Found – Missing while haunted

The honesty of Margaret’s admission – that she sent Jamie to play alone because she was overwhelmed – is devastating. Dahn’s heartfelt response, refusing to let her take the blame alone, provides a much-needed anchor for an emotionally turbulent episode. The moment the team found her by the water was filled with a heart-wrenching mixture of fear, love and relief. Kelli Williams gives a brilliant, heartbreaking performance as a guilt-ridden mother who believes her moment of emotional breakdown resulted in her son falling into the hands of a stranger. Margaret’s pain resonates with us – many mothers understand the need for a moment of respite but never imagine the unimaginable consequences that will follow. While Jamie’s disappearance is a tragic event, it is never Margaret’s fault. Now that she has faced the guilt she had long avoided, she hopes this pivotal moment will mark the beginning of her journey to recovery.

A high-stakes missing persons case
While Margaret’s journey provides the emotional core, the team’s latest case presents a fascinating mystery. Young Steve comes to M&A with a chilling story about her mother Olivia being taken away by a man named Kane. What begins as a simple kidnapping quickly evolves into a layered story about mental health struggles and family reconciliation.

The revelation that Olivia’s real name is Alice and that she suffers from schizophrenia adds to the emotional complexity of the case. The loss of her father and refusal to take medication fueled her delusions, painting a poignant portrait of a woman struggling to protect her daughter while battling her own demons. In the cemetery scene, Gabby helps ground Alice by calling Steve’s name, a standout moment of compassion and resilience.

Trent and Gabby: A touch of compassion and understanding
This episode allowed us to see a softer side to Trent, who showed more compassion and loyalty than we’ve seen in a long time. The moment after the attack when he assures Gabi that he’s okay highlights a flicker of the bond they once shared. Gabby’s visible relief – clutching her stomach and taking a deep breath – spoke volumes about the lingering care and connection between them. Despite the pain and conflict, it’s clear these two still mean a lot to each other.

However, Trent needs to reconcile his anger at Gabi’s behavior towards Jazz. What Gabby did stemmed from the deep trauma of her kidnapping—a nightmare she still carries with her. He needs to look beyond his own hurt and realize that Gabi truly is a compassionate, determined person, not the villain he’s made her out to be. The episode gives them a glimmer of hope that, despite the breakdown of their relationship, there’s still a foundation of mutual respect and care that might one day bring them back together.

Gabby and Sir: A chilling confrontation looms
The episode continues to unravel Gabby’s fraught history with Mister. Memories of her childhood reveal the roots of her fears and determination, and the people who shaped her ability to fight back. The final scene, in which Gabby receives a haunting message from Jazz over the school intercom—”Hello, Gabrielle”—is as eerie as it is thrilling. Gabby’s quiet determination as she prepares for the confrontation leaves us with more questions than answers. What does Sir want, and how will this battle unfold when the show returns?

final thoughts
“The Haunting” is a brilliant series that embodies everything “Discovery” does best: emotionally resonant character arcs, nail-biting suspense, and a focus on the humanity behind the mystery. Kelli Williams delivers one of her most powerful performances to date, and Shanola Hampton anchors the episode with a nuanced portrayal of strength and vulnerability. As the credits rolled, the audience was left with many questions. Will Margaret continue to recover? How will the team protect Gabby from Jazz? What are the new challenges for M&A in the second half of the year? This episode was more than just a midseason finale, it was a reminder of why Discovery is one of NBC’s most compelling dramas.