Motherland: Fort Salem 2×08 Review: “Delusional”

The Bellweather unit and Scylla reunite and are tested during their mission to find Nicte in “Delusional.”

Raelle (Taylor Hickson) doesn’t have much time to recover after being rescued in “Irrevocable,” as she, Tally (Jessica Sutton), and Abigail (Ashley Nicole Williams) are given a new mission to hunt down Spree founder Nicte (Arlen Aguayo-Stewart) in “Delusional.” Along the way, Raelle reconnects with Scylla (Amalia Holm) as the unit is forced to face their worst fears and overcome infighting thanks to Nicte’s twisted magic.

In the aftermath of Raelle’s rescue, she and Scylla reconnect and have a long overdue discussion about everything that has happened since they last saw each other. While Raelle is still slightly wary of Scylla, she is thankful for Scylla’s efforts in rescuing her. Raelle’ willingness to open up to Scylla and Scylla’s declarations of her devotion to Raelle prove that the two clearly still love each other and the chemistry between Hickson and Holm hasn’t dampened.

Both Raelle and Scylla also discuss Willa’s (Diana Pavlovska) sacrifice for Raelle and her role as a leader of the Spree. While Raelle’s emotions about both are genuine and heartbreaking, the fact that the revelation of Willa’s spree involvement happens off screen for Raelle and that the conversation is happening with Scylla and not Willa continues to show how the reunion between Raelle and Willa was mishandled. The fact that Raelle doesn’t get a moment to be mad at Willa before being forced to acknowledge Willa’s sacrifice for her makes the issue even worse.

Back at Fort Salem, General Alder (Lyne Renee) gives Tally orders to find and kill Nicte. However, Petra (Catherine Lough Haggquist) privately defies Alder and tells Tally to bring in Nicte alive. Petra’s defiance of Alder is another moment of characters rightfully questioning Alder’s leadership this season, and it raises questions of whether Alder will remain the face of the Army by the end of the season and potentially beyond.

Mission in hand, Tally reunites with Raelle and Abigail in an emotional embrace. Both Abigail and Tally are wary of Scylla’s presence and their protectiveness of Raelle continues to show the strength of their friendship. Raelle convinces Tally that Scylla’s knowledge of the Spree can help them on their mission, and Abigail begrudgingly agrees to let her come along. As strong as the friendship between the Bellweather unit is, Scylla’s addition on the mission adds to the dynamic and gives her a chance to prove that her redemption is legitimate.

Scylla immediately proves to be an asset on the mission, as Nicte uses her magic to give Raelle, Tally, and Abigail visions that play on their worst fears. Raelle sees her mother hurl insults at her, Tally is forced by Alder to become a biddy again, and Abigail struggles to achieve her ultimate power as her family watches. The visions are both interesting and gut-wrenching to watch. Scylla, having experience with Spree magic, is able to pull Raelle out of her vision and the two work together to save Tally and Abigail.

After being the only members of the mission to survive the horrific visions, the four find Nicte’s cabin. Nicte’s next trick is to pit Raelle, Abigail, and Scylla against each other. The insults towards each other are harsh, and the three get to express their pent-up emotions towards each other. The amusing sequence is encapsulated by Tally deciding to let them fight as she leaves the cabin and continues the search for Nicte. Once the three are eventually freed from the spell, they agree that their respective bonds are stronger than the insults and it’s a great way to resolve the tension from the fight.

The showdown between Tally and Nicte is a highlight of the episode. Tally’s bravery towards Nicte is an exciting moment and Nicte proves to be quite a threat. While Tally seemingly gets the upper hand, it is revealed at the end of the episode that Nicte swapped her face with Tally’s and that Tally is the one led to Alder in bondage. Even though the twist thankfully isn’t drawn out, Nicte reveals herself far too quickly by attempting to attack Alder as soon as they’re in Fort Salem.

The highlight of the episode was Raelle and Scylla’s goodbye to each other post-mission. Raelle, Tally, and Abigail recognize Scylla’s efforts to help them on the mission, and Raelle asks Scylla what is next for her. After finding out about her plans to help Tiffany, Raelle suggests that Scylla go live with her father. The two eventually share a passionate kiss before Raelle leaves with her unit. While it does feel that the development between Raelle and Scylla in this episode was a little rushed, the kiss itself was great and the promise that the two will hopefully eventually reunite and work things out is satisfying.

This episode was a standout for fans of the Bellweather unit as well as Raelle and Scylla. The episode’s mission was exciting to watch, and it was great to see Scylla become a part of the team, even if it was temporary. The developments between the group were highlights of the episode, and it’s great to see everyone come out of it with their bond overall intact.

Author: Jessica Wolff

Jessica Wolff is a graduate of Drexel University with a BS in Film/Video. She has a passion for entertainment and representation in entertainment. She currently resides outside of Washington, DC.

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