In Illuminated, Teen Wolf has given us an episode that is difficult to criticize. Intricately weaving the various plot threads together, to the backdrop of a stunningly staged and filmed episode, with even more stunning music choices, this episode was Teen Wolf in its finest form.
It is the party itself that is the most spectacular element of the episode. From intricately designed body paint, to music employed by Bloody Beetroots (and on the music theme, a dubstep remix of the theme song that works surprisingly well) everything is a mesmerising assault on the senses. It is at this party, also, where the stakes are raised for all our characters. Out of the shadows come the masked men, at first attacking Ethan, and later Lydia in a horrific fashion,forcing her silent so that she cannot use her banshee scream to call for the pack’s help. They mark them both, and Isaac previously, with a number 5 behind the ear. Meanwhile, Derek is unaware of what is happening at his loft, as he is also being attacked and branded outside. Before this, however, Tyler Hoechlin is finally allowed to give Derek a short comedy scene with three trick-or-treaters. It is refreshing to see Derek do something other than scowl or lose fights. When Derek eventually gets home, he hilariously throws the DJ table to the ground, before the masked men attack again, this time getting Aidan and almost Kira, who seems to be their ultimate target. With all the lead characters finally reunited, these story threads should continue to interweave, in brilliant fashion.
While all the actors are on top form, credit must be given to creator Jeff Davis and director Russell Mulcahy on what is an excellently crafted and shot episode. Teen Wolf is often criticized for plot inconsistencies and underdeveloped characterisation, but in Illuminated, Davis seems sure of the direction his plot and characters are heading in. Mulcahy remains on typically good form, with stunning visuals, and drawing out strong performances from his cast, from Daniel Sharman’s excellent moment as a traumatised Isaac, to Holland Roden’s sheer terror as Lydia loses her voice, to Arden Cho giving Kira an instant likability. With any hope, Teen Wolf will continue to build on these strengths in the episodes to come, as Illuminated is as close to perfect that Teen Wolf has come in quite a while.