Motherland: Fort Salem really went and chose violence, feels, and family in “Mother of All, Mother of None.” Seriously, hands down, the best episode of the show as a whole. And I know that I probably have said that about previous episodes, but this show keeps outdoing itself and showing how talented of a team they have backing, running, and starring in this show.
The first baddie that we have to talk about is Tally Craven. This young woman is straight up fire. What kind of witch challenges the very head of the witch army? Tally, that’s who! I’m glad that she didn’t turn around and join Nicta in some weird turn of events. Instead, Tally stood up for her beliefs and because the truth was important and needed to get out.
No one could’ve done what Tally did in Motherland: Fort Salem. Yes, she was the catalyst that brought Raelle, Abigail, and the rest of the unit forward against Alder. But Tally is the one that I knew from her eager beginning would shake this world to the point where what we know is barely recognizable, new, scary, and excited all wrapped up in one.
Tally proved that when she challenged Alder in “Mother of All, Mother of None,” proved that when she accepted Nicta’s conditions and came forward to speak with her, and she proved that when she put her money where her mouth is, did the research, and then came out swinging when it really mattered and then some because she’s thinking of the bigger picture and future of witchkind.
Which brings us to our next baddie, Abigail Bellweather. I am so proud of her and how she found her way back to herself. She seems more grounded, in control, and like the world around her is going to bow down to her. She knows what she wants in life and she’s happy that her mother has her back no matter what.
Abigail making a choice to step forward and join Raelle and Tally was a decision born out of love for her sisterhood with these two young women. It was also a decision for Charvel and every single member of their family. It was a decision for her future and that of every single witch that comes after Abigail. And that shows how strong, resilient this witch truly is.
And then there’s our baddie Raelle. She didn’t even hesitate in “Mother of All, Mother of None.” When she saw that her sister was in trouble for protecting Nicta she stood tall and did what she had to. In doing so, she declared to witchkind whose back she had and the lengths she’s willing to go for Tally and what she believes is the right thing to do.
Her bravery doesn’t stop there. Reaching out to the Mycelium took heart and courage. There is still little to no information about this fungi and she chose to bond with it more than ever before. Part of it was due to curiosity. But the other is because she wants the best for her family and she’s willing to do anything she can to back them up when they need.
Raelle’s bravery even extends to her conversation with Scylla. She’s giving someone a chance to prove that they are more than what the Spree made them out to be. And having that kind of openness in one’s heart is born out of bravery, love, and hope; something that some of us will never get to experience.
All together, Motherland: Fort Salem‘s “Mother of All, Mother of None” was the same ol’ Raelle/Abigail/Tally goodness we’ve experienced since day one while allowing each character to stand tall on their own for themselves and for the benefit of the collective. It’s at the heart of why I love this show and why I know that whatever comes next, family will reign true.
Motherland: Fort Salem airs Tuesdays at 10/9c on Freeform.
