Scott McCall, the everyman-turned-werewolf of Beacon Hills, endures a long and arduous journey to achieve True Alpha status. He doesn’t inherit the power through a bite or a kill; he earns it through his unwavering strength of character, specifically during the Season 3 finale, “Divine Move“.
Understanding the True Alpha
The True Alpha is a rare and exceptionally powerful werewolf. Unlike regular Alphas who attain their position through killing another Alpha or being born into the role, a True Alpha rises through sheer force of will, compassion, and integrity. This ascension is not about power grabs; it’s about demonstrating unwavering heroism and selfless leadership. Scott’s journey to this point is fraught with challenges, ethical dilemmas, and constant battles against external and internal threats. He becomes a True Alpha because he chooses to be, repeatedly placing the safety and well-being of others above his own desires and ambitions. The final catalyst comes in the intense showdown against the Oni and the Nogitsune.
The Critical Moment: Facing the Nogitsune
The episode “Divine Move” presents Scott with his ultimate test. The Nogitsune, a Void Kitsune feeding on chaos and pain, has manipulated events to tear Beacon Hills apart. Scott, along with his pack, faces seemingly insurmountable odds. The Nogitsune’s influence has turned allies against each other, and the town is spiraling into despair.
The key to Scott’s ascension lies in his unwavering belief in his friends and his refusal to succumb to the Nogitsune’s despair. Even when faced with betrayal and the apparent loss of control, Scott holds firm to his values. He understands that the only way to defeat the Nogitsune is not through brute force, but through breaking the game it’s playing – by choosing a different path.
The pivotal moment arrives when Scott recognizes that the Nogitsune thrives on pain. Rather than succumbing to the despair the villain is trying to inflict, Scott absorbs the pain of others, essentially “stealing” the Nogitsune’s power source. This act of selfless sacrifice, absorbing the suffering of his friends and the town, is what pushes him over the edge. It solidifies his moral standing and proves he is worthy of the immense power that comes with being a True Alpha. He embodies the qualities that separate a True Alpha from a regular one: selfless courage and a steadfast commitment to good.
The Aftermath: Recognizing the Change
While the visual transformation of Scott becoming a True Alpha isn’t as dramatic as a typical Alpha shift, there are subtle indicators. The most significant evidence lies in the increasing power and influence Scott wields over his pack and the supernatural forces around him. His roar becomes more powerful, his control over his shifting more refined, and his ability to inspire loyalty and courage in others is amplified. He starts exhibiting an aura of authority and respect even seasoned Alpha werewolves acknowledge.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Scott’s Ascension
H2 Frequently Asked Questions
These FAQs are designed to answer common questions surrounding Scott McCall’s journey to becoming a True Alpha, providing a comprehensive understanding of this pivotal moment in the series.
H3 Q1: What exactly is a True Alpha?
A True Alpha is a werewolf who attains Alpha status not by killing another Alpha or being born into it, but by the strength of their character, willpower, and inherent goodness. They possess a strong moral compass, unwavering courage, and a deep-seated desire to protect others. This makes them significantly more powerful than a regular Alpha.
H3 Q2: Are there any other True Alphas in the Teen Wolf universe?
The show strongly suggests that True Alphas are extremely rare. While there’s no definitive statement confirming Scott as the only True Alpha, his case is presented as a unique and exceptional occurrence. No other True Alphas are explicitly mentioned or depicted in the series.
H3 Q3: What were the specific challenges Scott faced that contributed to him becoming a True Alpha?
Scott faced numerous trials, including: controlling his transformations, protecting his loved ones from supernatural threats, resisting the power of the Alpha spark when initially bitten, confronting morally ambiguous choices, and consistently choosing the path of compassion and self-sacrifice. He had to demonstrate these attributes not once, but repeatedly, over a considerable amount of time.
H3 Q4: Did Peter Hale’s actions (biting Scott) ultimately help him become a True Alpha?
Indirectly, yes. While Peter Hale’s bite initially turned Scott into a werewolf, it was Scott’s reaction to that event, and his choices in the aftermath, that paved the way for his ascension. Peter’s bite was merely the catalyst; Scott’s character determined his ultimate destiny. The bite gave him powers he later used for good, and the subsequent struggles to control those powers forged the strong will required of a True Alpha.
H3 Q5: How did the Nogitsune’s influence specifically test Scott’s worthiness?
The Nogitsune directly targeted Scott’s core values, manipulating situations to force him to choose between saving himself and saving others. It created scenarios designed to break Scott’s spirit and lead him down a path of darkness. Scott’s repeated refusal to compromise his moral principles, even when faced with seemingly impossible choices, ultimately proved his worthiness.
H3 Q6: Is there a visible “shift” when Scott becomes a True Alpha?
Unlike a traditional Alpha shift with glowing red eyes and enhanced features, Scott’s transformation into a True Alpha is more subtle. The primary indication is a noticeable increase in his power, confidence, and the overall aura of his presence. His red eyes, signifying Alpha status, become more intense and his influence over his pack amplifies.
H3 Q7: What are the specific powers a True Alpha possesses that a regular Alpha might not?
True Alphas possess enhanced versions of the standard Alpha abilities. This includes amplified strength, speed, healing, and heightened senses. More importantly, they possess a stronger connection to their pack, an ability to inspire unwavering loyalty, and a greater resistance to manipulation by supernatural forces. The aura of a True Alpha is also said to be significantly more potent.
H3 Q8: Did Scott’s developing relationship with Allison Argent play a role in his transformation?
While not a direct cause, Allison’s influence on Scott’s moral compass and her consistent support certainly contributed to his journey. Her unwavering belief in him, even when he doubted himself, strengthened his resolve and helped him stay true to his values. She acted as an anchor for him, reminding him of the importance of protecting the innocent.
H3 Q9: Could Scott have become a True Alpha earlier in the series?
It’s unlikely. While Scott demonstrated admirable qualities throughout the earlier seasons, he lacked the maturity, experience, and the sheer volume of sacrifices needed to reach True Alpha status. The events of Season 3, in particular, served as a crucible, forging him into the leader he needed to become. He needed to confront and overcome significant threats to prove his unwavering devotion to good.
H3 Q10: Does Scott’s True Alpha status ever wane or diminish throughout the series?
While Scott faces further challenges and moments of doubt, his True Alpha status remains consistent. He continues to embody the qualities that earned him the title, and his power and influence remain unwavering. Although new threats continue to emerge, his inherent status as a True Alpha does not diminish.
H3 Q11: Does being a True Alpha make Scott invincible?
Absolutely not. While his True Alpha status grants him enhanced abilities and resilience, Scott remains vulnerable. He can still be injured, manipulated, and even defeated. The series emphasizes that his strength lies not in invincibility, but in his ability to rally his pack and persevere even in the face of overwhelming odds. He’s powerful, but not impervious.
H3 Q12: What is the lasting impact of Scott becoming a True Alpha on Beacon Hills and the broader supernatural community?
Scott’s ascension to True Alpha status establishes him as a symbol of hope and protection in Beacon Hills. He becomes a beacon for other supernatural creatures, attracting both allies and enemies. His leadership sets a new standard for how Alphas should behave, inspiring other werewolves and supernatural beings to strive for a more just and compassionate world. The fact that he earned his title through pure will sets him apart and adds a unique and positive influence to the supernatural hierarchy.