Baldwin recognizes the watch Benjamin is wearing, telling everyone that he was present at Philippe's torture and murder and that Gerbert has been manipulating it.

The news isn't good. Diana wants to go immediately, and she gets a posse to go with her, Baldwin included.

Matthew's blood is being drained into a nearby jug. Benjamin is enjoying it. Matthew is speaking to himself. He's praying. Ben says no one can save him now, not even god.

Gerbert arrives at Sept-Tours. He's there as a friend, he says. He can hear the sound of the babies' hearts beating. He's blah blah blah.

He's so embarrassing that it's hard to watch. He's blathering on about Diana being a witch who can kill all vampires. He reminds Ysabeau that they hunted vampires together.

Ysabeau drops the bomb that she knows Gerbert killed Philippe.

Gerbert embarrasses himself some more.

Diana and her posse arrive at the sanitarium.

Matthew has a hole over his heart, which is pumping outside of his chest. He asks Diana to kill him. She sees through it. It's an enchantment, unlike any she's seen before. The vision disappears.

Diana hears babies crying. Satu is whispering to Diana. She knows it's all false, and prepares for battle by creating a shield between her and her posse.

In the next room is a vision of Matthew between two cribs. He looks different, which is a cool visual. Diana wants Satu to show herself.

Satu wants to know where the Book of Life is. They're both witches. She isn't an enemy.

Satu tries to intimidate Diana, but she's floored when she discovers that Diana is the book. It's not her destiny! She'll force it out of Diana. Satu is no match for Diana. Ultimately, Diana binds her powers. Power without conscience is a savage weapon.

Benjamin is next. She's building a spell that calls forth everyone she loves and has loved. She brings forth justice in the form of a fiery bow.

They get Matthew home to Ysabeau. Hamish reads to Matthew. Everyone worries, and then Matthew wakes.

Demon DNA is the key to blood rage and what connects all creatures. Diana wants to take it to The Congregation right away. Baldwin says that's ludicrous.

Matthew assures Baldwin that Diana doesn't need protection. Baldwin agrees. They should challenge The Covenant. He should have trusted Matthew, but he was jealous, believing that Philippe would have preferred Matthew in his role.

Diana is going to The Congregation meeting as a de Clermont representative and to challenge The Covenant.

As it unfolds, Gerbert is still spewing garbage and embarrassing himself.

Diana proposes a motion to overturn The Covenant. Gerbert, of course, counters by suggesting Diana and the de Clermonts are punished.

Jack has been practicing controlling his blood rage. Jack returns the portraits to Matthew.

A vote is taking to abolish The Covenant, and only Gerbert votes no, crying deceipt.

Diana nominates Agatha to be the new leader. Domenico seconds. It is done.

The post A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 7 Recap: A New Beginning appeared first on TV Fanatic.

A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 6 wasn't bad by any means, but with only two hours remaining, it's just not where I want the focus to be as the series rides off into the sunset.

Truthfully, The Book of Life was my least favorite out of the three All Souls books, too, but even that had a lot more meat to enjoy.

So, what's my beef, exactly?

We're getting to the crescendo, but there won't be any time to come down once it peaks.

A Discovery of Witches Season 1 focused on Diana and Matthew finding each other, falling in love, Diana's acceptance of her powers, and Matthew's acceptance of falling in love with a witch.

A Discovery of Witches Season 2 solidified their love, added depth to their relationship, and Diana got the help she needed to understand her magic to reach her potential.

But A Discovery of Witches Season 3 has been about mourning what was and trying to establish what comes next for all creatures, and that has shifted priorities away from love toward war.

War is necessary to bring an end to The Congregation's brutal reign and to dismantle the laws demanded by the Covenant. Even its creator, Philippe, would be up in arms given how differently things are for creatures today than when he established The Congregation.

But we now have 40 minutes left with many villains still to get their just desserts, and that means we will have no time at all to bask in the afterglow of their success.

And dammit, Matthew and Diana are so good in love. Who doesn't want to bask in it at least a little? Far more than the five minutes I expect might be dedicated to said basking in the finale.

That doesn't even take into consideration the general response from creatures far and wide after they make some headway.

Phoebe can't stop talking about becoming a vampire, but we will never see it unless, for some odd reason, part of the finale is dedicated to her transformation that takes place in Time's Convert.

While I enjoy Phoebe, this obsession has made her a little insufferable, and seeing her get her wish at this particular point isn't high on my list of priorities.

And even worse, I'm writing a lot of this because what happened in the episode doesn't leave much else to discuss. Scenes with deep meaning that can be explored and analyzed are gone in place of plot-driven scenes that are getting us to the end.

It's kind of sad. This has been a very short era, but the end of A Discovery of Witches on screen is more painful than losing many other longer-running shows.

So what did we get during the hour I've coined "Clash of the Titans"? Just what it sounds like. The big players are starting to throw down after the baptism lit the fuse that fueled the fire.

Diana and Matthew were going their different ways to accomplish things. With the pages in hand, Diana was eager to get to the Bodleian to reunite the pages with Ashmole 782, and Matthew considered ending Benjamin once and for all.

After all of that toiling to get the pages, including honing her magic so she could find the buggers, it was rather uneventful once everything was back together again.

The words rolled off of the pages and onto Diana's arms, which left her writing out their messages for others to share as they scurried, trying to decipher what it all meant.

But we didn't get anything out of that. No sooner had Diana finished scribbling than word of Matthew's impending doom came via video message. Yes, poor Benjamin and Satu are in for quite the surprise.

Peter Knox already got his comeuppance in a short, if effective scene. Sarah needed to squash him like the bug that he was, and she did it with very little effort. He never saw it coming. Honestly, it felt a little too easy. He's the kind of guy you'd like to see suffer.

Maybe we'll get our wish once the gang arrives at the sanitarium (or whatever that place is) to rescue Matthew. Benjamin wants Matthew to suffer the same fate as Philippe, but Benjamin will be the one who suffers, and we can expect Satu to get her reward right beside him.

Gerbert let the cat out of the bag, and Domenico had no compunction to keep Gerbert's secret to himself — if Gerbert even wanted him to. Gerbert has been working with Benjamin for centuries, waiting for the right time to end the de Clermonts.

Could that be any more aggravating? Maybe it wouldn't have been if we had any idea who Gerbert was to the story. He's just a suit. He's like the Richard Sackler (of Purdue…) of the creature world. Utterly useless for anything other than his own gain.

Starting the family annihilation with Philippe won't do Gerbert any favors. He doesn't know how to read a room. Baldwin was resigned to support the man no matter what, but you could see his demeanor change once Domenico shared his news.

Baldwin will see the error of his ways and stand by his family. Can't you feel that, too? They'll battle necessary evils and do what they can to usher in enlightenment for creatures.

Still, this story cannot accommodate righting the world of every evil, so some people will stay and get to live another day. They might not hold the same positions of power, but they'll carry on in some way, no doubt planning their rise once again.

We won't get to see that, although we may be able to read about it as the book series will continue from author Deborah Harkness. Thank goodness!

We've got one more to go. Is it enough for you? Do you feel like we've just not had enough of what we love about All Souls this season?

Until next time…

The post A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 6 Review: Clash of the Titans appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Gerbert has decided to mold The Congregation to how he sees fit, with the vampires in power and Agatha pushed out. Baldwin doesn’t think much of that idea, but it looks like he’ll back Gerbert regardless.

Marcus calls on Orlando to do something that goes unspoken. He makes the request as Grand Master.

Diana and Sarah get ready to go to Oxford.

Marcus brings Phoebe up to speed. He’s prepared to be hidden for weeks, decades, centuries. Phoebe is disappointed where that leaves her for the change. He is her life.

Gallowglass is getting a firedrake tattooed all over when Fernando (who I’ve been calling Orlando) asks him to return to help Diana.

Matthew is driving to the place where Benjamin is hiding out. He’s got a watch in hand.

Diana has donned her signature blue for the Oxford visit.

Diana calls for Ashmole 782, and outside, Gallowglass and Fernando can hear the magic at work.

The book she requested isn’t here. It’s listed as missing, Diana is told. But she can hear it singing. She asks the woman to check the lift. The book has arrived.

Once the book is secure, it speaks to Diana through her hands. They need to leave quickly. Behind them, a man contacts Knox.

Matthew arrives at the decrepit building and enters.

It’s all sound and abmiance, which I cannot show in photos because AMC won’t publish them in time.

Domenico visits Gerbert. Gerbert isn’t in the mood for celebrating. He sees things much differently than Domenico. It’s taken him centuries to position his pieces on the board. He’s been using Benjamin ever since, and it was he who killed Philippe. I think.

Philippe was killed in the hospital where Benjamin is hiding. Benjamin cursed their family, and Matthew wanted Benjamin cursed with blood rage. Benjamin had waited for Matthew to be happy to attack.

Benjamin has the idea that he’ll impregnante Diana when Matthew is gone. it’s time for another epic fight. This one leaves Benjamin running, but Benjamin gets the upper hand momentarily until Matthew eventually drags him out into the hallway.

Before he can kill Benjamin, Satu arrives and saves Benjamin.

Satu can feel that Benjamin had witches in there. She wants Benjamin to kill Matthew, and if he won’t do it, she’ll do it. Benjamin gives up Diana to Satu as the two plan to carry out their embarrassing revenge.

Sarah, Diana, Gallowglass, and Fernando run into Peter Knox who is almost deranged. He makes the mistake of holding Emily’s death in front of Sarah and then dangling the entire family’s deaths there, too. She’s conjuring magic that finally ends the maniac.

All that’s left behind is a black ball. His heart?

Baldwin is trying to talk himself into thinking Gerbert is right. Domenico tells Baldwin that Benjamin has been Gerbert’s doing and it’s up to Baldwin what he does with the information.

Domenico wants nothing in return.

Diana is writing the secrets of the book. Chris and Miriam think it’s extraordinary and will unlock everything. Diana thinks they’re all connect but doesn’t know how.

Diana is comforting Sarah when Marcus enters. He’s got a video of himself drugging Matthew as a way to lure her to them.

The post A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 6 Recap: Clash of the Titans appeared first on TV Fanatic.

But what's bad for The Congregation is excellent for the burgeoning scion, as family and friends gathered in Sept-Tours to celebrate and plan on A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 5.

They knew by congregating (pun intended) such a large group, they were inviting trouble, and it made its way to Sept-Tours to try dampening the celebration. It didn't work.

It wasn't all joy, unfortunately. Diana and Agatha accompanied Timothy Weston on his final journey. His death was an unforeseen byproduct of  Diana's search for the last missing page of The Book of Life so that it won't be in vain.

Small comfort, but what his sacrifice will mean to his people will never be forgotten.

Life and death go hand in hand, and it was skillfully portrayed on screen as Ysabeau was collecting flowers and preparing for the Christening while Diana and Agatha walked beside Timothy's coffin to his final resting place.

It was so good to see Ysabeau again, wasn't it? And Hamish! It seems like forever since we've seen them, but certainly not as long as the average time between a de Clermont get together.

The family has been together on so many occasions, but none of them were for an event as crucial to the family as Christening Rebecca and Philip.

Matthew was a little on edge about their undertaking, which bubbled to the surface when he found Diana feeding Rebecca. The poor baby girl couldn't keep down her food, but Marthe had a feeling she knew why.

Matthew feels defenseless and powerless to save his children without a cure for blood rage. They don't know if either twin will have it but seeing his infant drinking from Diana's wrist was a little too much for him.

Matthew: There is a reason we do not turn children to vampires.

Diana: She came to us this way, Matthew.

Matthew: And what else has she inherited from me?

Diana: Well, if she has blood rage, then we’ll deal with it.

_{🔗 permalink: Well, if she has blood rage, then we’ll deal with it.}

You can tell Diana's powers are strengthening, and she's got very little concern about marrying the missing pages with The Book of Life. She's very confident in herself, her children, her marriage, and especially, her powers.

The Christening itself was lovely, with numerous family members standing up as guardians for the twins. That moment had so much meaning. A traditional baptism of two godparents now seems quaint. That was the true meaning of "it takes a village."

Being fashionably late, Baldwin didn't have a chance to make a fuss even if he wanted to. But as the family tides turn against him, it seems like he's capitulating in thought while still showing his strength in action.

That strength wasn't a match for Matthew and Diana.

How long has it been since we've seen a worthwhile scuffle like the one between Matthew and Baldwin? It wasn't the time or the place for it to begin, but after the demonstration of unity shown for the Christening, it was a perfect time for Baldwin to be shown the door.

Baldwin: Vampires with blood rage are never in control, not absolutely.

Matthew: If I was out of control, Baldwin, you’d already be dead. I have never and never will bring shame upon the de Clermont family and neither will our children.

Diana: What if I gave you my word that any member of our scion with blood rage can be brought under control. Would you then recognize Matthew as the head of his scion?

Baldwin: You can’t make that promise.

Diana: I can, I swear, that if any of them act on their blood rage, I will spellbind them.

Baldwin: And if it fails?

Diana: Then our scion has failed, and we will submit to The Congregation.

_{🔗 permalink: Then our scion has failed, and we will submit to The Congregation.}

Diana's powers are no match for the vampires, so it's no wonder that Baldwin took her at her word about keeping any blood rage vampires out of trouble.

Everything they're doing has purpose, and that comes at the expense of The Congregation. Well, phooey on them.

It's always said that absolute power corrupts absolutely, and since The Covenant has no meaning without The Congregation, they're on tenterhooks wondering how they'll put an end to the disobedience.

The meeting found them not worried about the people they're supposed to govern and what's best for them but about how they'll retain their power. It's an all-too-familiar theme in the real world these days, so this reflection of that carried a lot of weight.

It highlights a struggle that we all face no matter how we look, who we vote for, who we worship, or any of the myriad things that those in power try to use to keep us from our whole, unified strength.

The Congregation is scared to death of losing their control over the world. Gerbert even said they were coming for them. That's as it should be. Witches, vampires, and demons have lived in fear of each other for too long. They've seen the light, and they want more.

As if there weren't already enough good feelings from The Christening, Marcus thought it was the perfect time to kick the Knights of Lazarus into gear.

This new incarnation reflects them as they see themselves now, and almost everyone at the Christening is knighted into the order. Now, if The Congregation goes after one of them, they go after all of them, and they are all equally equipped to fight back.

As for the babies themselves, they're taking on characteristics of their parents. Rebecca's vampire gene dominates, while Philip's got dominant witch genes.

The babies' names are in tribute to everyone Matthew and Diana have loved, but they don't need names to charm the pants off everyone who comes into their orbit.

As noted, Marthe was imperative to Rebecca getting the nutrition she needed. But Jack is absolutely smitten with Philip.

Jack: He’s a witch, isn’t he?

Matthew: I don’t think it’s quite that simple. But his witch DNA does seem to be dominant.

Jack: Do you think he’ll be able to cast spells?

Matthew: I think he already has.

_{🔗 permalink: I think he already has.}

Jack is transforming without Benjamin's control and with so much love surrounding him. His instincts are tempered, and while Matthew and Baldwin fought, Ysabeau's whisper to stay in control did the trick.

Being reunited with Matthew and Diana has been great for him, and being accepted into the family by Ysabeau meant the world to him. Still, he knew what was before him and couldn't let his guard down.

Matthew: You weren’t exploring, were you? You were patrolling. Benjamin wouldn’t dare to set foot on de Clermont territory.

Jack: You don’t know that.

Matthew: Even if he did, he wouldn’t get close enough to hurt you.

Jack: It doesn’t matter about me.

_{🔗 permalink: It doesn’t matter about me.}

Settling into his new life doesn't seem as impossible as it did when outside influences controlled him. But he's right to keep his guard up. Benjamin is doing everything in his power to find Matthew and Diana.

Benjamin doesn't know Diana, so it's creepy that he's so fixated on her. His infatuation is ugly, and he used it to control another witch named Lena so she'd ultimately lead him to his prey.

Matthew and Diana should have known that was his intention. Nobody in Benjamin's presence will be allowed to leave so easily. He's coming.

Benjamin isn't the only wolf knocking on their door.

Peter Knox is still milling about with vengeance on his mind, and Satu looked downright bereft after The Congregation meeting. She's so sure she's the witch from the prophecy, but she can't discard what she gleaned from Baldwin during the meeting.

We've only got two more episodes to go, and we can be confident that those enemies will not achieve their goals. The fun will be in watching those we love take them down and begin a new chapter for creatures the world over.

The post A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 5 Review: The Christening appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Diana says that Agatha is their one true ally in The Congregation, and the christening will ensure the children and Margaret won't be targeted. Agatha will make sure that doesn't happen.

In Venice, Gerbert congratulates Baldwin on the babies. He considers the babies a threat on the existing order who must be extinguished. When Baldwin says he won't kill the babies, Gerbert says he'll ask The Congregation to rule. Baldwin offers to assess the babies and deal with it accordingly.

A helicopter sets down at Sept-Tours, and Ysabeau and Marthe see the babies for the first time.

Ysabeau welcomes Sarah and says they must stay together more than ever. Then she welcomes Jack, saying he's free to explore.

Sarah takes what appears to be eucalyptus to the site where Emily was murdered. Then she sets them down, she stands. Hello, my love. I've missed you.

Everything is set for the Christening, and Ysabeau worries that they're starting a war against The Covenant. She tells Matthew that many will find it too provocative and they're about to find out who their true friends are.

Some chick smiles at Benjamin outside of a nightclub.

In Lublin Voivodeship, Poland, Benjamin has that girl. Her name is Lena. He says they're going to do lots of important work together and calls her his Diana. She wakes up tortured and chained to a ratty cot in a scummy basement while hooked up to an IV.

Rebecca won't stop crying. She's always hungry. Diana feels like a failure since she can't satisfy Rebecca. When she does get milk, she throws it up.

Marte suggests it might not be milk that Rebecca needs.

Jack has been pacing the halls. He's worried because Benjamin disappeared again. While Jack and Matthew are talking, Matthew gets a sense and rushes to Diana. He's angry that Rebecca might have blood rage, but Diana will do what it takes to protect Rebecca, even if it means spellbinding her until Matthew can reason with her about the rage.

Matthew is initially angry but apologizes. He was out of line.

Phoebe is eager to become a vampire, which surprises Marcus. They'll talk about it after the Christening.

Jack is rocking Philip. He can hear his blood singing and believes he's a witch. Matthew doesn't think it's that simple, but his witch DNA does seem to be dominant.

Benjamin talks with someone named Gabriella. He says it's his right as a de Clermont.

Lena's a witch and uses a spell to escape. She escapes, and Benjamin says, that's it, straight to Matthew.

Ransome is excited to see Sept-Tours. Marthe greets him and Geraldine warmly. She's the official welcome party.

There hasn't been a de Clermont gathering like this for about half a century.

Orlando arrives, too, with word that Gallowglass has declined the invitation.

Everyone is meeting ad greeting, and Marthe hopes they all enjoy themselves while they can.

The only thing that could make Ysabeau any happier would be for Philippe to be there to see what Matthew and Diana have accomplished.

The children have the entire family as godparents. Baldwin is angrily driving to Sept-Tours as the children are baptized.

Sarah has been asked to read the children's names in full. Rebecca Orielle Emily Marthe and Philip Michael Addison Sorley are welcomed into the world and their hearts.

Baldwin sashays into the baptism telling Matthew he will take the children to Italy. He refuses to acknowledge Matthew's scion and the two have an epic fight. Baldwin won't stop the taunts about blood rage, and Diana tells Baldwin to end it now or she will, and she ain't fooling around.

She promises that everyone can control their blood rage or else she'll spellbind them. Baldwin agrees and congratulates Matthew that he's now responsible for all of the sins of everyone he's sired.

Diana tells Sarah about the tenth and final knot, a knot of creation and destruction. Her magic is like their scion, a union of opposites. When she gets the book of life back and replaces the pages, she thinks that the battle they began today is the one Goody Alsop foretold.

Matthew is proud of Jack for his restraint today.

Baldwin calls an emergency Congregation meeting. Gerbert isn't happy Baldwin gave his quasi blessing to the scion. Agatha speaks up against Gerbert about his desire to abscond with the twins. He ultimately decides the vampires will take matters into their own hands.

Diana is playing with magic with the twins when Marthe calls  Diana downstairs. It's Lena. She's there to warn them about Benjamin. She gives them all of what she learned. Marcus wants to reengage the Knights of Lazarus, adding many new members, including Miriam, Sarah, Chris, and the twins, and most others there with them. If The Congregation takes on one of them, they'll be sworn to take them all on.

Matthew finds a watch in Lena's pocket. It says To Philippe.

Orlando wants to be a part of the family they're creating, acting as Matthew's right hand. Matthew gratefully accepts.

Satu is wallowing and then sets out to do something.

Diana is looking at the pages when Matthew wanders up, and they begin making out. She wants to fight with him so he's not fighting Benjamin alone. He doesn't want that, saying that she's this family's heart, always.

The post A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 5 Recap: The Christening appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The final page of The Book of Life was found on A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 4, and Diana and Matthew's family grew by two.

There is still work to do, and it will include squashing the bugs that continue to threaten everything Matthew and Diana hold dear.

After A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 3, the hunt was on for TJ Weston, whose given name is Timothy.

While Phoebe and Sarah combed all traditional sources of information in the search, Diana whipped up a location spell that would require more magic than she and Sarah had together.

Yes, this episode was filled with magical special effects, from weaving to rediscovering history in search of a coven and even conjuring three-dimensional maps.

Diana's perception of the past came to life, immersing her, Sarah, and Gallowglass in places now familiar to Diana after her timewalk.

The callback to Goody Alsop was welcome, but not more than uncovering a coven that is still active in the area.

The power of three, as always in magical circumstances, brought out Timothy's location. There wasn't a possibility that Diana wouldn't secure the page, but it wasn't as easy as it could have been.

Timothy was an example of how The Congregation has stolen lives. A recluse, he had long given up friends and was all alone. It was heartbreaking watching him cowering, self-appointed weapon in hand.

His distrust of other creatures forced Diana to turn to Agatha for help. That was a very good plan and showed Timothy that creatures can trust each other. It may not be all the time, but like with any individual, you place that trust accordingly.

Weston: Why are you helping a witch?

Agatha: The same reason that you should be, Timothy. The book is our chance to prove that demons matter, too. We have faced centuries of prejudice because no creature or human has even tried to understand us.

_{🔗 permalink: The same reason that you should be, Timothy. The book is our chance to prove that demons…}

Before she turned to Agatha, Diana judged Gallowglass unfairly when he asked if she'd like him to talk with Timothy to move things forward.

It was about time that she understood his always-looming presence in her life.

Gallowglass: Philippe asked me to look out for you.

Diana: Look out?

Gallowglass: And make sure that you made your way to Matthew.

Diana: You would have waited centuries.

Gallowglass: I gave him my word.

Diana: He had no right to ask that of you.

Gallowglass: Diana, I did it gladly.

_{🔗 permalink: Diana, I did it gladly.}

Philippe had asked too much of Gallowglass, who waited centuries to keep his word. For as much as Diana disliked Gallowglass's hovering, there was a good idea for it.

Even with Philippe's protection, a renewed friendship with Father Hubbard, Gallowglass's unwavering watch, and her marriage to Matthew, Diana is still prey, now more than ever, as she tries to assemble The Book of Life and prepares to give birth to two supernatural children.

First, there's Satu, poor, embarrassing Satu.

Gerbert: It must be so exhausting being you, Satu. Can’t you just enjoy yourself for once?

_{🔗 permalink: It must be so exhausting being you, Satu. Can’t you just enjoy yourself for once?}

She's so confident that she's got it all figured out, but she's going to have a great surprise waiting for her.

Satu tried convincing Gerbert that she's the chosen one, but he waved her away. Satu's next stop was with Benjamin.

Satu: I looked inside Diana. She has power, but she doesn’t know how to use it. Not as I can now. Everybody thinks she’s the witch from the prophecy, a witch that is destined to surpass us all. [dramatic pause] But who actually is that witch?

_{🔗 permalink: I looked inside Diana. She has power, but she doesn’t know how to use it. Not as I can now….}

Seriously, Satu? Has she not kept up with the walkabout that Diana took to enhance her powers? She was in the room seconds after Diana and Matthew walked back in time. I guess she thought Diana did it to hide.

Satu's bragging made me cringe, but her ignorance when it came to "seeing inside" of Diana without realizing that Diana had a world of time to hone her magic was the worst.

It will be fun seeing Diana and Satu battle it out if only to wipe that embarrassingly smug look off of Satu's face and get her to stop gloating.

Diana: Timothy, we need to prove to The Congregation that their cruel and antiquated laws are the reason that creatures are suffering. This page will complete The Book of Life, make it whole again.

Weston: You don’t have to explain it. I know exactly who you are. You’re the one who will learn how it all began — the blood, the death, the fear, and the one who can put a stop to it for once and for all.

_{🔗 permalink: You don’t have to explain it. I know exactly who you are. You’re the one who will learn how…}

Satu wasn't the only person thinking about Diana. Peter Knox looked like a crack addict in need of a fix as he followed Diana's scent around town.

Owen Teale really got into those scenes, showcasing Peter's erratic behavior. It was another cringeworthy moment when he laid down on the table where Diana had practiced her craft.

But it was terrible what he did to Timothy. Timothy just opened up for the first time in who knows how long, and he died for doing it.

Agatha was with him for his last breath, so as what happened to him reaches Diana, she'll be more incensed than ever, which will undoubtedly bring forth the revolution she believes they need.

For Matthew's part, he and Ransome had put the past behind them where it belonged, and their friendship was reemerging. Matthew was making cribs for the babies, and the others were surprised that he had such great talent.

But Matthew couldn't completely disregard what had just happened between him and Ransome, and that was manifesting in his concern about his impending fatherhood. He'd let so many people down in the past, and he didn't want to repeat past mistakes.

Miriam found Matthew to give him an unexpected update on blood rage, and she recognized right away that he questioning himself. Her news didn't help matters, but her words afterward did the trick.

Miriam: Going home without a cure doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a father, but it will if you choose to stay here.

_{🔗 permalink: Going home without a cure doesn’t mean you’ve failed as a father, but it will if you choose…}

The bad news was that blood rage isn't a vampire-specific trait at all, but the result of a reaction to a human genetic market that manifests at the time they're sired.

Miriam: We’ve been looking for answers in the wrong place the entire time. The answer doesn’t lie with vampires; our human genes hold the key.

_{🔗 permalink: We’ve been looking for answers in the wrong place the entire time. The answer doesn’t lie…}

Chris didn't think he would be able to cure blood rage, and that the blood rage was specific to Matthew and his line was startling. Although, I think it's unlikely that they won't ever find a cure. They're all too committed to finding one to lose.

Like so many scenes on A Discovery of Witches, when Diana was giving birth to their children, it was realistic and full of heart. Being creatures doesn't take away the labor involved with bringing life into the world.

Diana: Where’s Matthew?

Sarah: Diana, I was there for Rebecca when you came into this world; I’m here for you now. We can do this.

_{🔗 permalink: Diana, I was there for Rebecca when you came into this world; I’m here for you now. We can do…}

If you think of it, finding the missing pages of The Book of Life is sort of like a gestational period that will result and new life, as well.

The timing of Philip and Rebecca's birth couldn't have been any better. They're ushering in a new generation that hopefully won't be raised under the restrictive laws of The Congregation.

Sadly, we also said goodbye to Gallowglass as he realized he was no longer needed. With the birth of their children, Matthew would never leave Diana's side again. Gallowglass had fulfilled his promise to Philippe.

We only have four three episodes left and so much material to cover. And I'm gutted that the show isn't sticking around for more.

Time's Convert is a fourth book in the All Souls series and finds Matthew and Diana a year after the events of the series, and follows Marcus and Phoebe, including her transformation into a vampire (you knew that was coming!).

I mention this now because Deborah Harkness is working on a fifth and sixth book in the series, too, and neither of them tells Galloglass's story. There has to be a seventh on the way then, right?

For now, we've got to wind down to the A Discovery of Witches Series Finale and say goodbye to one of the best book-to-screen adaptations ever produced.

Share your thoughts on the latest episode below!

The post A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 4 Review: A New Generation Is Born appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Phoebe and Sarah aren't having any luck finding TJ Weston, and they're frustrated.

Diana was doing a locator spell. They'll need a coven to pull it off. She's warned not to expose them like that, but she's adamant.

Gallowglass isn't doing well, and Orlando urges him to move on from Diana.

Matthew is riddled with guilt and emotions.

Chris has been working all night. He's got a theory. He thinks that it's Matthew's human DNA that interfered with his vampire DNA to give him blood rage.

Diana revisits the area where Goody lived so she can find witches. She reveals the old structures of the area, and a witch comes forth.

There is a coven of three dozen witches.

Satu is bragging to Gerbert about being the witch in the prophecy, but he shuts her down.

The gang is at some kind of function, and Benjamin is along for the ride, and he's Satu's next target for a little over-the-top drama.

The witches join together to find TJ Weston with a fun spell. More groovy special effects.

Diana gets longitude and latitude of Weston's location.

Matthew is making cribs for the babies. He, Marcus, and Jack are hanging with Ransome. They're becoming friends.

Miriam arrives with news. She's been worried about Matthew. She shares what they've discovered.

Diana, Sarah, and Gallowglass visit Weston. A man is hiding and scared to death. He's a demon who doesn't want vampires in his house.

He plays the piano while Diana and Sarah drink tea.

He might have schizophrenia as he hears voices.

When Diana mentions the page, he says it's made of the skin of his ancestors and it's the only family he has left.

He won't allow Diana and Sarah to do a spell to find the page in his ramshackle home.

When Gallowglass offers to talk to Weston, Diana takes it wrong, offending Gallowglass.

He reveals that he's been with her for her entire life, which includes how he fell for her despite knowing that she wasn't meant for him. She thanks him.

Miriam wants Matthew to stop worrying and live. She reminds him that they have no idea if the babies will be vampires, and if they are, whether they have blood rage. But she also knows that he and Diana will ensure their babies are fine no matter what.

Matthew is feeling helpless as a father. His solution is to contact Baldwin.

Diana visits Agatha. She needs her help.

Knox visits the witch that helped Diana. He's out of it, sweaty and rolling in the pebbles left behind. He slams the witch across the room and locks her in, performing a locator spell to find Diana.

Diana arrives at Weston's with Agatha in tow. Very smart move.

Weston knows exactly who Diana is and gives her the page.

Agatha assures Weston that he's not alone. When they leave, she's upset at how Weston and other demons are still suffering. Diana agrees. They don't need a fight. They need a revolution.

Baldwin isn't pleased with Matthew's idea to change the way their family has operated for centuries. Baldwin won't lend his support for the scion, nor will he respect Matthew's position. He threatens to strip Matthew of all of his assets and cast him out of Sept-Tours. Matthew doesn't care. He has everything he needs.

Orlando calls Matthew. Diana is in labor.

Sarah tries to help, but Diana wants to follow the books she's read. Sarah assures her everything will be alright. Marcus will help deliver the babies.

Diana gives birth to a girl, first. Once she is safely in Matthew's arms, she goes for number two. Ysabeau calls to check on the progress.

Two healthy babies.

Diana and Matthew wish her parents and Philippe were there. They name their children Philip and Rebecca.

While everyone is celebrating and reveling in their love for each other, Gallowglass gets on his bike and leaves. His job is done.

Agatha arrives at Timothy's house, and it's wide open. He's groaning and asleep on a table where a spell was cast on him. He dies in Agatha's arms.

The post A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 4 Recap: A New Generation Is Born appeared first on TV Fanatic.

The first follows Diana and Phoebe as they try to get their hands on the remaining pages of Ashmole 782.

The other follows Matthew, Marcus, and Jack as they try to get more samples for the research into blood rage and form a scion of their own.

Once complete, both paths will converge to bring forth enlightenment and allow creatures to live harmoniously together. So, it's a pretty big deal.

Only one of the two had emotional resonance worthy of a deep dive discussion, so we'll start with the more straightforward topic.

Phoebe has become an invaluable member of the family and the team trying to gather the final pages of Ashmole 782.

That, and, well, I really like her. She was written very well in the book, and Adelle Leonce does a wonderful job with the character.

Did you catch the quick morsel she and Marcus noted about her humanity? Phoebe feels like she could be a better asset as a nonhuman.

For now, she's incredibly helpful and found out enough that Diana managed to use some magic at the British Library, which in no way resembled the stately Bodleian.

It's always a rush watching Diana manipulate things, and it was no different here as her hands danced above the pages of a manuscript that led her to Father Hubbard.

Hubbard didn't stray too far from his work during the plague. He doesn't need to make those kinds of life or death decisions now, but he still offers a place of sanctuary and protection to those who request it.

When I think of Hubbard from the books, I sense darkness. But the Hubbard we have here reminds me how differently material can be perceived.

Peter Knox, who felt all evil in the books, now comes off as kind of pathetic. Without The Congregation behind him, he's useless. Hubbard overpowered him and his request for a team-up without batting an eye.

That scuffle was still fresh when Diana arrived, asking after the pages.

Diana deftly used the argument that having the page in the hands of one of his flock was far better than it ever getting into the hands of someone like Knox or a member of The Congregation.

Diana: So, Father. Who do you trust with the book? A member of The Congregation or a member of your own flock?

Hubbard: I need to know that my flock will not be collateral damage in this struggle the de Clermonts are engaged with. Can you give me that?

Diana: No. But I can promise you this — if we lose, any chance we creatures had to live in peace will be gone, and there will be reason for Knox or Gebert to keep up the pretense that we are all equal. They’re already using The Covenant to divide us.

_{🔗 permalink: if we lose, any chance we creatures had to live in peace will be gone, and there will be…}

The hardest part of finding the second missing page was Phoebe's legwork and Diana's spell. The rest was relatively easy.

With Diana and Phoebe so focused, it left Sarah feeling unnecessary. She's in mourning, and that sense of uneasiness and being unable to help the person she loved most in the world leaves her misunderstanding other interactions, too.

Not-stalkery Gallowglass and Orlando both helped point her in the right direction with Diana, who leans heavily on her aunt whether Sarah realizes it or not.

With so many significant events happening in such a short time and so much left to accomplish before the babies are born, there isn't much time to give or receive comfort.

But if everything comes together — and you know that it will — it's just a matter of time before everyone can share in each other's happiness and sorrow.

Matthew's trip with Marcus and Jack was well-timed in that regard. It allowed the ladies to focus. And Matthew and Marcus needed to walk back into one of the worst periods of their lives.

That would have been difficult on a good day, but they carried with them so much baggage, including Jack and his blood rage. He may be centuries old, but he's still just a child, especially when controlling his darkest trait.

Matthew: Jack! You control the rage; the rage does not control you. Remember what we practiced. Stay in the present. Find your focus.

_{🔗 permalink: Jack! You control the rage; the rage does not control you. Remember what we practiced. Stay…}

Matthew is proof that blood rage can be trained. He discovered techniques to control it and manipulate it so that he isn't a risk, but others haven't been so successful. Even others never got the chance.

They need a larger population of vampires to examine, and those who carry the trait without symptoms are perfect specimens to track.

In conjunction with getting permission to use their blood to advance a cure for blood rage, they also hope to start their own scion, successfully creating a new family line so Baldwin will no longer be able to control them.

The man who needed persuading was Ransome. He's the leader of the New Orlean vampires and was personally affected by the damage Matthew did to other blood rage vampires.

Miriam: New Orleans was never going to be easy. What Matthew did there, it was carnage. It ripped Marcus’s family apart.

Chris: But you can’t choose your family, right?

Miriam: Well, that’s not strictly true for vampires. You just have to live with your choices for a long time.

_{🔗 permalink: Well, that’s not strictly true for vampires. You just have to live with your choices for a…}

It was never going to be easy to have a conversation with him, but Matthew toting along his blood rage son just rubbed salt in their wounds.

Jack is very sweet, and once Ransome met him, he seemed to consider that Matthew could have changed. But changing wasn't enough, and it never would be.

Marcus: Matthew is trying to find another way, and that starts with a cure to blood rage. You can help us figure out why you and I aren’t afflicted. You can’t change what’s already happened.

Ransom: But he can own it, Marcus! Just by being here, he’s opening wounds that have barely had a chance to heal. I’m glad Matthew’s found his conscience, but I can’t help thinkin’ it’s a couple centuries too late.

_{🔗 permalink: But he can own it, Marcus! Just by being here, he’s opening wounds that have barely had a…}

Nobody knew how deeply affected Matthew was by all that he did to eradicate others like him. It was as if Ransome and the others dared him to prove he was heartless.

Instead, Matthew did the opposite.

Ransome dared Matthew to forget even one name of those he killed, but Matthew had them all etched on his brain. He knew their names, what they enjoyed in life, their talents, and who loved them.

And he knew exactly where each one was killed and how he did it.

Matthew: I believe that we should live with truth and hope, not fear.

Ransom: Pretty words, the last thing we need.

Matthew: Tell me what you do need.

Ransom: Remorse, Matthew! If I could just believe for one second that you comprehend what we lost.

Matthew: I am sorry for what happened

Ransom: NO!! It didn’t happen to us! It was done to us! Now, if you can’t understand that.

Matthew: Malachi Smith. Friendly, big smile. He was walking down Bourbon Street. He stopped for a cigarette, and I killed him. Suzette Boudreaux. Beautiful blonde hair. Spoke immaculate French. I pretended to be lost. She gave me directions. And I killed her. Sun Gren LaChalet. She would often visit the San Luis Cemetery. Someone she cared about was laid to rest there. And on a rainy Sunday afternoon, that’s where I killed her.

_{🔗 permalink: Malachi Smith. Friendly, big smile. He was walking down Bourbon Street. He stopped for a…}

We only saw the beginning and the very end of Matthew's atonement, but making amends would be just as cathartic for him as it was for the loved ones of those he killed.

Matthew has allowed those dark days to paint himself as a villain, not deserving of deep love. But meeting Diana and finding that connection and with children on the way, he was finally able to cleanse himself of that darkness so he could begin fresh.

It's all those left behind ever wanted to hear, but until he accepted what he had done and why, it wasn't a gift he could afford them.

His redemption opens new possibilities. They've got allies and family again that they've not had in centuries. With this new lease on life, Matthew will have the strength he needs to define a new future, unlike the compartmentalized and suspicious past they've endured.

The babies will be here any day, and this family will need all of its strength to protect them. Satu is eyeing battle with Diana for supremacy, and she's got Benjamin at the ready.

The Congregation isn't going to stand for the creation of a scion, and they'll no doubt cause a ruckus. But the planets are aligning for the side of good and love to win.

What did you think of Matthew's moving tribute to those he killed?

I can't wait to hear from you, so please drop below and leave a note. We've got four more episodes, and that doesn't seem like enough time!!

The post A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 3 Review: Atonement appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Matthew and Diana are both tracking down very important components to the next phase of their plan.

For Matthew, that means trying to reconcile what he did to Marcus's family in New Orleans long ago.

For Diana, it means getting a line of the missing pages from the Book of Life.

Phoebe has been an incredible asset in this journey with her historical knowledge from her career in antiquities.

Phoebe has a keen instinct for honing in on historical artifacts, and in no time, she leads Diana to a significant clue.

Off to the British Library Diana goes, securing a manuscript that allows her to do her thing — before the watchful eye of the librarian, Diana conjures a spell that uncovers the manuscript's secrets.

Diana isn't seated for a minute before she gets antsy at the prospects of what's hidden in the manuscript.

Eyeing the librarian with a smile, she encases herself in a protective bubble that allows her to speak spells without interrupting the other patrons.

A Discovery of Witches comes alive when Diana is practicing magic, and this scene is reminiscent of where it all began during A Discovery of Witches Season 1 when Diana first came in contact with Ashmole 782 and its dancing words changed her life forever.

This time, there isn't a hot vampire who finds himself inexplicably drawn to her, but securing the missing pages will secure her lifetime of happiness with her beloved Matthew and their unborn twins.

Dancing once more, the words speak to Diana in a language only they understand.

Diana manipulates the letters and words as if she's playing a skillful game of Jumble.

Soon, a single letter finds its way to her. It's an H.

Diana is left to decipher what it means and where that letter could lead.

What will Diana's magic uncover? All will be revealed during A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 3.

Matthew, too, will be working his own brand of magic as he works with Marcus and Jack to secure the support they need to form a scion. His job will be far more difficult than Diana's.

Now, take a look at how Diana makes an unremarkable library bend to her will.

Join us on Saturday morning, January 22 at 10/9c as we uncover a full review of the episode.

We'd love to hear what you think of the season so far.

Share your thoughts in the comments below.

The post A Discovery of Witches Sneak Peek: Diana’s Hunt for the Missing Pages Gains Traction! appeared first on TV Fanatic.

Ransome has made it clear that only one of them will walk away, and Matthew doesn't take kindly to that threat. Geraldine doesn't care. They all still hold against Matthew what he did to their brothers and sisters.

Ransome was there for them when they discovered the bodies and dug the graves.

Marcus calls Celine about a seat at the table tonight while Matthew looks for Jack, who has gone missing again.

Matthew is searching for Jack in a graveyard. God. It's beautiful. He can hear Jack breathing heavily and grabs him, helping Jack to work through the rage.

Jack tried stopping it with the music and breathing, but it didn't work. Matthew is sure it will in time. Jack can't shake what Benjamin did to him and made him think of himself. Matthew blames Benjamin, not Jack. There's still hope for a cure.

Miriam can't reach Matthew, but Chris reminds her that they need more samples.

Phoebe is helping Diana find the missing pages while Sarah serves teas. The manuscript they need is in the British Library. Gallowglass will go along to protect her.

Ah. The table that Marcus joins is for a poker game.

Sarah gives Diana a pep talk. They miss Em.

Marcus learns that Ransome might see him but not Matthew. But bringing the devil back to town means that he might have missed that boat.

Diana gets the manuscript and, eluding the watchful eye of the librarian with a spell, she does another spell on the manuscript to get the names of those who have been in possession of the book.

She gets an H and believes it's Hubbard.

Hubbard has a business of some sort protecting witches by feeding on them. He says this fella has found a community with them and welcomes him to the flock.

Peter Knox is there to do some digging about Edward Kelly passing on a page from a book to someone he called an angel of death and an angel of life. Knox thinks Kelly meant Hubbard for the work he did rescuing people from the plague.

Knox pulls a weapon on Hubbard, and Hubbard shows his strength, sending Knox on his way.

Sarah wants to go home. Orlando assures her that's the worst possible thing for her now. She's adamant.

Gallowglass doesn't think it's a good idea. Sarah thinks she's not needed and should get out of her way. Gallowglass knows that Diana has always gone to Sarah and Em, and Sarah wants to know how he knows what she's done. But the bottom line is that Diana needs her.

Diana visits Hubbard for the page. He won't give it to her any more than he wanted to give it to Hubbard. She explains how Know and Gerbert both think that the book will help their species.

After a short chat, Hubbard gives Diana the page with the hope she will not betray his trust.

Jack has been drawing for hours. Matthew looks over the drawings, which are the faces that he killed. Matthew is happy Jack knows how to honor them in a way Matthew has never been able to do.

Marcus and Phoebe check in. She would like to be immortal, and they will talk about it. She wants him to be careful.

Marcus meets with Ransome, who worries they're going to be Matthew's sacrificial lambs again. Marcus says the scion is so that they don't run into that again.

Ransome is passionate and unsure, but he's not outwardly saying no.

In the cemetery, Jack hears something and gets up to investigate. He's met by Ransom, who realizes that Jack's the blood rage vampire Baldwin wants dead.

When Jack relays to Matthew and Marcus what's happening, Marcus gets a message that Ransome wants to meet.

Diana, Phoebe, and Sarah consider that the last page might have been kept safe with a demon.

Phoebe pins down a page that was auctioned to TJ Weston that fits the bill.

Matthew leaves for his meeting, leaving Marcus worrying in his wake.

Benjamin is relaying to Gerbert that Diana is pregnant with twins, marveling that she's truly a powerful wish.

Matthew meets Ransome, who has a posse there. Ransome says The Congregation rules say Ransome has to kill Jack for being the blood rage killer.

When Ransome demands to know that Matthew understands what he did, Matthew begins listing the names of those he killed and what made them special. The last person he lists was Ransome's mate. It's her face he sees the most, but they all come back to him and he can't change it. But he is sorry.

Ransome puts out his hand. They'll join his scion.

Matthew calls Diana with news of their support. She shares that they have two pages, and there is another in their sights.

Matthew apologizes to Marcus.

Benjamin visits Satu. He wants to get in the middle of her feud with Diana, but she says that meeting will be between her and Diana alone.

The post A Discovery of Witches Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: Atonement appeared first on TV Fanatic.