EPISODE CONTEXT

Coming off Episode 12's centennial celebration of the underwater cities surfacing — a relatively lighter, world-building moment — this episode pivots sharply toward personal stakes and grudge-fueled conflict, marking a tonal gear-shift heading into the back half of the season. It reintroduces past adversaries with unfinished business against the Nereids, deepening the sense that the team's history carries real consequences. This sets the groundwork for upcoming episodes to explore both internal team dynamics and an escalating threat landscape.