From continues to masterfully deliver an unsettling blend of suspense, mystery, and psychological tension in its third episode of Season 3. As we dive deeper into the eerie world of Fromville, this episode adds layers of complexity to the characters and the ever-expanding puzzle of the town. Episode 3 picks up where last week’s cliffhanger left off, unraveling new elements that stir emotions and theories alike.
Jim’s Haunting Phone Call
The episode kicks off with a chilling moment that had me nearly tossing the remote. Jim is taunted by a phone call from his deceased son, Thomas. While Jim knows deep down that Thomas isn’t real, the emotional weight of hearing his child’s voice is too much to bear. Thomas taunts him about his wife Tabitha and how he failed her. He teases that he will also fail his children, Julie and Ethan. That should worry about them being outside so close to dark. Jim’s frantic dash to find his children as Boyd rings the nightfall bell sets the tone for the rest of the episode—fear, paranoia, and grief continue to haunt the residents.
The exchange between Jim and Boyd is a key moment in the episode. They reflect on the growing danger in Fromville—calls from "ghosts," traps laid by the monsters, and the terrifying sense that something has shifted for the worse. We are left to wonder if Tabitha's escape may have triggered the heightened threat.
Victor’s Search and Boyd’s Monster Trap
Meanwhile, Victor, who is often full of secrets and is possibly the one person who has been in Fromville the longest, is on a quiet mission of his own. Using what looks like an old treasure map, he ventures into the woods to dig something up beneath a tree. While this subplot is short, it adds another layer to Victor’s vault of secrets and hidden knowledge of Fromville, leaving viewers wondering what he’s searching for and how it ties into the larger mystery.
At the same time, Boyd reveals his risky plan to his son, Ellis: he wants to capture one of the monsters to learn more about them. Ellis is immediately alarmed, calling it too dangerous, but Boyd insists that it's worth the risk. Barbara raises concerns as well, reminding Boyd that they’ve been down this path before when they examined the creature they called Smiley. Boyd, however, reminds her that he managed to kill Smiley using his infected blood. This time around he needs one to be alive so he can learn more about them—particularly their ability to talk, plot, and think, something the residents haven’t fully explored. They aren’t just zombie-like creatures parroting back their worst fears, they are much smarter than the residents thought.
The back-and-forth between Boyd and Barbara raises an important question: Is Boyd acting out of desperation or grief over Tian Chen’s death? Barbara cautions him that if the plan isn’t foolproof, it could endanger everyone. The episode leaves us questioning whether Boyd is thinking clearly or being blinded by his drive to find answers and the weight of a leader to lead in times of uncertainty.
Tension at Colony House
Over at Colony House, Fatima is experiencing severe morning sickness which is causing her increasing concern. Last week in a strange turn of events, we saw a snippet of what she can consume. This week, she sneaks out to the compost bin and starts eating spoiled food. Her odd behavior doesn’t go unnoticed by Tilly, who catches her in the act. The dynamic between Fatima and Tilly takes an interesting turn as Fatima reluctantly allows her inside and breaks down emotionally. We learn that Fatima wasn’t supposed to be able to conceive, adding another layer of anxiety as she worries about the health of her unborn child. Tilly, ever the wild card, offers to help by reading tarot cards. When Fatima balks at the idea, Tilly hints at the idea that Fromville’s weirdness extends beyond monsters into realms of mysticism.
Henry and Tabitha’s Road Trip
Back in what appears to be the real world, Tabitha’s journey with Henry to the park takes a surreal turn. Henry’s nonchalant comment about crackers in the glove compartment leads Tabitha to find a bracelet—one she had made for her husband, Jim. This discovery sets off alarm bells for Tabitha, who begins to believe that she’s not truly out of Fromville but is still trapped in some twisted version of it. Her growing panic threatens to derail their trip, but Henry insists on pressing forward, now fully invested in Tabitha’s story that their son may still be alive.
Their journey comes to a screeching halt when they get into a car accident, leaving Henry badly injured. The eerie, almost dreamlike feel of their scenes is capped by the arrival of EMTs who claim they've been searching for Tabitha, who had left the hospital without checking out. As viewers, we’re left wondering whether this reality is just another layer of Fromville’s purgatory-like existence, or if there’s something even more sinister at play.
A Mysterious Ending
The episode ends on a high note of tension and mystery. The EMTs appear to be lost, driving through increasingly ominous surroundings. Just as they encounter a fallen tree blocking the road—a familiar sign in Fromville—the episode cuts off, leaving us with more questions than answers. What is real? Are there multiple versions of Fromville, or is Tabitha trapped in some sort of time loop or alternate reality? My theory of the week is that Fromville is some version of Purgatory. This changes week to week and is the subject of many discussion groups.
Final Thoughts
Episode 3 of Season 3 is packed with suspense, emotion, and just the right amount of creep factor. The themes of grief, fear, and survival are at the forefront, with characters like Jim, Boyd, and Tabitha facing personal demons alongside the literal monsters of Fromville. The episode skillfully balances character development with its ever-deepening mystery. Tabitha’s growing suspicion that she’s not truly out of Fromville is one of the most intriguing threads, raising the possibility that there are layers to this nightmare that we haven’t yet seen.
That said, there are a few pacing issues, particularly with Victor’s subplot, which feels underdeveloped in this episode. His scenes, while cryptic, don’t contribute much to the overall narrative, and it feels like his character is being used as filler at times. Similarly, Boyd’s plan to trap a monster is intriguing but also somewhat concerning, as he seems to be acting more out of desperation than clear-headedness.
The episode earns an 8/10 for its ability to maintain tension and intrigue, while continuing to build on the mystery of Fromville. As the monsters grow smarter and the stakes higher, the town’s residents can’t afford to keep secrets from one another. The question is: Can they work together before their fear and shame tear them apart? Episode 3 keeps us on the edge of our seats, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
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