The discovery of the initial portion of the list served two purposes. First, it alerted Scott (Tyler Posey) to the threat that was looming over his pack, but it also came with the realization that there are a lot more supernatural entities in the area – and even another pack of werewolves. Once the dead started piling up a little more (yes, that’s seriously morbid), Scott and Stiles start putting together the pieces. Stiles may not have any supernatural abilities, but he certainly has a knack for figuring out mysteries. Discovering that the weapon of choice for one of the assassins was a lacrosse stick – brilliant observation.
This season is rapidly becoming about what connects characters, and nothing brings people together like the threat of death. Teen Wolf is working the ‘strength in numbers’ angle, as the original targets of the young assassins were all on the periphery. They were picking them off one by one using the element of surprise, but avoiding trying to take out any member of the group dynamic. Now that the identities of the assassins – or at least the two more immediate threats – are out in the open, it’ll be harder to use the same tactic. And to top it off, Scott now has the names of two-thirds of the targets.
Keeping with the overarching theme of connecting, the Calaveras hunters kept their word and have descended on Beacon Hills. This shouldn’t come as any surprise to fans, though. The matriarch of that family didn’t exactly seem like the type to make idle threats. But, interestingly enough, her first stop isn’t to exact her promise on Scott. Instead, she pays Argent (JR Bourne) a visit. Argent hasn’t always been an ally to the werewolves of Beacon Hills, but over the last couple of seasons has come to an understanding with both Scott and Derek (Tyler Hoechlin). Partially due to his late daughter’s choice in boyfriends, and partially out of newfound beliefs.
One of the most understated things about Teen Wolf is the relationship between Argent and Scott, and contrastingly, Argent and Derek. In the first instance, Argent serves in the mentor capacity, a role that is interchangeable with Derek and Dr. Deaton (Seth Gilliam), depending on the circumstances. With Derek, Argent takes on more of a balance role. Their initial distrust has led them to what currently is a deep level of respect. Scenes with Hoechlin and Bourne, although not as common as interactions between other characters, are worth watching closely. Their characters often compliment each other in a similar way to Scott and Stiles, and act as a backbone to the heavily teenaged focus of the show.
In “I.E.D.” it’s the connection between all these characters that moves the story along at a swift pace. The unspoken bond that has previously been developed allowed them to make strategic, arguably intelligent decisions without the benefit of a long, drawn out conversation. Scott and his cohorts were all very much on the same page, and the lack of internal debate between the friends was refreshing. In the past, Derek and Scott have butted heads on how to handle certain situations, but that also seems to have passed as a new sense of appreciation has been established since their recent trip to Mexico.
Tell us, what did you think of the change of pace for Teen Wolf, and whose name do you think will unlock the final third of the deadpool list? Sound off below!