As Episode 7 of The Wilds unfolds, Martha is jolted from a nightmare's grasp, only to awaken to a dire reality: their beachside camp has been inundated by a relentless tidal wave, leaving their possessions drenched and seemingly beyond repair. In a flurry of panic, the children scramble upwards, seeking refuge from the encroaching waters.
Meanwhile, Gretchen hones her speech with Thom's guidance, the study they're embarked on seemingly transforming into a lure, enticing potential investors and sponsors to fund their ambitious venture. As memories flicker, we're transported back to Jeanette's recruitment – Linh, her true identity concealed – into Gretchen's clandestine operation. She, a "confederate" within, plays her part flawlessly. Amidst this intrigue, whispers suggest that Dot, already embedded on the island, is another operative in their midst, a truth unknown to Jeanette.
Back on the island's shores, tensions simmer as Fatin confronts Leah over her unwavering fixation on Shelby, the question looming: was she strategically placed here? This confrontation stirs up dissent among the group, their fingers pointed accusingly in the darkness, their makeshift camp devoid of warmth and light.
Just when all hope seems lost, Shelby emerges, bearing two unexpected bags that have miraculously washed ashore. Her timely arrival fuels suspicions anew, as the group wonders if she's been orchestrated into their midst by unseen forces. Among the treasures within one of the bags lies Jeanette's cache: a lighter, alcohol, and cigarettes – necessities in their dire circumstances. Grateful for this unexpected boon, the girls offer their thanks to Shelby, yet Leah's mistrust lingers, a shadow cast over their fragile alliance.
Despite Leah's fortunate discovery of a bag containing vital medication at a crucial juncture, she harbors suspicions that Shelby has been secretly planted among them, prompting her to threaten the disposal of their sole source of light—a gesture that deeply rattles Shelby. In a moment of emotional outburst, Shelby finally breaks down, confessing that her secret excursions stemmed from embarrassment over her retainer, a revelation that softened the tension.
Dot, recognizing the need for change, decides to relocate their camp, opting to observe from afar as the others grapple with the campfire's fickle flames. Meanwhile, in the solitude of the woods, Toni catches up with Shelby, who seeks solace in solitude. She attempts to convey her lack of animosity towards Toni, but the latter remains unyielding, her resentment fueled by Shelby's beliefs.
As they delve deeper into their conversation, Shelby struggles to open up, sharing the intricacies of her world. Toni, initially skeptical, thinking Shelby is merely competing in a contest of misery, eventually finds herself drawn in. The tension between them reaches a boiling point, only to unexpectedly dissolve in a kiss, a moment that leaves both breathless and the air thick with surprise.
Back at the beach, Rachel's brand of "tough love" falls on deaf ears, with the other girls ignoring her words. Nora, unable to contain her frustration, erupts, exposing Rachel's lack of a triumphant narrative. The siblings' disagreement escalates into a heated argument, with Rachel urging Nora to forge her own path. Amidst the chaos, Dot steps in, urging everyone to regain their composure and unite in their efforts.
Intriguingly, we are treated to yet another glimpse into the past, this time unraveling a tantalizing twist regarding the plane crash. It appears that far from a catastrophic plummet, they may have never truly plummeted at all, but rather were surreptitiously drugged, bundled onto boats, and discarded into the vast expanse of the ocean, meticulously staged to mimic the aftermath of a tragic air disaster. Jeanette, plagued by doubts, inadvertently harmed herself before resolutely leaping aboard with Leah, the two of them finding solace in each other's presence amidst the unforgiving waters.
In another poignant flashback, Gretchen's vision for an island inhabited solely by women shines brightly, a testament to the harmonious collaboration among girls and a beacon of hope for the world's future. She lays the blame for past struggles squarely on the shoulders of men, delivering a fiery speech, her heart on her sleeve, as she eagerly awaits the ears of potential investors. However, based on the fleeting fifteen days we've witnessed on this enigmatic island, the reality falls short of Gretchen's utopian aspirations.
Back on the island's shores, the girls' hearts leap as a plane soars overhead, igniting hopes of rescue. Their joy is palpable, save for Shelby, who valiantly conceals her disappointment beneath a veil of composure, her heart heavy with unspoken longings.
