The initial episodes promised a thrilling power dynamic, a clash of worlds unlike anything seen before. Salt, a being of immense authority from beneath the waves, arrived not as a conqueror, but as a negotiator – demanding humanity solve its self-inflicted wounds with breathtaking speed. She forced a reckoning, compelling global leaders to confront the consequences of decades of pollution.
Her early characterization was captivating. Salt possessed a sharp intellect, unwavering resolve, and a commanding presence that instantly demanded respect. She wasn’t simply issuing demands; she was orchestrating a desperate, accelerated attempt at salvation for both worlds, and the tension was palpable as she guided Barclay and a delegation into the crushing depths for further talks.
But the narrative shifted dramatically after a devastating attack during those deep-sea negotiations. Choosing to save a human life, Salt faced exile from her own people, a consequence that should have ignited a fierce struggle for power. Instead, a troubling transformation began.
As a romance with Barclay blossomed, Salt’s formidable will seemed to dissolve, replaced by a focus on affection. The strength that had defined her – the strategic brilliance, the unwavering determination – faded into the background. It felt like a betrayal of the character established in those compelling first episodes.
The series rushed towards a conclusion, sacrificing intricate political maneuvering for a rapidly developing love story. The initial, gripping negotiations, with their complex twists and turns, were far more engaging than this accelerated romance, which lacked the necessary foundation to truly resonate.
The antagonists ultimately succeeded, unleashing a horrific genocide against Aquakind. Salt, once a beacon of righteous anger, emerged from the water utterly broken, her spirit crushed by the devastation. The fury that had fueled her actions was replaced by a subdued despair, a tragic fall from grace.
The remaining seafolk, defeated and demoralized, succumbed to human demands, resulting in a devastating and unsatisfying ending for a race portrayed as mighty and intelligent. It was a stark contrast to the initial promise of a grand, sweeping conflict.
In the final moments, Barclay underwent a transformation, becoming amphibious and reuniting with Salt in the ocean. While they found their personal happiness, the ending felt strangely diminished, zooming in on a single relationship while abandoning the globally-reaching stakes that had initially captivated audiences.
Despite the flawed direction, the series wasn’t without its powerful moments. The anguish of Aquakind during the massacre was deeply affecting, and performances, particularly from Tovey as Barclay, were emotionally resonant. Kate Lethbridge-Stewart’s simmering rage also reached a shocking and memorable climax.
The romance itself wasn’t entirely unwelcome; there was a certain bravery in choosing love amidst such overwhelming adversity. However, it simply wasn’t the most compelling path for the story, especially given the potential for a truly epic conclusion that honored the strength and complexity of Salt’s character and the scale of the crisis.
