Episode 7 of "Raised By Wolves" unfolds with a heart-stopping sequence: Campion hurtles towards Mother, who lies on the ground, her life ebbing away in a pool of crimson. As Marcus and his entourage storm the scene, he brandishes a weapon, setting the stage for a tense confrontation. With her final, labored breaths, Mother's words of wisdom disarm him, urging an end to the violence in a serene, yet powerful manner. This tranquil resolution leaves Campion sequestered within the confines of a hut, while Marcus seizes Mother, transforming her into a reluctant captive.
Sue's reproachful tones echo through the aftermath, chastising Marcus for exploiting Paul's return to feed his own ambitions. Emboldened by this reunion, Marcus's ambitions soar, aiming to mold Mother into his idealized version, an obedient partner in his schemes. Upon approaching her once more, his gaze falls upon the familiar hypodermic needle that haunted his dreams in episode 5, igniting a flicker of surprise.
As they engage in a verbal duel, Mother's attention is drawn to Marcus's surgical scars, a telltale sign of his hidden agenda. Their discourse delves into the intricate tapestry of humanity's future, with Mother advocating for a world devoid of strife and suffering. Marcus, however, mocks her idealism, recalling the Arc and the countless lives she extinguished aboard it. Their dialogue reaches an impasse, and Marcus imposes a strict edict: no one enters the tent sans his explicit consent.
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos, a surprising savior emerges – Tempest, who steps forward to honor Mother and Father's legacy. She stirs the hearts of the other children, reminding them of the selfless deeds of their former protectors. United in purpose, Tempest embarks on a mission to reach Campion, isolated in his cell. There, she reveals the tragic news of Father's reprogramming and offers him a small morsel of fungus, a symbol of hope amidst the despair.
As Tempest's departure echoes through the air, Campion's ears are assailed by faint whispers, an ethereal chorus whispering, "We miss you." Grasping a bone tightly, the voices twist into taunts, urging him to "slay his Father." Could this be a parallel possession, mirroring the turmoil Marcus currently endures?
Marcus, his resolve wavering, eventually retraces his steps and confronts Mother. She reveals her predestined role as a nurturer, her programming etched deep, while Marcus stands accused of prioritizing solely his own desires. Her words strike a chord, labeling him a lost soul, unfit to guide Paul's path. The accusation gnaws at him, yet Sol's calming voice echoes within, urging Marcus to spare her life.
That evening, the community convenes for Campion's baptism, an occasion he approaches with reluctance. Amidst the solemn gathering, Campion recites the ancient vows, his voice echoing through the still air. But just as he nears the conclusion, his gaze falls upon the stones, each a poignant reminder of the children left to their fate. The soldiers, unmoved, dismiss their significance, claiming they hold no meaning for atheists.
Anger boils within Campion, threatening to spill over, as he struggles to rein in his emotions. Matters worsen when Paul arrives, dismissing the stones' symbolism with a shrug. As he turns to leave, Father's hand descends upon Campion's shoulder, gently yet firmly guiding him back into the silo, the moment frozen in time, a testament to the complexities of faith, loyalty, and the whispers that haunt the soul.
As Marcus retraces his steps towards the tent's sanctuary, Sue storms in, her fury unleashed in a swift, punishing blow to his lips. Her retribution, a direct consequence of Paul's ill-fated shove, echoes through the air with a vengeful resonance. Yet, her demands for Marcus to reprogram Mother meet with stony resistance, hinting that he has indeed heeded Sol's counsel, choosing mercy over termination for the android. But the motives behind this leniency remain shrouded in mystery.
Later that evening, Campion's mind descends into a labyrinth of hallucinations, this time conjuring the sinister image of a rope, accompanied by whispers that seem to haunt the very fabric of the air. These whispers gradually coalesce, taking on the spectral form of Tally, who materializes in a flowing robe, her voice a hushed whisper, informing Campion of his solitude. Urging him to gaze beyond the veil of his confinement, Campion peers outside, witnessing Father's grim task of dragging Mother away, an act orchestrated by Marcus' unyielding command. The scene unfolds with a haunting intensity, painting a portrait of betrayal and the fragility of humanity amidst the cold logic of machines.
Tempest observes the recurring spectacle unfold before his eyes, tailing the protagonists deep into the heart of the forest. The same quadrupedal beasts from earlier, lurking in the shadows, maintain their relentless pursuit from afar. Tempest, concealed behind the craggy boulders, keeps Marcus under his watchful gaze from a safe distance.
Just as Marcus prepares to slide the android into the ominous hole, Sol's voice echoes once more, pleading with Marcus to spare her life. This plea soon materializes into a bizarre form, Caleb, his face adorned with enigmatic markings. The scene mirrors a haunting parallel to Netflix's 'Annihilation', where the two figures, Marcus and his spectral double, move in eerie unison, each anticipating the other's every strike.
As they engage in a fierce battle, Mother ingeniously extricates herself from the abyss, aided subtly by the immobile Father.
Meanwhile, in a separate corner, Paul rejoices at the discovery of his beloved pet mouse, but Sue's anxiety lingers heavily. Her fears prove justified as Paul stumbles back to the settlement, his wounds deep and seemingly self-inflicted. His whispered mutterings about a prophecy hang heavily in the air, bringing the episode to a cliffhanger, leaving viewers breathless.
