The Gloaming Review: The Night of the Mothers (Season 1 Episode 8)
On the finale of The Gloaming Season 1 Episode 8, “The Night of the Mothers,” the spooky ghost story comes to a thrilling conclusion.
There is no shortage of shocking surprises on this exciting final episode of The Gloaming‘s strong first season. Some things remain a mystery, but that’s part of the territory with supernatural tales. A lot happens—it’s a jam-packed hour of television—but enough is explained for it to be a satisfying ending.
And the leads keep us wanting more.
Detectives Molly McGee (Emma Booth) and Alex O’Connell (Ewen Leslie) work well together despite their harried romantic past. Booth and Leslie have great chemistry that brings nuance and a sort of melancholy charm to them as partners and to the series as a whole.
I definitely want to continue to see the two of them solve crimes together, paranormal or not. And, yes, I totally ship it.
This duo reminds me of some of my most cherished ships like Mulder and Scully from The X-Files and The Killing‘s Linden and Holder. They’re protective of each other and their connection runs deep, which is evident even though neither are very showy about it at all.
Both of them are closed off emotionally, in general—traumatic pasts have seen to that—but they are still different in a way that’s entirely compatible. Molly is tough and tenacious, but on this episode her soft side, which has been hinted at, comes out. Alex has a gentleness about him—he’s quiet and observant—but will run headlong into danger to find the truth and bring evilness to justice.
He also seems to have some preternatural powers; he still sees a gloamer after the case has been resolved and closed. Many of his visions and sensitivities to the evidence have helped the investigation move forward.
Likewise with Molly’s tenacity. If she didn’t go rogue in pursuit of vengeance for her friend, the connection to Gareth McAvaney (Martin Henderson) would have never come up.
Henderson plays a terrific villain, and the scene between Gareth and Molly at the start of the episode is riveting. He antagonizes her and she tries to stay stoic and unruffled, but he pokes at her most vulnerable scars, which is a clever way to impart some more of her backstory.
Booth’s emotion in this scene is utterly moving, and the threat is palpable, especially when Lily (Josephine Blazier) walks through the door. With a creepy séance at the opening, and then this tense face-off between Molly and Gareth, the episode begins with a running start and doesn’t let up.
Every episode of The Gloaming has had impressive cinematography. Something tells me it would be difficult to make Tasmania look bad, but nonetheless, the show achieves some breath-taking visuals. The dark mood seeps into every beautiful frame, creating this stunning Gothic work of cinematic art.
The climax of the episode and of the season takes place at The Night of the Mothers ceremony. The fire-lined pathway, the participants in frightening masks, a persistent drum beat all make for a spectacular chilling atmosphere. The masters of ceremonies are the Gowdie Sisters, Grace Cochran/Alma Gowdie (Rena Owen) and Eileen McGinty/Shirley Gowdie (Anni Finsterer), and they deliver one of those shocking twists.
Eileen is finally able to put a stop to the traditions of her ancestors that had evolved into something quite sinister. Grace had strayed from the original purpose and rituals and basically started a glorified cult. Eileen stabbing Grace removes the cult’s leader and gives her sister some peace.
Grace’s main goal, it turns out, is to bring back her daughter from beyond the grave. She is driven by her grief, and grief plays a big part of this finale.
Grief is such a powerful emotion; it just leaves you stuck. You can’t move forwards and you can’t move backwards.
The power of closure and letting go close out the first season of The Gloaming which leaves the viewer with a sense of hope. Seeing Molly and Alex smile at each other at the end is a balm for all the terrifying and sad events that occurred both in the present and in the past.
It’s an overall, general hopefulness, but my hope for more seasons with these characters in this gorgeous setting is at the forefront.
What did you think of this episode of The Gloaming? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Gloaming airs Sundays at 9/8c on Starz.
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Erin Allen
Erin is a former script supervisor for film and television. She's an avid fan of middle aged actresses, dark dramas, and irreverent comedies. She loves to read actual books and X-Files fan fiction. Her other passions include pointing out feminist issues, shipping Mulder and Scully, and collecting pop culture mugs.