Boyd and Ellis’ Search for Fatima
Boyd and Ellis comb the woods for Fatima, but a troubling new development hints that something is seriously wrong with Boyd. His health seems to be deteriorating, adding another layer of urgency to the situation.
Meanwhile, Elgin is still holding Fatima captive in a dungeon-like room. Attempting to make her “comfortable,” he brings her supplies and informs her that the baby is angry with her for not eating. Fatima confesses she also sees the Kimono Woman but warns Elgin that the figure is deceiving him. Elgin dismisses her concerns and offers her blood he’s been draining from his own veins, insisting it will strengthen the baby. The scene turns macabre as Fatima reluctantly drinks, with the blood unnecessarily dripping down her mouth in a theatrical, Dracula-like display.
Fatima attempts to escape by cutting Elgin, but her effort fails. The next morning, Boyd and Ellis argue over Fatima’s disappearance. Sara interrupts, revealing she knows Fatima is missing—the voices in her head are laughing, claiming the group won’t find Fatima in time.
Back in the dungeon, Fatima discovers a mysterious door in the ground, setting up what could be a pivotal reveal.
Victor and His Memories
Victor experiences another emotional breakdown during a conversation with Tabitha and Sara. He laments that he doesn’t want to remember anymore, retreating further into his fragile mental state. When Tabitha tries to stop him from leaving, something inexplicable happens when she touches him—but viewers are left in the dark about what it is. When Sara presses Tabitha for answers, she claims she doesn’t know what occurred. This cryptic moment adds intrigue but feels like another tease in an already slow-burning episode.
The Clinic, Julie, the Ruins, and Randall
Julie is examined by Marielle, though she lies about her experiences, attributing them to a strange dream. Later, Julie opens up to her mother, mentioning her time in the woods with Randall—a revelation that immediately sets Jim off.
Unsurprisingly, he confronts Randall. In a display of calm, Jim approaches Randall with understanding, acknowledging their shared trauma. He asks about the ruins, but Randall quickly reverts to his abrasive demeanor, offering a cynical piece of advice: teach Julie to drive and accept that no one will escape. While bleak, his words emphasize the mounting hopelessness permeating Fromville.
The Voices
Sara’s unsettling calm is broken when the voices return, confirming that her temporary peace was too good to be true.
The Sheriff’s Office
Ellis urges Boyd to visit the clinic, but Boyd refuses, admitting that he already knows what’s wrong with him. His condition began even before he ventured into the woods with Sara. Ellis is understandably upset that Boyd kept such a critical secret from him.
Boyd confides in Ellis about the monsters’ psychological games, including their intent to break him emotionally. He wonders if his current condition—and Fatima’s disappearance—is connected to their manipulations. Their conversation is interrupted when one of the monsters taunts them, triggering a brief loss of control in Boyd. Thankfully, Ellis steps in to calm him down, showing the strained yet resilient bond between father and son.
Colony House
At Colony House, Donna reminisces about celebrating Fatima’s one-year anniversary there, hinting at the close relationship she shares with her. The atmosphere shifts when Victor throws a tantrum, tossing items out of his window before storming out with an axe, terrifying the other residents. His intent to chop down a tree adds to his unraveling psyche.
Boyd visits Donna, sharing what the voices told him about Fatima. Donna insists that the town can’t handle the truth of Fatima’s disappearance, especially so close to breaking point. Boyd agrees to keep the information quiet but informs Donna that Fatima is gone. Realizing the stakes, Donna declares it’s time to ring the bell and hold a town meeting.
Boyd organizes a search party, agreeing to split into pairs. Suspiciously, Elgin offers to team up with Ellis, unbeknownst to Ellis, he is teaming up with the one who has kidnapped his wife.
Conclusion
This episode earns a 6/10. While there are moments of tension and hints of intrigue, much of the runtime feels like filler. Emotional beats could have been more impactful, but the slow pacing and lack of significant revelations drag the episode down—especially given that it’s the penultimate installment of the season. With only one episode left, the stakes should have been higher, and the adrenaline should have been pumping.
The final twist does align with some fan speculation, but the cliffhanger ending leaves too many questions unanswered. The finale now has the unenviable task of delivering both satisfying resolutions and critical answers. Let’s hope it can rise to the occasion.
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