All of the speculation and supposition and even the hints within Teen Wolf Season 3 Episode 23 didn't adequately prepare for the enormity of the death suffered on the series.
With swords actively slashing at Isaac as he fell to his knees, the woman he loved raised her bow with her newly minted silver arrowhead. And -- as Allison pulled back and released her bow, hitting her target to obliterate the army of Oni the Nogitsune was amassing -- one pierced her in the gut.
Allison Argent died in the arms of her first love.
It's OK. It's OK, it's OK. It's OK, it's perfect. I'm in the arms of my first love. The first person I ever loved. The person I'll always love. I love you, Scott. Scott McCall.
Allison
How did this happen?! Let's take a look back at the episode.
The hour started out hopeful. With Stiles separated from the Nogitsune he was verified by Noshiko's Oni army to be his true self. Stiles recalled something from Eichen House that helped immensely -- that someone who exhibited a lot of behaviors much like Lydia's was housed there. Perhaps she could help.
Coach had a chance to shine and rise up beyond being the dork of the school when he protected Meredith (the Eichen House Banshee) by standing up to old classmates. Did we know his name before tonight? Even so, he prefers Coach.
Noshiko was trying to teach Kira some new skills by playing the board game Go, where she was acting as the Nogitsune. While it made sense she was attempting to impart on Kira some sense of strategy, it hardly seemed like one game of Go was going to do the trick, especially after hearing everything additional Kira's dad added to the equation.
Scott learned the "secret" that had been kept from him and if that's all there is to it, all I can say is what a disappointment. On a show where werewolves and kanima are the norm, McCall is concerned because he dropped his son on his head as a toddler. What toddler doesn't fall on their head? It proves how out of touch McCall is with Scott that he thinks that's something that would shake Scott to his core.
1. Stiles Self is Revealed
The Oni mark Stiles as his true self, leaving many thankful. If only they knew how the day would end.
2. The Twins Were Attacked
In a scene that could have met the cutting room floor, the twins were attacked, needing Derek's help in "Insatiable."
3. Coach in Rare Form
Coach doesn't use the right words, but he comes through for his students in rather heroic fashion in "Insatiable."
4. Argent Teaching Allison
Argent prepares his daughter to learn more about the Argent legacy as hunters.
5. The Nogitsune Traps Lydia
With Lydia trapped, the Nogitsune reveals some of his plans to her. None of them are good.
6. Learning the Family Secrets
She didn't have much time to use them, but Argent taught his daughter how to make silver bullets and her own weapon of choice, arrowheads. They allowed her to die a hero.
7. Something's Not Right
As Allison examines her arrowhead against her father's bullet, she feels something is wrong. Whatever it is, it doesn't stop it from getting the job done.
8. Noshiko's Army
Noshiko comes looking for the Nogitsune with her army of Oni
9. Backup Arrives
Isaac, Kira and Allison arrive and are ready for battle. They didn't get a message from Lydia to stay away. She foresaw death.
10. Trading Places
With two Stiles the Nogitsune was able to break a Kitsune tail and trade places with Stiles, assuming control of Noshiko's Oni army.
11. Isaac Attacking an Oni
It was good to have Isaac back in fighting form, but he was no match form the Oni.
12. Kira Battling Oni
Kira is battling Oni that her mother created and over which the Nogitsune gained control.
13. Drawing her Bow
Allison has drawn her bow and is poised to strike an Oni. Will she hit her mark? Absolutely.
14. She Shot, She Scored
Allison killed an Oni with one of her newly minted silver arrowheads.
15. Certain Death
After taking out an Oni, Allison found herself a victim of one of the terrible beings now under the Nogitsune's control.
16. Lydia Screams as Allison Dies
Lydia knew someone would die and as Allison was taking her last breaths Lydia screamed her name in pain.
17. I Just Died In Your Arms Tonight
It sounds like a song, but Allison really did die in Scott's arms while Isaac looked on helplessly.
18. Farewell Allison
Allison was strong, willful and full of grace. She will not be forgotten or easily replaced. RIP Allison Argent.
Does anybody care about any of this? Let's get back to Allison.
When she had the moment with Argent, it was prophetic. Taking the time to talk to her father and tell him she loved him was important and pointing out that she never got that time with her mother should have given what was to come away, but I let it roll by.
Sure not to leave fans hanging, Allison and Isaac talked about their night together and whether it was really Isaac or the Nogitsune infused version of him. It was him. He later watched her die; heard her tell her first love that he was her only love as she slipped away.
That's sure to weigh on him, but I don't believe Allison truly meant Scott was her only love. Allison died in the arms of someone arms of one of the most important people in her life. It wasn't the time to be thinking about others, but I don't think it took away from what she had with Isaac. It was just different.
Lydia. Poor Lydia who apparently had a message for her friends to stay away, knowing her friend was going to die learned it was never delivered. She didn't get to say goodbye or tell Allison she loved her. She's left without her best friend.
Argent arrived on the scene moments after his daughter slipped away, unable to move any closer. What will this do to him?
Will we see Gerard again? With the season finale next week, we're not likely to have a funeral. Is one warranted? Should they have one at the beginning of Season 4? Is Kira a worthy replacement for Allison Argent?
There are so many questions and so few answers at this point. With one episode the issues concerning Stiles and the Nogitsune drained away, if only for an hour, while the loss of Allison and the hopes for a reconciliation of her and Scott were forever dashed.
Nobody wants to hear that a professional was caught off guard, but I was. Writing this is difficult. I'm unable to find an adequate expression of what Allison's death means to the series going forward because it honestly never dawned on me that Scott or Allison would be considered.
The hour was relatively sedate and quiet for a series coming upon a season finale. The clues should have been obvious, but while watching Teen Wolf it sometimes becomes a game of searching for what you might be missing rather than what's right in front of you.
Allison came into Teen Wolf Season 3B with a new purpose -- to protect those cannot protect themselves. No more killing. She and Argent came to an understanding that redefined their relationship. Hopefully his newfound friendship with Derek will help him through the incredibly rough waters he's about to experience.
If you want to remember the best of Allison watch Teen Wolf online to get your fix. Hit the comments and share your thoughts on the hour and be back here next week for what is sure to be an incredible finale.
Did Allison's death come as a surprise to you?