Motherland: Fort Salem Season 3 Episode 7: Top Quotes from ‘She Returns’

Motherland: Fort Salem Season 3 Episode 7, “She Returns,” is a captivating hour that allows for proper character progression for beloved characters.

Despite the episode’s title, this is very much an Abigail and Scylla-centric episode as we see how far they’ve come as individuals. Their actions within this episode directly parallel past decisions and interactions while showcasing the growth they’ve experienced.

Amalia Holm and Ashley Nicole Williams get to shine in the spotlight on “She Returns.”

Let’s break this episode down using some of my favorite quotes.

Abigail and Scylla’s Growth

Abigail: No, you’re part of the Unit now, and we need your help. Raelle will find you, and until then, she’d want you fighting alongside us.

As we began Season 3, Abigail and Scylla were at each other’s throats and didn’t see eye-to-eye. A big player in that being their stubbornness and inner prejudices towards one another.

However, their relationship has blossomed into something beautiful during Raelle’s absence. Watching their friendship unfold throughout the season has been a real treat despite the circumstances.

The resentment that Abigail used to hold for Scylla and her connection with the Spree seems to be gone for good. Traveling with Scylla has allowed Abigail to see who Scylla really is, and in turn, she’s warmed up to her.

Scylla did what she had to do to survive, and it’s incredibly pleasing that Abigail has fully accepted her.

Abigail in Command

Abigail: Some soldiers are heroes because of how bravely they follow orders; I am not one of those soldiers.

Abigail puts it best; she’s a hero on her own accord, not because she follows orders from anyone.

Abigail has evolved from the military suck-up she used to be and has found her voice. She’s no longer a sheep for the military.

She has always been a natural-born leader, and we’re seeing that come to fruition. This is executed exceptionally well as she helps Adil kill the civilian officer and addresses the cadet witches.

Abigail: I know you’re scared. I know it’s too soon; it’s always too soon, and what’s ahead will be difficult. But you must protect the innocent at any cost. That is our greatest calling; it always has been. Never forget who you are and who’s Army you fight for. Employ every bit of work you have to complicate, obfuscate, subvert, and undermine Jared’s objectives while maintaining the semblance of following orders. Is that clear, soldiers? Good. You are general Petra Bellweather’s soldiers. Make her proud.

This is a crucial moment for Abigail and the woman she’s become over the course of the series. With Season 3 being the last reported season, it’s nice to see the character evolution on display and in action.

By the end of the season, I hope we see the Unit cleared of all charges and take their rightful places back at Fort Salem with promotions. After the Camarilla are defeated, it’ll be time for Wade to crown them the saviors of witches.

Scylla’s Consideration 

Scylla: Remember, non-lethal work only. These soldiers are our fellow witches, and they did not choose to be here.

Yet again, we’re getting first-hand looks at the character progression and parallels between Season 3 and Season 1.

Scylla continues to showcase her inner change and how far she’s come since we were first introduced to her character. I love this side of Scylla! Even though it’s a dark time for the Unit, we’re getting to see Scylla embrace all of her emotions alongside people who care for her rather than doing so alone. 

Being around Raelle and Willa has changed Scylla for the better, and the people closest to her are also noticing.

Mac: You’ve changed since I last saw you.

Mac and Scylla getting to share a few moments and speak about Tiffany is a highlight. Scylla has been through the wringer this season; she deserves any spare moment of happiness.

Lord only knows what she’ll have to endure next week. I’m keeping all fingers crossed that we see a Scylla and Tiffany reunion in the finale.

A bonus to Scylla changing her ways and becoming one with the Unit is her relationship with Tally. 

Scylla: I wonder if you had your sight back when you turned me in for being Spree and all, if you could see us here today. Working together. Would you have believed it?

Tally: Probably not. I was pretty sure if I ever saw you again, you’d murder me. 

Tally’s Vast Abilities

Alder: You’re going to learn to see in the past.

Tally working with Alder to use her gifts of sight is compelling and intriguing because we’ve already seen what Tally is capable of. We know that Tally is a powerful witch who has barely tapped into her abilities. Now we’re finally going to see her harness that work in a much more powerful way.

In fact, she uses her gift of sight in Season 2 without even knowing she had it when she sees Nicte in the past.

Tally’s been training to perfect her future sight intensely, so she should be able to achieve Alder’s goal with a bit of help. Their team-up also gives us more opportunities for the two to spend more time with one another. And I’ll never turn away a Talder scene.

Afterward, they can focus on deciphering Tally’s vision of Raelle blowing up the world. Alder has continued to be vague about Raelle, and it feels purposefully done.

I’m still convinced that the shadowy figures surrounding Raelle in the vision are the stewards of the first song.

Alder has continued to be vague about Raelle’s outcome, and it feels purposefully done.

Raelle’s Return

Raelle: Couldn’t let you have all the fun, Tal.

Raelle is finally back! After a long season with sparing moments that alluded to Raelle, she seems to be back for good.

And while Raelle’s presence is enough to thrill, it’s Tally and Abigail’s responses to her return that make the moment so special.

Abigail: Took you long enough, shitbird.

These three women have become a close-knit family, and they execute that portrayal flawlessly. I mean, c’mon, Jessica Sutton’s acting anytime she’s in the presence of Taylor Hickson is impeccable and moving.

I have no fear that Raelle will be reunited with Scylla by the end of Season 3 Episode 8, now that she’s returned to the living. At least, she better.

If Motherland: Fort Salem keeps Scylla and Raelle apart in the home stretch, it’ll be one of their worst decisions.

Stray Thoughts:

• Raelle and Willa’s final moments with one another within the mycelium are beautiful and emotionally moving. We can only hope that this is not the last the two will see of each other.
• I am still in disbelief that Scylla turned herself over, even if it was to save everyone. She continues to prove why she’s one of the best characters with the best arcs in the series.
• We finally get a glimpse of Nicte, but what we need is her return. The Unit could use her power for their upcoming fight.

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 10/9c on Freeform.

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