Welcome to the fifth episode of The Power, where we witness the tightening grip of Carpathia on women with powers.
In this episode entitled “Scarlet Minnow,” we see some intriguing developments as Tatiana and Zoia navigate the dangers of living in a society hostile towards women with power.
The episode also delves into the ethics of scientific experimentation, the antifeminist backlash, and the complexities of embracing newfound power.
Overview
The episode opens with Carpathia continuing its crackdown on women and girls with power. Tatiana, one of the central characters, faces the government’s wrath as all but one female servant has been taken away from her. In a flashback, we learn how Tatiana was forced into marrying a finance minister who later became the President of Carpathia.
As Tatiana struggles to keep her power a secret, Margot takes on the role of the face of a movement. Meanwhile, Rob stumbles upon confidential documents that reveal new organ research being conducted on girls without their consent.
Recap
In this episode, Zoia, Tatiana’s younger sister, plans to help the girls with powers. President Moskalev invites scientists to examine a skein from one of the killed girls. The episode also shows Margot receiving threats ever since she went public about the power, with an anonymous streaming persona, Urban Dox, rallying men to target her. Rob catches their son watching Urban Dox’s videos, indicating the rise of the antifeminist rhetoric.
Rob is made aware of the new organ research being conducted unethically by the government to create a medical suppressant for women who don’t want their powers. He shares this information with Margot, but they disagree on how to use it. Rob calls his old friend Declan to leak confidential documents to everyone at a party. The anonymous source is credited as “The Scarlet Minnow.”
In Carpathia, Tatiana fails to get power from another girl. At the same time, Zoia and other imprisoned women enact their plan to receive power, inspired by the women in Saudi Arabia.
Review
This episode of The Power raises some critical issues surrounding the global shift in power dynamics. The show highlights how not all women may want their new power and the ethical implications of scientific experimentation. The antifeminist backlash by an anonymous streamer is a realistic scenario, and this episode delves into that.
However, the show could have explored more in-depth how women and girls might resist embracing their newfound power. It would have been fascinating to see the impact on women with different backgrounds, beliefs, and values. Regardless, this episode of The Power does a fantastic job setting up the stage for the remaining episodes.
FAQ
What is “The Power”?
“The Power” is a science fiction television series premiered on Amazon Prime Video in 2021. It is based on the novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman and is set in a world where women suddenly gain the ability to generate electrical power.
What happens in Season 1, Episode 5 of “The Power”?
In Season 1 Episode 5 of “The Power,” titled “Scarlet Minnow,” Carpathia further cracks down on women and girls’ use of power. Margot adapts to becoming the new face of a movement, while Rob learns of research on the new organ from Carpathia. Meanwhile, Zoia and other imprisoned women enact their plan to receive power.
Is “The Power” based on a book?
Yes, “The Power” is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Naomi Alderman.
Where can I watch “The Power”?
“The Power” is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Who stars in “The Power”?
“The Power” stars a cast that includes Leslie Mann, Auli’i Cravalho, and John Leguizamo, among others.
