Riddled (3×18)
Oh to be a fly on the wall of the writers room for this episode which, in large part, is a Dylan O’Brien showcase hour as Stiles, typically our comedic relief, is charged through the gamut, forced to confront the idea that his health may be deteriorating and that he may no longer be in control of his own mind. We’re put in the perplexing situation where Stiles’s explanation of what’s happening to him may not be a reliable point of view. He’s sleepwalking for much of the episode, caught inside his own psyche as Scott and his pack rally to find him and ultimately save him from his own literal inner demons. This all hits an emotional crescendo in the hospital scene where Scott promises Stiles that if he’s sick, Scott will help him, pretty much confirming that he’ll give him the bite. It’s a small and subtle moment, but one that speaks volumes to their friendship. Again, it continues to build as Stiles faces off with the Nogitsune and sees him wearing his face. So much of “Riddled” works because of it building up to this moment, but it also has strong moments of bonding between Scott and Derek, Lydia exploring her powers more, and Kira’s mom taking a greater focus as she faces off with the Nogitsune at the end. Season 3b worked because when it got serious, it relied on its actors to carry it, rather than trying to make every other aspect bigger than the show could handle.
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