The best supernatural teen show on television returns in a mere seven days – so you all have time to catch up on season 4. If you need a refresh, here’s what happened: (If you haven’t watched “Teen Wolf,” scroll to the end and I’ll try to convince you to fix that.)
The supernaturals of Beacon Hills came under attack when their names were released with million-dollar values attached to them. The Pack managed to stay alive despite many professional killers attempting to dispatch them, AND foil the power-hungry plans of Kate and Peter. The Mute, The Chemist, The Orphans, berserkers, Brunski and that one stupid cop all came for them and ended up worse for it.
Where Are They?
Scott McCall: Has been coming into his True Alpha powers – with more strength and a few extra fangs. Had a run-in with Kate Argent that meant he became a berserker for a while, but was saved by his Beta, Liam. Still hasn’t killed anyone.
Stiles Stalinski: Held at gunpoint, again. Managed to help everyone solve a mystery or two and became the person to ultimately halt the deadpool and all the senseless killings of supernaturals.
Lydia Martin: Discovered more about her powers thanks to Meredith and her own grandma. Is learning to channel her abilities and become useful instead of constantly confused. Got to use a baseball bat against a berserker.
Kira Yukimura: Joined the lacrosse team! And became a real kitsune by earning her first tail. Took on assassins, berserkers and her parents threatening to move. And won.
Malia Tate/Hale: Learned who her father is, and learned how to control her powers. Is on the hunt for her mom, The Desert Wolf. Now tells people her favorite food is pizza, not deer.
Liam Dunbar: Became a werewolf, and conquered his anger issues. Realized he isn’t a fighter, suffered from PTSD, embraced the Buddhist mantra thanks to help from Derek and Stiles.
What Are They?
Jordan Parrish: Still no word on what Parrish actually is. We know he was called to Beacon Hills by the Nemeton, that he survived fire, has a talent diffusing bombs, looks young for his age, and only makes $40 thousand a year. What does it all point to?! #whatisparrish
Derek Hale: After totally dying, and coming back as a full wolf, Derek told Kate he was “evolving.” We know Peter was able to go full wolf back in season 1 when he was an Alpha, but what does it mean for Beta Derek? How will his badass girlfriend Braeden deal with it?
Best Episode: Weaponized
The season’s seventh episode, it is one of the most intense. While The Pack goes to take the PSAT at the school, an assassin called The Chemist infects them all with a strange illness that results in a visit from the CDC, and the school being quarantined. (Seriously, go back and watch this episode.)
Best Shipper Moments
Stalia: Malia explaining her highlighter method – which perfectly matches the colors of strings Stiles uses for solving mysteries. He looks at her with understanding, they kiss.
Stydia: Stiles and Lydia trapped in Eichen House, about to be murdered. He tells her to focus on the sound of his voice – the two of them see each other through another traumatizing moment.
Creature Count
If I’m getting this right, we saw a deadpool that included wendigos, werewolves, a werecoyote, a werejaguar, a kitsune and a banshee. We saw a guy with a third eye, which thus far doesn’t make much sense to me. Also on the deadpool: the name of my high school best friend Liz Moore. (#whatisliz)
What’s With “Teen Wolf?”
If you haven’t watched before, I still think there’s time to catch up. “Teen Wolf” is all the stuff you love about “The Vampire Diaries,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “Supernatural.” I was a skeptic myself, it being the brainchild of the same network that gave us “Punk’d,” but it has become one of my favorite shows.
It’s all about strength and loyalty and fighting together. The cast is quietly diverse and incredibly talented, with meaty roles for everyone involved. The show’s creator and writer, Jeff Davis, has steered it into a world of complex mythology and interesting creatures without becoming silly or sappy. It’s really a wild ride.