‘See’ Recap: ‘Heavy Hangs the Head’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the season three premiere of ‘See’. To revisit the season two finale, click here.
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The best science fiction stories out there, are the ones that make it clear… that the human condition is something that endures the test of time. Because without that, a science fiction story becomes nothing more than a glorified and hollow adventure, one potentially surrounded by flashy technology and outlandish moments. But when that humanity is there, the story really does take on new life. The kind that gives us hope that what makes us special will never die regardless of the comforts or challenges we face, and this is top of mind today, simply because the wonder of who we are as a species was on full display in the third and final season premiere of See on Apple TV+.

For when we return to this unique and broken world in ‘Heavy Hangs the Head’, months after the events of ‘Rock-A-Bye’, we find the characters here… dealing with some very human problems. For instance, Queen Maghra Kane is struggling to keep the peace in her household with Baba Voss having exited family life, alongside trying to decide how to handle the poisonous snake that is her sister. Because regardless of her crimes and demands… Sibeth is still her sister, and the only real ties to her old life, left on this Earth. Which makes ugly decisions regarding her future as difficult as they come, to the point where she pondered upon help regarding Sibeth’s ugly fate in this story. A move that truly reminds us how hard it is to handle toxic family members when we understand the importance of family. 

Not to mention, this is a story that dug deep into the nature of trauma and PTSD and how that impacts even the strongest of individuals. For this story also caught up with Baba Voss, who was still wandering the mountainside and staying with Ranger and Lu in the woods… because he is suffering from deep emotional wounds over fighting his brother to the death and putting his family through hell. Offering up a powerful depiction of trauma and PTSD and how difficult it can be to face and kudos to the show for touching on a topic that is slightly taboo and reminding us that it is part of who we are and that it takes time to heal and well… like it or not, Baba may have to fight it head on when he might not be ready, as is sometimes the case in real life. 

Because despite the wonder of watching these characters experience some relatable moments and emotions, real trouble was brewing behind the scenes in this world. For Tormada returned to the forefront of the story with Oloman to give the Trivantian army a badly needed advantage. For the war with the Ganites was going poorly in this tale and of course… Tormada wanted revenge upon Baba Voss and Paya. Which is why he was eager to reveal the new explosive devices he developed in secrecy while Greenhill Gap took place, to showcase the power of the Trivantian Army and to use it… to bring Baba Voss to his end. A mission that failed, since it would appear that Bow Lion died in his stead when Tormada came calling… but either way… it is clear by the end of this tale that dark times lie ahead.

For Tormada also made it clear in this tale, that he will use this new weapon with impunity to bring Trivantes to prominence again and grow its burgeoning empire. For these explosives can and will bring city after city under the will of Trivantes and any who oppose will be blown to smithereens and well… that means hopefully our heroes will soon band together and rise against this tyranny before it spirals out of hand. To save what is left of humanity from a horrible fate under horrible leadership and the character’s worries don’t end there. Since there is also still a grand push to wipe sighted people from the face of Earth and well… that is an incredibly way to set the stage for a grand finale. Because the stakes have never been higher for these characters, and they have plenty to overcome, and that elevates this story to the pantheon of great science fiction… the kind that will have us counting down the minutes until next week’s episode. Until next time.

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