Motherland: Fort Salem Season 3 Episode 8 Review: Petra’s Favorite Pen
Motherland: Fort Salem Season 3 Episode 8, “Petra’s Favorite Pen,” sees the Unit brace for the end together.
With only three episodes left in the season, “Petra’s Favorite Pen” is, expectedly, plot-heavy. The episode has three goals to meet: reunite Scylla and Raelle, further the tension between witches and the government, and up the stakes.
It’s safe to say the episode achieves all three feats.
TAYLOR HICKSON, JESSICA SUTTON
Besides the Raylla reunion, which I will get to shortly, one of the most significant moments is Lupe and the other cadets being slaughtered. In their moment of despair and being outnumbered, the civilian soldiers kill the witches instead of fighting alongside them.
It’s a horrific moment, and the government is officially taking a stance against all witches, even those that willingly serve their country.
Lupe’s death is unexpected, considering the focus framed around her character this season. My heart wanted her to make it to the end, fighting alongside Abigail and the others. But this is a pivotal moment for the Unit and their final fight with the Camarilla.
TAYLOR HICKSON, ASHLEY NICOLE WILLIAMS, JESSICA SUTTON
Lupe and the other cadets’ deaths are the final straw in the Unit’s complacency with running from the fight.
Finding the correct words to capture my feelings for the Raylla reunion perfectly is hard. From the beginning, the way Raelle walks in and commands the room without ever having to attempt work is alluring. Even with how limited, everything about Raylla’s interactions instills immense joy.
We see that fear and determination instilled in Scylla all season now within Raelle. Their separation has gone on for too long, and the series makes the right move, not putting off their reunion any further.
TAYLOR HICKSON
Raelle proposing the way she does would feel poorly executed if the situation were different, but it perfectly fits their predicament. The thought of ever having to be without Scylla again is overbearing for Raelle.
The direct parallel between this moment and one earlier in the season where Raelle is holding Scylla’s hands and imagining their future together makes the moment even more bittersweet.
Amalia Holm and Taylor Hickson have such magnetic chemistry with one another and the thought of it disappearing for good in two weeks is depressing.
ASHLEY NICOLE WILLIAMS
Alder and Tally’s journey to find the remaining pieces of the first song is purely plot-driven, with little room for connection between the two. However, it provides one moment that will forever live in my mind.
It’s the brief interaction Tally and Alder share before Tally decides to give up her gift of sight. The tension, eye gazes, and implications between the two as Tally casually mentions seeing what’s right in front of her. At that exact moment, she and Alder connect their gazes.
If it isn’t mentioned or brought up at least once before the end of the season, I’ll be agitated. In fact, at that point, I’d consider it queerbaiting.
JESSICA SUTTON, LYNE RENEE
The writers are aware of the side of the fandom that ships Talder, and to play in our face without anything coming from it would not be a good look. Especially with this being the last advertised season.
Alder’s supposed death also does nothing but provide frustration because we’re well aware she isn’t dead. Her sacrificing herself to save Tally is a noble gesture, but one that doesn’t need to happen. Alder and Tally deserved to have their long journey together back to the Unit, not a weak attempt at their separation.
We’ve experienced some pretty dark interactions on Motherland: Fort Salem, but I expect the final two episodes to surpass what we’ve previously seen.
Stray Thoughts:
- Nicte and Anacostia interactions needed more substance. I hope we see more between the two in the ending episode.
- I need Petra and Abigail to link up in the finale and create the most significant storm we’ve ever seen.
- It’s about time that Petra finally makes a move against the civilian oversight people intruding on the base. I hope we see Petra continue to put her foot down and fight back in the penultimate episode.
- I’m patiently waiting for Penelope to make an appearance in front of Silver.
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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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.