not meant to be in this tale. For Tom arrived to cause trouble and seize control of the flower and through wanton bloodlust, he did just that. Seemingly leaving only one survivor from this expedition, Blu… who eventually reunited with Paul and Bella after they completed their fascinating leg of this wild journey. For while mysteries about the secrets of the flower were being uncovered, Bella and Paul were in the midst of one potentially historical discovery.
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For they were tasked in this tale to bring Maite back to the Glade to complete the bridge and well… that meant that Bella and Paul were forced to go into the more volatile regions of the moon, where IO was able to play with the physical makeup of the moon colony. Which meant that troubles potentially awaited them in this wilderness, but surprisingly… they only found more mooners. The kind that just wanted away from the hustle and bustle of the Glade, which was surprising for certain and eventually… they found Maite. Who continued to spout the belief that there were aliens on the moon and well… she might be telling the truth. For after plunging to her apparent death in an effort to prove the aliens had her back, some kind of otherworldly being appeared to reaffirm the reality that there was more at work on the moon here than humanity’s usual problems.

Which makes this, quite the surprising tale for certain. For it truly seemed as though the story was barreling toward humanity’s latest fight, one taking place amongst the stars. But instead, this might be a first contact story, one where perhaps the unifying moment for all of humanity would involve coming to understand that we are not alone in the universe. But what matters more here, is that this episode did a phenomenal job of setting the stage for one epic season finale. For now, battle lines are drawn on the moon, evil is fighting hard and good might be in jeopardy and of course… first contact with an alien species might come to fruition. Which also makes this, a fantastic tale as well, one that really did a great job of moving the plot along in an organic manner so the story isn’t rushed to a conclusion and it did so in such a compelling manner, that we will all be counting down the minutes… until next week’s finale. Until then.  

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