See season 3, episode 5 recap – “The House of Enlightenment”

This recap of the Apple TV+ series See season 3, episode 5 recap, “The House of Enlightenment,” contains spoilers.

READ: the review of See season 3.

At the end of the previous instalment, See promised an almighty battle between Baba Voss’ gang and Tormada’s army. Those expecting an explosive fight will be sorely disappointed though, as the show continues to build up expectations and then squander that momentum, seemingly delivering on none of that suspense. In “The House of Enlightenment”, Baba Voss’ team barricade themselves in, ready for a battle, whilst Tormada, Trovere and Harlan scheme on the outside.

See season 3, episode 5 recap

The episode opens with Lucien questioning Sibeth on her sudden arrival. She escaped her captors and roamed the woods only days earlier, but now she wants to reinstate herself as Queen, to lead this witch finder army into battle. Lucien is rightfully weary, stating that she has betrayed them before, what is to stop her doing the same again? Sibeth apologizes for causing them pain and suffering, but blames Maghra’s bewitchment for manipulating her decisions. She conducts a rather grand speech, declaring herself as their queen, ordained by God to rule over them. She wants to fight by their sides, ready for the ensuing war. Lucien’s army seem happy to oblige.

Meanwhile, Tormada’s army make themselves known, forcing Baba Voss’ people to barricade themselves inside Sheva’s home. Tormada is informed that many guards have been killed but the bombs are secure. Tormada asks to speak to his opposition and Sheva responds, then Ranger and finally Baba Voss. While this snappy conversation stalls, Captain Armagon is sent to find the sighted children, who have escaped. Tormada needs the sighted children to build these bombs, without them they cannot continue to construct the dangerous weapons to conquer empires.

Tormada attempts to play mind games with Baba Voss and they decide to prepare for battle instead of listening to his persuasive words any longer. The good guys line the floors with broken plates and set traps around the building. What follows is a blasé fight sequence as the unnamed soldiers enter the building and are silently picked off by Baba and Ranger. Sheva shoots a few with her gun, Haniwa uses her bow and arrow. Then Kofun electrocutes some of the soldiers in a flooded room. It’s an average battle that doesn’t feel at all inventive or inspiring as Baba’s team annihilate an army of soldiers with ease.

Sensing futility, Tormada leaves with his men and the precious bombs. Those that are still outside the building are then slain by Harlan’s secret army, led by Guntar. Trovere realizes the double crossing all too late and attacks Harlan. He regretfully kills Ambassador Trovere, only to be greeted by Baba’s own attack. Baba doesn’t trust Harlan and thinks he has sided with the enemy. In fact, Harlan bought them some more valuable time and was always on Pennsa’s defense.

The ending

Harlan suggests that they swiftly head back to Pennsa and raise the alarm. A war is coming and they don’t know if Maghra is prepared. Tormada has carts of bombs ready to utilize, no army could protect their city against that unholy attack at such short notice. Baba agrees with Harlan and then goes to burn down the building. Haniwa is heartbroken to see her father burning these halls of records, which contain centuries of knowledge. She goes to stop Baba, but Kofun stands in her way. The siblings fight and Haniwa even draws a gun on her brother. It’s an odd battle between the brother and sister, but another pointless one. The records are all but lost.

Haniwa apologizes to Sheva for the destruction of her home and the loss of such great riches. However, Sheva replies by stating that there are many more of these buildings throughout the world, insinuating that Haniwa should not lose faith just yet.

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You can watch this series with a subscription to Apple TV+.