Motherland: Fort Salem Review: Of the Blood (Season 2 Episode 1)

A new matriline is introduced, Raelle and Abigail reunite with Tally, and we are finally introduced to one of the Spree’s leaders on Motherland: Fort Salem Season 2 Episode 1, “Of the Blood.”

Things are beginning at a fast pace this season as Tally is already given the option to resort back to her old life, Raelle and Abigail make it back to headquarters in one piece, and Willa shows some humanity.

Willa’s storyline is the most exciting because, throughout the entire first season, fans are led to believe that the spree are monstrous and need to be cut down at the source because of their views. That very well is still a true statement, but after learning a lot of the backstory in season one and seeing that Willa is one of the leaders, context is needed to evaluate everything further.

Leaving Raelle behind to spearhead the Spree initiative could not have been an easy decision for Willa, which means there’s more than likely sound reasoning for her actions. What happened during the last battle that forced her to join the spree? Or did she have everything planned out all along?

I look forward to getting answers, hopefully, sooner rather than later, throughout the season.

Willa proves on “Of the Blood”  that she isn’t so far gone that she can’t see when to stop, and when it comes to witches vs. humans, she chooses witches no matter what. She didn’t have to make a scene and let all the other witches know the Camarilla are back, but she did because she knew it was the right thing to do.

One central question running through my mind is, “what’s Willa’s endgame?” Is she seeking out Raelle simply because she misses her and wants to be reunited, or is it because of the strength that she possesses?

Raelle is a formidable foe to anyone who goes up against her, along with her unit as well. Her power is already at an increased level, and she can do spectacular things; imagine what she could do with the influence of spree over her life. With Scylla’s support behind Willa, along with the fact that she’ll be reunited with her dead mother, there might not be much to keep Raelle on the army’s side if she’s recruited by the two.

The direction that Tally’s storyline is headed in is a bit troubling. In Season 1, Tally concluded that Alder didn’t have their best interest at heart and would do anything to get what she wants. That’s not who Tally is, and while she may have been the one to save Alder at the moment, that doesn’t mean she should be forced to share a connection with someone like that.

As a person, Tally will do anything in her power to help those around her, and that’s what she does by becoming one of Alder’s biddy’s last second. Her willingly giving her life up is a noble and courageous act that most would not do, so I hope her punishment for the season isn’t an undying love to someone because she can’t control it. Tally deserves more than that as a character.

It’s a blessing that Alder gives Tally a choice to return to her old life, but it’s incredibly upsetting to watch as she denies that luxury because she believes Raelle and Abigail are dead. Her entire willpower becomes nonexistent, and the thought of spending the rest of her life as Alder’s biddy didn’t bother her until the two of them were found alive. Fans already know how strong their bond with one another is, but this is a beautiful showcase of it to begin the season.

Tally’s nightmare with Alder in the woods raises some daring questions. One of the people accompanying Alder in the woods uses the spree’s MO to save all of them when ambushed in the forest. Could this be a hint at how the spree got their ideas or potentially how they were formed?

Alder has her share of secrets, and we’ve only begun to scratch the surface. With her insane power trip mentality, it would make sense that she plays some part in how they came to be.  

“Of the Blood” is a beautiful introduction to the second season of Motherland: Fort Salem, and I look forward to seeing how things unravel.

Other Thoughts:

• Anacostia and Tally’s moment after they initially get back, in the beginning, is so enduring and heart-breaking. Over time Anacostia’s relationship with the three has become more than just commander and private, so their death hits different.
• Petra’s heart change about Raelle and quick hug when they return is cute and shows just how far she’s come. I hope that she keeps this mentality throughout the season.

Favorite Quotes:

• “I made a decision, and I stand by it. This is my way to serve.” – Tally
• “Do you trust me? Because I basically just followed you into death, sis.” – Abigail
• “We could be canon, Rae.” – Abigail

What did you think of this episode of Motherland: Fort Salem? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Motherland: Fort Salem airs Tuesdays at 9/8c on Freeform.

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