Before I get to the episode-which I thought was pretty great-there’s something that needs to be addressed: Teen Wolf has a problem with killing female characters. Is that a problem isolated to this show alone? No, sadly, romanticized misogyny runs rampant through many entertainment outlets; however it’s become jarringly obvious with this show.
In season one Kate Argent died while Peter Hale was allowed so be resurrected and then turned into the snarky thorn in the side of the show. In season two Allison’s mother dies while Gerard was allowed to live despite chewing the scenery more than any other actor on the show while we watched Erica die early on in season three. Her actress left the show and she’s killed off-Colton Haynes wanted to leave and his character Jackson is written off the show by way of plane-Jackson moved to London.
In season three Jennifer Blake was killed while the equally devious Deucalion was given a reprieve as well as a redemptive backstory to de-fang him a bit.
And now Allison. Not only am I sad because Crystal Reed was an immense asset to the show and not only am I sad because Allison was a rarity on television, a strong, independent female character who was also a fierce fighter-but I’m doubly distressed because it’s continues the shows troubling trend.
Beware: the female characters are always on the chopping block.
What makes it even worse? (Come on Ally-how could it POSSIBLY be worse?) This was yet again, another very strong episode of a tremendously entertaining season.
A lot happens.
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Stiles is back but is sickly and, as Isaac helpfully points out, looks close to death.
Lydia is captured by the nogitsune as he uses her to lure her friends to race to her rescue.
The twins are being attacked and Derek is playing the hero and coming to save the day.
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Alison has crafted a silver arrow, completing her training of becoming a full-fledged hunter and resident bad ass.
Scott ignored his dweeb of a dad because his past regrets hardly touch the current problems Scott’s facing.
Oh, and there’s another banshee in town. So all of that happened.
This episode showcased artistry in its camera work that’s rare for the show-it allowed a focus on the subtle imagery, the framing, more than the spectacle taking place. This simply adds to the stunningly haunting nature of the episodes closing five minutes that-if you couldn’t already tell-left me mildly shell-shocked.
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Stiles and Scott have found Lydia, with Stiles barely able to stay upright due to fatigue. Lydia however is horrified at their arrival, asking Scott who else came with him, who else walked straight into danger?
Cut to the courtyard of the mental institution where Allison, Kira and Isaac battle the Oni that the nogitsune now has control over. Isaac seems to be nearly down for the count, awaiting a final blow, before Allison draws her bow and launches her silver arrow, killing the Oni attacking.
It’s a powerful moment for a character that’s been shuffled to the sidelines so often this season so to follow it up with her being stabbed by the Oni makes it all the more devastating. This is a 17-year-old girl who’s just lost her life in a cruel and brutal way and way too young.
We are back to Lydia who screams out Allison’s name just as Stiles has collapsed.
Scott rushes to Allison’s side as everything else goes quiet. He cradles her as she dies, as she tells him that she loves him, comforting and strong until the end.
We see Lydia sobbing over Stiles’s unconscious body, we see Argent run to the courtyard and his face fall as he sees his daughter-all he has left-lifeless and blood soaked on the ground, we see Scott, holding the girl he had once promised forever to.
Man this sucks.
It’s a scene and a creative decision by the writing teams that will necessitate follow up. This can’t simply be pushed under the rug or have resolution that’s heard of off screen. This is a monumental death and should shake many of the characters. If this had to happen (and I’m still not sold that it did) I want to see it treated respectively.
It was a very powerful last few minutes, moments that made me more emotional than I care to admit and despite her characters sad fate, I’m curious to see how the season ends. I’m curious to see how it tops the emotional highs that the show has already reached.
Tune in next week for the epic finale.
8/10
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