In the third episode of “American Primeval,” some storylines begin to diverge, while others intertwine. Initially, Jacob and Abish are as far apart as they’ve ever been, with Abish trying to flee the Wolf Clan camp in the opening scenes, only to be halted by Red Feather. Meanwhile, Jacob remains steadfast in his conviction that Abish is still alive and their reunion is imminent, despite growing doubts about God’s intentions in keeping them apart. However, the arrival of Virgil and his companions, along with a wanted poster featuring Sara’s image, causes both Jacob and Virgil to redirect their searches for the time being.

As a film aficionado, I’ve been following the story closely, and while Jacob claims Sara was killed during the massacre, I know differently due to my own encounter with her. This revelation piques Wolsey’s interest, as it means there might be another survivor of the attack out there. It seems this clean-up operation is far from over! Yet, Wolsey sees a potential opportunity in this fresh development. He offers Virgil $200 for bringing Jacob and Brother Cook on board to join the search. With that, we’re headed to Crooks Springs – a challenging journey if there ever was one. For Brother Cook, it could be even tougher: Wolsey has instructed him to eliminate Sara and her child if they are found.

In the midst of their arduous journey, Sara implores Isaac to allow them to construct a larger fire to prevent everyone from freezing. However, they can’t spare the luxury of a big fire, Isaac informs them, instead leading Devin away to find an alternative – heating rocks. As they gather suitable rocks, Devin inquires about the scars on his hands and his past, receiving brief responses for both. Yet, he does get some answers. When Abbey queries about the medication Isaac uses, she is met with more questions instead. Despite her attempts to respond without disclosing too much, it becomes apparent that Devin’s father, whom she claims has a gold mine and is prosperous, isn’t aware of their arrival (and might not even know about Devin). She’s traveled such a distance in the hope that he will offer them shelter. It’s a long shot, Sara tells him, “If you were a parent yourself, you’d understand.” If she doesn’t sense that she’s struck a chord at that moment, it must be very late near their campsite.

Their problems don’t vanish with the break of day. As they prepare to depart, a young girl carrying a doll shows up. Isaac tries to dismiss her, but he’s moved by kindness, so Sara gives her a hug. The girl speaks French, and “papa” is easily understood, which leads them towards her camp. However, this turns out to be a questionable decision. Upon arriving at the camp, they initially meet an old woman and a man who persuades them to stay for some soup. Before long, more members of the French-speaking group join them, brandishing weapons that indicate Isaac, Sara, and the children may not be leaving anytime soon. (It seems doubtful whether they’ll even receive any soup.)

At Fort Bridger, Jim Bridger is in the midst of purchasing pigs when Brigham Young unexpectedly drops by. Despite his position as governor, Young has to engage with Bridger through a window for their private discussion, which takes place in a room that serves double duty as an office and storage area. Over a drink of whiskey (which Young refrains from), they discuss the day’s events, but not before Bridger playfully teases Young about his collection of wives. Young explains that some of these women he considers more like mothers than spouses, to which Bridger quips, “That adds an unexpected perspective; I’m not sure even the finest ladies here could manage such a dynamic.

Later on, they start discussing important matters. Young expresses interest in purchasing Fort Bridger. However, Bridger mentions, so does the army. Curious about why Bridger established the fort initially, he is asked. In response, Bridger shares his backstory: he sought refuge from pursuing bears and Blackfoot tribe members and found a secure spot. Ever since, it has been known by that name and he shows no signs of selling, unless Young offers a price he deems reasonable. This stance seems resolute, but Bridger acknowledges it as merely a posture as the Mormons depart. “I think,” he tells his companion, “we should grab a drink while we still have the chance.

Over the course of the day, the situation within the French-Canadian camp becomes increasingly horrific. The show’s most disturbing moment yet occurs when the camp leader assaults Sara while an old woman looks on with glee. This ordeal appears to have had a profound effect on Isaac, who vows to teach Devin how to fish if he remains strong, “just like your mother.” When Sara is taken away for another attack, Isaac becomes enraged. This happens just as Two Moons arrives with a flaming branch, providing an opportunity for Sara to seize a gun and retaliate against their captors. She does so swiftly, sparing the old woman only because she runs out of ammunition. In the aftermath, Sara refuses Isaac’s comforting words and berates herself for putting Devin in danger. Only Two Moons’ silent understanding between two women who have survived seems to offer Sara any solace.

During this time, Wolsey encounters Dellinger out on the open plains. When Dellinger queries Wolsey about the Mountain Meadows Massacre, Wolsey becomes confrontational. The deceased were Mormons, and according to Wolsey, it was Red Feather and Wolf Clan who orchestrated the attack. This allegation is supported by a witness named Jacob. Even though Jacob is no longer alive, Dellinger’s suggestions that white assailants were involved, specifically those in the same racial group as Wolsey, are still highly offensive. If Dellinger remains skeptical, he can venture to Cedar Falls and speak with Jacob himself, provided Wolf Clan doesn’t ambush him first. However, Dellinger sees through Wolsey’s bluster, causing Wolsey and his companions to depart angrily. To ensure all aspects are investigated, Dellinger dispatches scouts to locate Red Feather for his perspective on the matter. Unfortunately, this mission ends tragically when Red Feather and his men ambush the scouts in a sudden attack, leaving only one survivor who later leads them to Red Feather’s location.

It’s not just Sara, Isaac, and Devin who are being held captive at Red Feather’s camp. Abish has chosen to speak up and demand the return of a locket taken by Red Feather. Despite her spirited nature, it doesn’t seem to be well-received immediately. Her situation is different from that of Sara and others, as she experiences both rough treatment but also attempts to assimilate her into Wolf Camp life. In contrast, Tilly (Kyle Davis) employs tales of rape and torture to torment Jacob due to his persistent hymn singing. Abish is there against her will, yet she encounters a mix of harshness and integration. Her expression when accompanying Red Feather to Winter Bird’s camp hints that Wolf Clan life may not be what she anticipated, and perhaps it might not be all bad.

Jacob persists in trying to save her, even though it means associating with unsavory characters. However, while Tilly continues to act unkindly, it’s Cook who eventually begins to understand the truth: the pocket watch Cook now wears was last seen in the possession of a deceased person during the massacre, when Jacob last saw it.

Bullets and Arrowheads

In the midst of such destruction, Devin and Two Moons develop a heartwarming bond. Whether it will endure remains uncertain, for this story unfolds in a harsh realm where even acts of compassion may bring heavy consequences.

In the third installment, events unfold similar to those in the second, where Sara, underestimating the complexity of the situation, finds herself and her group in trouble. Two Moons plays a crucial role in rescuing them all. However, by the end of the episode, Sara seems significantly altered from her initial self. We’re yet to learn the specifics about why she’s on the run, but it’s likely she resorted to violence for survival and to shield Devin. Initially, she may have believed this was a one-time occurrence. But the happenings of the third episode suggest otherwise, hinting at more turbulent times for Sara in the future.

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2025-01-09 20:54