To say the fourth episode in the Salem TV series is surprising, shocking, and amazing would be underselling it. I've realized that every episode released has been a favorite of mine making Salem a considered choice for "Top 5 TV Series" if they keep this reign of brilliance going. Let's see, where do I begin? I would say that the big selling point of this episode lies within the character development. There is indeed a lot going on with deeper insights and revealing secrets in Salem's main cast. One notably is with John Alden himself. As a new man by the name of Hook enters Salem with a task of retrieving an importance piece of cargo on Mary Sibly's ship, John is revealed to have a war-related connection with him. It is through this character that we discover a murderous and dark secret about John during the war. Perhaps he is not the "war hero" that has seem to be praised by the people of Salem. Another interesting thing to point out is John's suspicions about witches becoming more than just a possibility. John finally reveals his belief of witches to becoming more of a reality. I really liked that we get a bit more insight in John as a character. It's only 4
episodes in and I'm already falling for how intriguing these characters are. As for Hook who came to Salem for cargo, we learn that he also has a connection to one of the witches as he is merely a delivery boy to the witch in secret. To that I say, "the more mysterious characters, the better". I really liked this character as he worked as the link to almost ever character's development in this episode. We get a great moment where he bribes Mary with Siibly's note revealing her as a witch so that he may get aboard her ship for the cargo. I got a sense that perhaps he was a spy or just someone who could get out if sticky situations during the war with John. I would've liked to see a flashback to their history before John killed him, but it wasn't entirely necessary for them to do so.
Speaking of Mary, the powerful witchcraft powers that she possesses continues to showcase the show's great production quality as she attempts to take over Mercy again. There's a very creepy scene with Mary talking through an ugly grotesque witch in front of Mercy possessing her with a snake. Another fantastic moment is when Mary subtly hints at possibly having feelings for John to him. This was key in the performances from these two actors to work (did I mention how great the acting in the show is?). I really loved that scene as the tension rises between both characters through silence. I have a feeling Mary might change her mind about the whole "witch ceremony" thing and try to be with John, but it may be too late for her. That's my theory for now anyway. As for Mercy, we finally see progress in the beginning of the episode as her father exorcise the evil out of her (this eventually leads to a chilling end for the episode). A very intense scene considering what had to be done to her. There's a great moment where she walks around outside a free woman again trying to live a normal life again, but is spiritually attacked by Mary in public (spiritual meaning no one can see Mary doing eventhough they're standing face to face in front of everyone). A very clever horror element that I've never really seen done in horror films in the past. It was the share boldness of her evil mind that made it horrorfying in that scene. We get a small, but effective scene with Tituba who eventually fools John to go after Hook and end his life. There are many twists and turns within the circle of characters of the show that worked more than effectively. Again, the performances, visuals, and character development continuously get better (it already started on a good foot). Salem is more than shaping up to be a great series. It already is.
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