The Magicians Roundtable: Why Did Sylvia Betray Penny?

Harriet’s life story is revealed while helping Quentin and the rest of the group break into the underworld library on The Magicians Season 3 Episode 8, “Six Short Stories About Magic.”

Each story had it’s own compelling factor to it, besides Eliot who deserved better.

Tell-Tale TV writers Christina Cerutti and Cade Taylor, joined by Starry Constellation Magazine writer Lisa Steinberg, discuss the episode below.

The Magicians – Season 3 — THE MAGICIANS — “Six Short Stories About Magic” Episode 308 — Pictured: Marlee Matlin as Harriet — (Photo by: Eike Schroter/Syfy)

1. Do you think that Victoria and Harriet are dead?

Lisa: No, I think they are both still alive. In some parallel or other dimensions, they are sustaining and supporting each other. Their stories are not over yet!

Christina: I hope not. Well, mostly Harriet is who I care about. I love all of her scenes and I would just miss her.

Cade: I think that Harriet and Victoria could be stuck in another dimension, like Lisa said. Victoria just came back so I hope that she isn’t already being killed off.

2. Why do you think Sylvia betrayed Penny and turned him into the librarians?

Lisa: I think because she has a loyalty of her own and even though she was okay with Penny leaving her in the poison room, she may be beholden to someone higher.

Christina: I mean if someone didn’t save my life and could’ve I would be pretty pissed too. Even if there was nothing Penny could’ve done, I would still be pissed like, “How is it fair I’m dead and stuck here.”

Cade: I think that deep down there might be a small grudge still there, or she could be loyal to someone higher up. Either way, I think that it was manipulative and strategic to make him read in live time what’s happening, knowing that he won’t be joining the rest of his friends.

3. Why do you think Irene has fairies? How did she get them?

Lisa: I can’t say how she got them, but she obviously is up to some Malfoy like malfeasance.

Christina: She could’ve taken the eggs like when Margo and Eliot did, somehow. Raised them and told them lies about how all of the fairies were gone. Like when kidnappers say stuff to mess with their captives heads so they don’t leave. Irene has the fairies for their cocaine like magical abilities. Maybe Irene knew this day would come with no magic and wanted to be prepared.

Cade: I think that there is a dark secret to Irene that none of us can quite see yet. I can’t quite determine why she has fairies because there could be so many possibilities.

4. With the librarians killing fairies and using them for magic do you think that could be why the Fairy Queen is taking over Fillory under a veil?

Lisa: I think that’s part of it, but knowing the writers there will be some darker or twisted turn that has a deeper multilayered meaning.

Christina: I honestly don’t know. This show is really keeping me on the edge of my seat.

Cade: I think that it could be part of it. It certainly sheds a new light on why the Fairy Queen is trying to work fast to overtake Fillory.

5. How do you feel about Poppy now?

Lisa: I definitely don’t trust her even more now. She has manipulated Quentin and was quick to leave everyone else behind to help herself. She can’t be trusted, and a massive betrayal is bound to happen.

Christina: I still like her. I’m still questioning her but she’s so cute and perky and Felicia Day is just a gem.

Cade: I don’t like her or trust her and I don’t think that the group needs to drop her before she does something massive.

6. Whose story was your favorite?

Lisa: I have to say, Harriet. Getting to learn more of her history and why she is willing to help was absolutely compelling. The silent scene between Marlee Matlin and Mageina Tovah stole all of my breath and was beautifully bittersweet.

Christina: Harriet’s for sure. I thought something was wrong with the sound until i saw the subtitles and realized that it was done on purpose. You got to really see the world through Harriet’s eyes and I absolutely loved such a unique perspective.

Cade: Harriet’s story was my favorite, hands down. It was a brilliant decision on the writers part and I applaud it. Marlee Matlin was, to me, the star of the episode.

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What did you think of this episode of The Magicians? Respond to our roundtable questions with your own answers in the comments below! You can also catch up with our review of “Six Short Stories About Magic” right here.

The Magicians airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on Syfy.

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Cade Taylor

Cade Taylor is a television and film critic living in St. Louis, Missouri. He is a Senior Writer for Tell-Tale TV. His love for television developed at a young age, with a concentration on queer stories, sitcoms, teen dramas, and science fiction thrillers. In addition, he works full-time as a news producer, telling the stories of Missourians and helming "Produced in the Bi-State," a segment spotlighting actors, musicians, and entertainers from the St. Louis area. He can be reached by email at cade@telltaletv.com.