The Changeling Season 1 Recap: A Slow Demise

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Apple TV+’s The Changeling offers a spellbinding blend of fantasy, horror, and heartfelt drama. Through its eight-episode run, the series explored themes of love, loss, parenthood, and the supernatural in gripping fashion. Let’s get into the details of season 1!

Episode 1 – First Comes Love

Rating: 8.5/10

Episode 1 of The Changeling introduces a slow-burn setup, focusing on character development and subtle hints of the supernatural. LaKeith Stanfield and Clark Backo shine as Apollo and Emmy, whose chemistry feels natural despite their traumatic pasts. The plot teases fantasy and horror elements, particularly with Emmy’s trip to Brazil and her mysterious bracelet from a river lady.

The episode builds intrigue through its pacing, flashbacks, and philosophical narration, though it avoids diving too deeply into the main storyline. A promising start for a show poised to get much weirder.

Episode 2 – Then Comes a Baby in a Baby Carriage

Rating: 9.0/10

Episode 2 of The Changeling builds on the premiere with an emotionally charged narrative and eerie undertones. Emma’s unraveling postpartum struggles are powerfully portrayed by Clark Backo, while Apollo’s work and friendship with Patrice provide lighter moments.

The pacing is slower in the first half but pays off with a suspenseful and gripping ending. Strong performances, especially from Backo and narrator Victor Lavelle, enhance the supernatural mystery. Despite some dragging moments, the episode’s intense climax and atmosphere solidify the show’s momentum.

Episode 3 – *

Rating: 9.0/10

Episode 3 delivers a whirlwind of emotions, starting with an intense, violent opening that disrupts the creepy tone established in the first two episodes. The initial scenes are heavy but effective, setting a stark contrast to the slower, more reflective middle portion of the episode.

The pacing shifts after the opening, allowing for deeper character exploration, particularly for Apollo. His emotional journey following Emma’s attack is raw and well-written, showcasing how grief and trauma have reshaped him. LaKeith Stanfield gives a powerhouse performance, capturing Apollo’s complex emotional shifts with incredible range.

The introduction of William Wheeler (Samuel T. Herring) in the episode’s final moments adds intrigue. While William’s intentions are unclear, his peculiar behavior and unsettling vibe hint at larger mysteries to come.

Though the middle of the episode slows and edges toward monotony, the captivating opening and suspenseful ending compensate for the dip in energy. Episode 3 continues to build on the show’s intriguing narrative while deepening its emotional resonance, leaving viewers eager for what’s next.

Episode 4 – The Wise Ones

Rating: 8.5/10

Episode 4 slows down slightly compared to the previous episodes, with a shorter runtime and a more deliberate focus on character development. The dynamic between Apollo and William takes center stage, creating an intriguing tension as Apollo seeks answers and William hides secrets. Samuel T. Herring delivers a strong performance, capturing William’s odd, obsessive energy as he unravels his own grief.

The first half of the episode builds William’s backstory and sets up the Wild Ones, while the second half delivers the eerie, violent tone that defined the earlier episodes. The introduction of real magic—particularly the talking puppet—moves the series into new, exciting territory, confirming the supernatural elements hinted at so far.

Episode 5 – This Woman’s Work

Rating: 8.5/10

Episode 5 continues to expand on the show’s intricate world-building, with Brothers Island taking center stage as a hidden society full of intriguing details. The setting is visually stunning, from the lush Brazilian forests to the meticulously crafted island community. The episode underscores the recurring nature of Emma’s situation, adding depth to the story.

The episode’s ending stands out, delivering an intense and surprising twist that leaves viewers eager for what’s next. However, the frequent and fragmented flashbacks disrupt the flow of the storytelling. While the show benefits from its “show, don’t tell” approach, the choppiness detracts from the continuity of both past and present narratives.

Episode 6 – Aftermath

Rating: 8/10

Episode 6 takes a sharp turn in focus, shifting away from Apollo to explore Emma’s perspective. The episode excels in its storytelling approach, slowing the pace and filling in key gaps from previous episodes. The underground world beneath New York City is a visual and narrative highlight, showcasing the show’s detailed world-building, even if it plays a minor role in the overall story.

Clark Backo delivers a standout performance, portraying Emma’s emotional journey with nuance and depth. The episode redeems Emma’s character by offering a new perspective on her actions, making her more relatable and sympathetic.

However, the episode feels underwhelming compared to the packed content of earlier installments. The search for the tree, while essential to the plot, occupies much of the runtime without offering the same level of engagement as previous episodes.

Episode 7 – Stormy Weather

Rating: 4.5/10

Episode 7 marks a dramatic low point for The Changeling, unraveling much of the momentum built earlier in the season. While Adina Porter shines as Lillian, giving a stellar performance and adding depth to her character, the episode stumbles in nearly every other aspect. The reveal of Brian’s death at Lillian’s hands provides a surprising twist and some plot clarification, but the episode’s pacing, disjointed flashbacks, and lack of connection to the rest of the series drag it down.

Instead of delivering a gripping lead-in to the finale, Episode 7 is a confusing, slow-moving character study that feels misplaced and unnecessary this late in the season. Despite occasional strong visuals, it lacks the energy, tension, and cliffhanger quality fans have come to expect. At 55 minutes, the episode feels stretched thin, with minimal payoff.

Episode 8 – Battle of the Island

Rating: 6.5/10

Season 1 of The Changeling wraps up with a finale that improves on Episode 7, but feels rushed and underwhelming due to its short 30-minute runtime. LaKeith Stanfield continues to deliver a standout performance, carrying the show despite its shortcomings. While Episode 8 brings intrigue, solid visuals, and some fantasy world-building on the island, it lacks depth and leaves many plotlines unresolved.

The rushed pacing and lack of closure make the finale feel more like a teaser for Season 2 than a proper conclusion. Despite a strong start, the season’s latter half falters, leaving fans hoping any future installment will return to its earlier strengths.

Although the show started off hot, the last couple episodes left a sour taste in my mouth. We haven’t gotten any confirmation of season 2, but it’s clear the writers have more in the tank.