Six episodes into a season that’s set to be eight episodes long, the narrative is primarily focused on setting up all the pieces for the grand finale. This isn’t the best episode of the series, but it does have a couple of outstanding scenes and plenty of tension.
Episode 6: “The Tree” was again directed by Alex Gabassi and written by series creator Aaron Guzikowski, both of whom have proclaimed their excitement for the episode. Fans are encouraged to check out theInside the Tropical Zonespecialfeatures on HBO Maxto hear them gush about their creations.
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There are a ton of ongoing emergent situations in and around the Atheist Collective on Kepler-22b. Tempest’s pregnancy, Father’s new android project, Marcus’s capture, Sue’s sudden turn, Campion’s questionable beliefs, Number Seven, Lucius’s revenge, and plenty more. Some of thoselong-running storylines are paid offin this episode, but most of them are maintained and heightened for later. Most of the cast is enraged and on edge, the danger is around every corner, there are plenty of unsolved mysteries, and the next episodes will have a lot riding on them. Even though most of this episode is dedicated to raising the stakes, there are a couple of scenes that hold this episode together very well.
Marcus’s entire new Mithraic organization was torn to pieces by a singlevengeful android last episode, placing the seemingly unstoppable false prophet in a vulnerable position. Marcus was captured by the combined efforts of Father and ex-follower Lucius, with the promise that Lucius would get to exact his revenge. It began to seem as if Marcus’s plot armor-infused immortality had finally run out, but that state of danger didn’t last long. Rather than simply disposing of him, Mother seeks to force him to disavow his religion in front of the children. Of course, he’s out of his bonds within the hour. It has started to strain disbelief how wellthings always seem to go for Marcus. He always survives, escapes, and perseveres without issue, and rarely succeeds on any merit of his own. This time is no exception, he isn’t saved by guile or cunning, but because another member of the Atheist Collective has found Sol.
Sue’s turn last episode contained some of the best momentsfor her character so far. Unfortunately, it doesn’t get the breathing room it deserves. In desperation, she reached out last episode to save Paul’s life and found an answer she wasn’t prepared for. That revelation and success led her to suddenly embrace the faith wholeheartedly. It’s a big moment for her, but this big change in this short time is a bit difficult to buy. The way she now interacts with Marcus is even harder to buy, they’re suddenly a happily married couple more functional than they ever had been. Sue was an Atheist freedom fighter, she faked Mithraic membership to escape Earth. It’s not completely unbelievable that her mind could be changed, especially by what she perceives as a miracle, but the way she exercises her new belief is strange. It’s all building towards abizarre and massive changefor her character that won’t be spoiled here, but aspects of the way she’s written feel a bit rushed. It’s unfortunate, especially considering how well the last episode depicted her.
Speaking of sudden and ill-explored turns towards faith, Campion’s sudden embrace of Sol isn’t playing out great. Viewers saw the boy saved by Father’s new android, but Campion was convinced that Sol was the one who intervened. This event shifted him from an even-handed agnostic to a full-throated supporter of the Mithraic cause. Nowthat Father’s android project, nicknamed Grandmother, has become something akin to a character, one would think that discovering her would change his mind. Campion meets Grandmother and immediately ascertains the truth, but it has no notable effect on his newfound faith. He even proclaims that Sol had nothing to do with his survival. Hopefully, the show will unpack this change, especially as Mother seeks to place the boy in charge of what’s left of The Collective.
There are elements handled in weird ways, but that’s fairly common to this unusual series. This episode feels like a bridge, between the masterful space horror of episode 5 and the hopefully epic conclusion of those to come. Elements feel rushed, but the moments that need an emotional payoff have their sweeping orchestral music and powerful reactions. It’s great sci-fi television, it bends genres, explores every clever idea it has, and occasionally focuses on weird aspects of its own narrative. The final episodesofRaised by Wolves’second season will need to pull off some technical wizardry and top-shelf storytelling in a short time to pay off satisfyingly. If any show can pull it off, it’s the one that’s managed to push the envelope this far.
