S01.E06: Up Is Down

[ursula]

1 hour ago, Scarlett45 said:

But you know what they say about absolute power corrupting absolutely. 

Alder can't have absolute power. She's as bound by the Accords as every other witch.

 

1 hour ago, Scarlett45 said:

I don’t think anyone watching this show assumes the military is full of benevolent witches who do no wrong

The whole idea of the Salem Accords hinges on making US civilians believe in the intrinsic benevolence of the witch military. That General Alder would never take that army and use it against civilians. And we already see that image cracking (when Tally is confronted by a man who says that soldiers aren't any different from the Spree)... That's why the Spree are so dangerous for the military - they threaten that picture of "witches are good who will never turn their magic against us". I believe the show will eventually get to the point where the military realizes that the Spree aren't their enemy and that they can aim for higher than trading their lives for indentured service. 

Edited April 27, 2020 by ursula

[Scarlett45]

On 4/27/2020 at 2:30 PM, ursula said:

The whole idea of the Salem Accords hinges on making US civilians believe in the intrinsic benevolence of the witch military. That General Alder would never take that army and use it against civilians.

Yeah that’s the narrative that the universe is presenting to civilians, but I don’t think the Audience is supposed to see it that way. Like you said, a random Joe Schmoe on the street said “witches are doing this”. 
 

I also think there’s the global idea that if one country has utilized an exclusive witch military then it behooved (Spelling) the other counties to do the same, as one country sending non-magical people to fight up against magical people would be at a disadvantage. That idea also keeps witches killing each other and not non magical people.....ummmhmm. 
 

It kind of reminds me of the concept of Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer- “deviation from the norm will be mocked (or used as an excuse for persecution) unless it’s found to be exploitable”. 
 

I am really enjoying the discussion we are having here on this board. 
 

PS- I think Alder has the closest amount of absolute power we have seen in this society. She’s a permanent head of the military, with eternal life and youth, with x number of witches across the nation under her command. She’s also got young witches willing to give their youth up to serve as her battery. She’s been doing this for almost 400years. Again, I’m not saying the woman hasn’t fought in battles, or she wasn’t a good leader at one point, but she is sitting very pretty at this point and unlike other politicians she has no pressure to try and get re-elected. It seems her word has been law in the military and only now do we have other high ranking leaders questioning her in a way that might threaten her power. 

[ElectricBoogaloo]

General Alder Visits Scylla In Prison

Raelle Finds Out Scylla Is Dead

Raelle Demonstrates Salva Flying To The Unit

 

[DearEvette]

I just started watching this show and this episode has crystallized my intense dislike of Raelle.  The fact that Anacostia hasn't snatched her bald for her insubordination by now is puzzling.