In "The Changeling" Season 1: Episode 3, titled "*," the horror genre's adage that what's left unseen is more terrifying than what's shown takes center stage. The episode is a slow burn that delves into the aftermath of Emma's unfathomable act and Apollo's subsequent descent into despair and obsession.
The episode picks up after the brutal murder of Brian and Emma's mysterious disappearance. Apollo, now a broken man, is released from prison, his life forever altered by the tragedy. The once warm and loving apartment is now a crime scene, a testament to the violence that occurred. Apollo's search for Emma, armed with a shotgun, is a desperate act of vengeance that ends with his arrest.
Apollo's journey through grief is fraught with denial and anger. He attends court-mandated grief counseling sessions, a place where he might find solace but instead finds himself more isolated. His crime, now public knowledge, has marked him, and the other group members' awareness of his past creates a barrier.
Flashbacks to Apollo's childhood provide a glimpse into his mother Lillian's struggles as a single parent. Forced to leave young Apollo alone due to work, Lillian's actions echo Emma's own predicament, suggesting a cyclical pattern of maternal distress and the weight of parental responsibility.
The episode introduces the "Wise Ones," a group that may or may not be what they seem. A mother in the support group recounts her experience with disappearing photos of her child, similar to what Emma experienced, and her turn to the "Wise Ones" for help. This revelation triggers Apollo, connecting the dots between Emma's actions and this mysterious group.
The stalking presence that haunted Emma and Apollo's family continues to cast a shadow over the narrative. The stalker, possibly a member of the "Wise Ones," seems to prey on vulnerable mothers, instilling fear and manipulation. The photographs that appear and vanish, the sense of being watched, all contribute to the psychological torment experienced by the targeted mothers.
Apollo's mission to uncover the truth about the "Wise Ones" and their connection to his family's tragedy becomes an obsession. His encounter with a man from the support group, who claims to be interested in purchasing the rare book "To Kill a Mockingbird," adds another layer of intrigue. The man's recording of the woman's rant in the group suggests a deeper involvement in the mysterious happenings.
As the episode concludes, Apollo is left with more questions than answers. The identity of the stalker, the true nature of the "Wise Ones," and the fate of Emma all hang in the balance. The slow pacing of the episode, while allowing for a deep dive into Apollo's psyche, also builds anticipation for the fantastical adventure that lies ahead.
In summary, "The Changeling" Season 1: Episode 3 is a haunting exploration of grief, obsession, and the supernatural. Apollo's journey through the aftermath of his family's tragedy is a raw and emotional portrayal of a man grappling with unimaginable loss and the sinister forces that may be at play. The episode sets the stage for a deeper dive into the mythology of the "Wise Ones" and the chilling reality of the changeling legend.