Teen Wolf, S4 Ep11 – A Promise to the Dead

“A Promise to the Dead” showcased some impressive story twists, but it wasn’t all golden.  Instead of building steadily to a climax, this episode ended up being a bit of a pause.  Certain scenes gave the audience a slight breather, and that breather is not something to be sought after.  That’s not to say the character information they gave us wasn’t valuable.  Was it truly important at this point in the season, though?  A break in crucial action should be avoided at all costs.  Unfortunately, this installment was a lull in said crucial action.  It was enjoyable, but there were problems I couldn’t overlook.

Of course, the first issue that comes to mind is Liam.  Our newest werewolf is endearing and he gives us a completely new perspective with regards to the werewolf gang.  He’s the one who stands back and says, “Whoa, guys.  We turn into werewolves.  Freaky, right?”  His presence is key for the future integrity of Teen Wolf because he makes it seem real.  Liam is the voice of reason.  He believes the supernatural happenings they witness together are insane, and he also has the most potential for character growth due to that very same reason.  People love to watch a doubter become a believer.  Were his portions of the episode of the utmost importance?  No way.  His PTSD, though a vital part of his current state of mind, did not deserve the amount of screen time it was given with a season finale waiting in the wings.  It dominated much of the episode and it seemed out of place.  In comparison to the seriousness of the other events in “A Promise to the Dead,” his sections of the story seemed like filler.  I didn’t want that for Liam.  He deserved more.

Deaton’s actions were completely out of the blue.  He went on some sort of dream walkabout with the help of a three-eyed man.  I’m sorry, but it just had no place on the show.  Not that something like that couldn’t happen on Teen Wolf, but did the scenario make sense in the current time and place?  Was it appropriate for the vet to engage in wacky coma adventures this late in the game?  If that wasn’t bad enough, they then threw a man with three eyes at us and used him as a cheap plot device!  If they don’t turn him into a notable character, they will feel my fury.  When it comes to new character introductions, I strongly oppose the philosophy of use him and lose him.  Fix it, Teen Wolf!

However, his walkabout hinted at a startling, brilliant conclusion.  What a way to end an episode.  Berserker Scott: terrorizing a town near you!  Run away, Mexico!  He’s going to wreck all the days!  His True Alpha nature will either save or trap him.  As we all know, Scott has been going through a change lately.  It’s not the puberty one.  It’s the one where he wants to break necks.  Kate Argent does evil well.  Taking the golden boy and making him a monster?  Sure, the idea is stressful, but think of the awesome finale.  I AM READY FOR YOU, AWESOME FINALE.

As the second to last episode of the season, “A Promise to the Dead” had some redeeming qualities, but still left a lot to be desired.  If they had chosen to use their time in a wiser fashion, I believe it would have been a very different episode.  This installment was marginally satisfying, but it could have been better.  It should not have been used as a chance for them to expand upon storylines they had no business expanding at this juncture.  The finale will be done well, but this penultimate chapter lingered in areas of gray.