Unveiling The Mysterious Wise Ones in The Changeling Episode 3: Is Cal Among Them?

Warning: This article contains spoilers for Apple TV+'s The Changeling.

Summary

The third episode of The Changeling concludes with a thrilling cliffhanger, leaving viewers intrigued about the "The Wise Ones" and their association with a woman called Cal.

Emma's association with "The Wise Ones" hints at her possible involvement in a witchcraft cult, yet it is important to note that "The Wise Ones" actually refers to ancient English practitioners of witchcraft.

Apollo discovers evidence that validates Emma's claims, leading him to believe that her actions were driven by a desire to protect her family. This discovery raises the possibility that Baby Brian may still be alive. As episode 3 of The Changeling comes to a close, it leaves the audience with unanswered questions about the identity of "The Wise Ones" and the connection between a woman named Cal and them. The opening moments of The Changeling resemble a fairytale, as Apollo persistently asks Emma out until they finally go on a date. However, the tone shifts drastically when Emma returns from her trip to Brazil with a red string tied around her wrist. She recounts encountering a mysterious woman who claimed that three wishes would be granted if the red string were to come loose.

Emma's first two desires, a spouse and a child, come true once Apollo severs the string. However, she quickly suspects that her baby is not truly her own and reaches out to a Facebook group known as "The Wise Ones" for assistance. While Apollo attributes his wife's behavior to postpartum stress, Emma devises a sinister scheme to eliminate her own child. Following the execution of her plan, she disappears, prompting Apollo to embark on a quest for answers that ultimately leads him to "The Wise Ones" in the climactic conclusion of The Changeling episode 3. Although the episode refrains from divulging much about the group, it fosters an atmosphere of speculation and intrigue.

The Changeling's "The Wise Ones" Connects To Real Folklore

As Apollo delves into the lore of "The Wise Ones" during the concluding moments of Episode 3 of The Changeling, he discovers that it signifies witches, leading him to suspect that his wife, Emma, somehow became entangled in a witchcraft cult. While the episode's ending implies that Emma's involvement in witchcraft corrupted her and compelled her to commit infanticide, the term "The Wise Ones" and its etymology suggest that there could be more to Emma's motives than meets the eye. In archaic English, the terms "Wicca" and "Wicce" were frequently employed to describe individuals practicing witchcraft.

Contrary to contemporary times, where witchcraft often carries negative connotations, the practitioners of "Wicca" were known as "The Wise Ones" due to their focus on the reverence of nature and its natural cycles. These early connotations imply that the witches, or "The Wise Ones," depicted in The Changeling may not be as malevolent as they appear. The show's title, The Changeling, suggests that Baby Brian may have been substituted with an evil supernatural entity, and Emma's actions were based on logic. The Wise Ones, led by the enigmatic Cal, likely aided and encouraged Emma to eliminate Brian's replacement, even though it may have appeared morally wrong.

In the climactic segment of episode 3 of The Changeling, Apollo (portrayed by LaKeith Stanfield) discovers another woman who shares similar experiences to his wife. This woman substantiates her claims of being spied upon by presenting evidence in the form of printouts showcasing the same vanishing text messages that Emma had been receiving. This substantiates that Emma's fears were not unfounded and that she likely acted in defense of her family rather than seeking its destruction.

The Wise Ones Reveal Hints At What Happened To Emma In The Changeling

The Changeling Episode 3's Ending Means Baby Brian May Still Be Alive

The Wise Ones imply in the final scenes of The Changeling that Emma, after committing the crime, likely went into hiding with Cal and other witches. Although the series hasn't yet disclosed their exact location, it can be assumed that they reside in a secluded place, far from society. In the upcoming episodes, Apollo will endeavor to trace their whereabouts and uncover the truth behind his wife's actions and her ultimate fate. Through this relentless search, not only will he unravel his wife's hidden motives, but he will also come to realize that history often repeats itself, as his present situation seems intricately linked to his past experiences with his father.

In the ancient folklore of changeling legends, an otherworldly creature such as a troll, goblin, or fairy would exchange a human infant with one of their own. Apple TV+'s The Changeling appears to depict a similar occurrence, both literally and symbolically. Symbolically, the concept of the changeling serves as a narrative tool to emphasize how Apollo must confront the harsh realities of fatherhood before proving himself deserving of his child's return. From the outset of his relationship with Emma, Apollo consistently expressed his desire to be a devoted father and husband.

Although he always had good intentions, his flashbacks indicate a lack of positive paternal influence in his life. Therefore, in order to be a responsible father to his child, he needs to overcome his past, acknowledge the impact of his father's absence, and embark on a journey of personal development. This quest to locate his son and wife will likely provoke transformative changes within him, leading to emotional healing before he can reclaim baby Brian. While the fate and location of the real baby Brian remain uncertain in The Changeling, there is a strong possibility that he is alive, and if things go well, Apollo will successfully rescue him.