Malia Tate finally confronts and seemingly kills her mother, Corinne, also known as The Desert Wolf, in Season 5, Episode 18, titled “Maid of Gevaudan.” This episode marks a pivotal moment in Malia’s character arc, forcing her to confront her past and embrace her own identity.
The Anatomy of “Maid of Gevaudan”: Setting the Stage for the Showdown
The episode “Maid of Gevaudan” is more than just a simple confrontation; it’s the culmination of seasons of built-up tension and backstory. To understand the significance of Malia and the Desert Wolf’s encounter, we need to dissect the key elements that lead to it.
The Prequel: Contextualizing the Mother-Daughter Relationship
Malia’s complicated relationship with Corinne is rooted in abandonment and a murderous act. Corinne, a powerful werewolf, believing she couldn’t control Malia, attempted to kill her as a baby. This act resulted in a car crash that killed Malia’s adoptive family and left Malia as a werecoyote for many years, unaware of her past. This betrayal forms the core of their animosity.
The Threat: The Desert Wolf’s Agenda and Abilities
Corinne, driven by a complex mixture of ambition and perceived threat from her daughter, sought to eliminate Malia to regain her full powers. As The Desert Wolf, Corinne possesses enhanced strength, speed, and senses typical of a werewolf, but she is also a skilled hunter and strategist, making her a formidable opponent. Her motive is driven by a desire to reclaim her powers, believing Malia’s existence diminishes her own.
The Catalyst: Building Tension and Forging Alliances
Throughout the season, the tension between Malia and Corinne escalates, culminating in a series of confrontations and betrayals. Malia, alongside Scott and his pack, prepares for the inevitable showdown, strengthening her alliances and honing her skills. These preparations are crucial in giving her a fighting chance against her powerful mother.
The Confrontation: A Blow-by-Blow Account
The fight between Malia and Corinne is brutal and emotionally charged. Set against the backdrop of Eichen House, the encounter tests Malia’s physical and mental fortitude.
Eichen House: The Battleground
Choosing Eichen House as the setting is significant. This institution, known for its confinement and manipulation of supernatural beings, serves as a symbolic cage for both Malia and Corinne. The oppressive atmosphere amplifies the intensity of their conflict.
The Fight Itself: Power and Strategy
The fight is a whirlwind of claws, teeth, and raw power. Corinne initially holds the upper hand due to her experience and cunning. However, Malia relies on her instincts and the support of her pack, particularly Braeden, who plays a crucial role in the fight. The battle demonstrates not just physical prowess, but also strategic thinking and reliance on allies.
The Outcome: Resolution or Temporary Setback?
In the end, Malia, with Braeden’s help, manages to subdue Corinne, seemingly killing her by taking a portion of her power. This act is a significant turning point for Malia, allowing her to finally confront her past and claim her own identity. However, the aftermath raises questions about the true finality of Corinne’s demise.
FAQ: Delving Deeper into the Desert Wolf Saga
Here are some frequently asked questions about Malia and the Desert Wolf, to further clarify this crucial storyline.
FAQ 1: Why did Corinne try to kill Malia as a baby?
Corinne believed she couldn’t control Malia and feared her daughter would diminish her own power. She saw Malia as a threat and attempted to eliminate her to maintain her status and abilities as The Desert Wolf.
FAQ 2: What powers did The Desert Wolf possess?
The Desert Wolf possessed enhanced strength, speed, agility, and senses typical of a powerful werewolf. She was also a skilled hunter, strategist, and fighter, making her a formidable opponent.
FAQ 3: How did Malia become a werecoyote?
After surviving the car crash orchestrated by Corinne, Malia unconsciously transformed into a werecoyote, triggered by the trauma. She remained in this form for several years, unaware of her human identity and her connection to her mother.
FAQ 4: What role did Braeden play in Malia’s fight against Corinne?
Braeden, a mercenary with knowledge of the supernatural, trained Malia in combat and provided crucial assistance during the fight against The Desert Wolf. Her experience and skills were instrumental in helping Malia gain the upper hand.
FAQ 5: Did Malia truly kill The Desert Wolf in “Maid of Gevaudan”?
While it appeared Malia killed Corinne by taking a portion of her power, it’s important to note that Corinne survives. She is later seen imprisoned, indicating she did not die.
FAQ 6: What was the significance of the setting, Eichen House?
Eichen House, a mental institution known for housing and manipulating supernatural beings, symbolized the confinement and psychological manipulation both Malia and Corinne experienced. It amplified the intensity of their conflict.
FAQ 7: What motivated Corinne to reclaim her power from Malia?
Corinne believed that a portion of her power resided within Malia, and reclaiming it would restore her to her full strength and dominance. This fueled her relentless pursuit of her daughter.
FAQ 8: How did Scott McCall’s pack help Malia prepare for the fight?
Scott and his pack provided Malia with training, support, and a sense of belonging. They helped her develop her fighting skills and offered her the emotional strength she needed to face her mother.
FAQ 9: What were the consequences of Malia “killing” Corinne (initially believed to be final)?
Initially, Malia believed she had finally freed herself from her past and established her own identity. However, the realization that Corinne survived created further complications and unresolved issues.
FAQ 10: Did Malia gain any powers by taking a portion of Corinne’s power?
Yes, Malia gains enhanced abilities and control over her powers after taking a portion of Corinne’s power. It strengthens her connection to her werecoyote side and allows her to better defend herself.
FAQ 11: Why is the relationship between Malia and Corinne so complex?
The relationship is complex due to the history of abandonment, attempted murder, and the conflicting desires for power and connection. Corinne’s actions created a deep wound in Malia, making any possibility of reconciliation difficult.
FAQ 12: What happens to Corinne (The Desert Wolf) after her confrontation with Malia?
After her apparent defeat, Corinne is imprisoned, presumably by Argent and others aware of the supernatural. She remains a dangerous and unpredictable figure, even in confinement, showcasing her resilience and cunning. This is important as her story isn’t completely closed.