Episode 5 of "The Changeling" delves into the chaotic aftermath of Emma's fatal confrontation with the Changeling, as implied by its title. In a rush of adrenaline, she flees through the rear window, abandoning her phone in a dumpster and boarding a nighttime ferry. A shocking revelation unfolds as Kim, her older sister, is uncovered to have been privy to Emma's plan—or at least aware of her intentions. Kim embraces Emma, who expresses her desire to stay, resistant to the island's call. Kim, however, insists that she must go, emphasizing that their only hope of distinguishing Emma's sanity from madness, much like their mother's, hinges on this journey. With a heavy heart, Kim throws Emma overboard, where a waiting boat whisks her away to Cal's custody.
On the island, Emma earns the witches' frustrated moniker, described by one as a "pain in the ass," her volatile nature leading her to attempt attacks on Cal at every turn. Exhausted and sleep-deprived, Cal orders Emma to be sedated, resulting in days lost to slumber filled with haunting nightmares of a time before the turmoil. Upon awakening, Emma discovers her keys still intact and carves a cryptic message onto the walls of Apollo's former cell, a lingering vestige of his presence.
Emma's confusion deepens upon finding a twig from an unknown tree nestled in baby Brian's crib. Cal greets her with a sympathetic ear but warns that the prospects of retrieving Brian alive and well are grim, recalling their own failed attempts. In search of answers, Emma demands to visit the library to identify the tree. The scene is less than inspiring, with barren bookshelves greeting her disappointed gaze. Emma vows to replenish their ranks with books from the mainland soon.
Roaming the island in search of the elusive tree, Emma's fortune remains elusive. During breakfast, she inquisitively probes Gayl's mother about the boat's whereabouts, eventually extracting the information from her reluctant lips. With unwavering determination, Emma retrieves the boat and sets a course for the mainland. Battling fatigue, she nearly succumbs to the waters before summoning the strength to push through.
Returning to her workplace, Emma raids its shelves, bringing an assortment of books back to the island, including the one Cal entrusted to Apollo. Before departing, she catches a glimpse of a news clip confirming Apollo's survival, leaving her with a puzzled yet intrigued expression etched on her face.
The following morning, Cal was astounded to discover Emma's return, accompanied by an assortment of books. Emma now exuded a calm demeanor, reasoning that there was no rush in departing until she had a clear direction. She perused a tome dedicated to trees but came up empty-handed in her quest for concrete clues. That evening, she inquired with Gayl's mother, whose middle child had been whisked away by the fairies, about any discoveries in the crib. The mother's revelation sparked Emma's curiosity; she spoke of occasionally finding soil or dirt, and once, a solitary leaf in the aftermath. She sketched the leaf, and Emma eagerly scoured for it the next day, her strength dwindling until she collapsed, desolate and despairing…until a leaf matching the exact depiction drifted down from the tree beside her. She had located it!
Empowered, Emma ascended the Norway Maple tree, her resolve hardened. During the night, one of the women stealthily guided Emma into the city, ensuring her anonymity. She encountered Wheels, a member of the "mole people," and boarded his modest conveyance, navigating through the labyrinthine tracks. It was a hidden realm beneath the earth's surface—Wheels called it the Grand Central Community. Emma was mesmerized, sensing she was inches closer to reuniting with her son.
Ultimately, Wheels deposited Emma at a metro station, where she blended in among the common folk. Once again, she infiltrated the library and utilized the computer to print an NYC Tree Map. The Norway Maple was scattered throughout the city in clusters, making a fruitful search a lengthy endeavor. Emma's ears caught the sound of footsteps; it was Yurina, who had entered the office. She darted into a bathroom stall, where she overheard Apollo waltz in, armed. Emma glimpsed him briefly before fleeing out the rear exit, pursued by two officers. Wheels intervened, steering her through the chaos and ensuring her safety.
Emma conferred with Wheels about the tree, and he swiftly made a connection. He referred to a locale in Forest Hills, Queens, once known as Little Norway, where immigrants first settled in 1825. Emma had finally discovered her purpose and prepared to depart the island. Before bidding farewell, she bestowed Apollo's book to Cal, who gazed in delight as a blue mist enveloped Emma as she paddled away.
