The use of a fairy tale to share Mary's rise from ash maiden to Queen of the Night was brilliant.

Not only did the story make her origin more fantastical in nature, it also allowed Mary to share her feelings about the event indirectly. Mercy listened intently, but she didn't seem to be following so diligently that she understood the connection between the fairy tale queen and Mary herself.

That's why Mercy was later so surprised at how her fortune changed. On Salem Season 1 Episode 6, a new witch was added to the coven, two men witnessed first had the power of a real witch and it became clear that a young girl would soon lose what was left of her innocence.

Watch Salem Season 1 Episode 6 Online

Everything about the installment was done so well that a plethora of Salem quotes came as a result. So much of what escaped the lips of Mary, Cotton and Rose especially seemed destined to be repeated and enjoyed.

Mary was torn at the thought of killing Mercy. As she shared own beginnings as a witch with her soon-to-be protege, more than once she held up a razor as she readied herself to take Mercy's life, only to be interrupted in her tale by a still awake girl eager to hear more.

As she fought against what others wanted her to do, Mary looked into Mercy's eyes and saw herself there. Young, frightened and alone. Uneducated and thirsty for attention and a future other than what man had laid out for her; the path of least resistance carved out by the Puritans. 

Although it was touch and go, as Mary held the razor to Mercy's neck for the final time she chose to strip her of her garments and told Mercy to invite the demon in rather than take her life. Oh did that anger Tituba! Jealousy seemed the root of her desire for Mary to kill the girl, but once she was a new apprentice, she tried to make it clear whose lady was Mary.

We learned how deeply the plan to raise Mary up as Queen of the Night went not only through her own memories, but from Rose after she escaped Cotton and Alden. The poor young Mary never stood a chance. The darkness chose her long before she chose it.

The more Cotton and Alden work together the more entertaining it becomes. Cotton with his book smarts knowing how to properly hang a witch directly under Saturn in retrograde to get her to talk and John with his brawn and love for the Queen are a wonderful team. They've even started joking with one another in the heat of the moment.

How could you not love the two of them wandering back into the town square, covered in blood and Cotton sharing with Mary that they had just been "tracking the retrograde movement of Saturn," as if blood rains down from the stars as a result. The fact she didn't appear phased should have tipped them off to her true colors!

Since Rose spoke truth about the Grand Rite in riddles, Cotton and Alden are a little behind. We know that the innocent blood being shed is that of the witches who aren't guilty, but what will happen when they figure that out? Will they attempt to put an end to the slaughter of innocents or perhaps concoct a new, biology based method to test them? After all, they know for certain witches exist; they have just failed to prosecute one.

I'm not sure I believe Rose when she told Mary she allowed herself to be captured to find out if Alden still carried a torch for Mary. Telling Mary she was responsible for planting the seed that made someone send John away to war was also foolish. Since she wanted Mary's heart broken, telling her those secrets was counter productive. Indeed, it proved her undoing. Newly empowered Mercy swiftly removed the woman's head. 

Whether Mary's love for Alden affects the Grand Rite? That will be the true test to Mary's devotion to the cause and perhaps result in truly breaking her heart. If at the core of Salem a love story is to be told, she'll not complete the Rite. It would be no good if her lover dies.

Tituba went to Hale (who killed Mrs. Sibley allowing Mary to take her place on the arm of "the king" George), but we were not privy to their conversation. Given the capture of Rose, Tituba's fear and jealousy of Mercy and the empty, masked cape that walked through Hale's house at the end -- something is up their sleeves.

I've wondered if Mrs. Sibley knew about her husband. Taking Anne for a talk about her father indicates she does. It's amazing they've managed to keep it from Anne for so long. Shedding light onto the situation must lead to whatever Xander Berkeley spoke of in his interview, making Anne more than your average, rebellious teen.

It's not surprising at all that Mary brought in Mercy. She needs someone more like her at her side. She's the most powerful witch and yet rules no one. With the coven meeting in secret without her and Tituba holding things back, getting Mercy on her side devoted completely to her wishes is a smart move.

When Mary realized Mercy was repressed by her father and unable to read, she also realized that killing a woman who could make use of "her god" was folly. They needed each other and Mary giving Mercy a golden fingertip, noting she'd never be alone again was oddly heart warming.

I can't wait for Cotton to "think and think some more" on the riddles Rose was telling them to see how quickly they realize the quagmire they've waded into. The reveals are done at the right moments and it's like pieces of a puzzle coming together to create a monstrous picture.

I never hear from you guys. Where do you stand on Salem now? Let's get a little dialog going! If you haven't been able to watch, you can always catch up when you watch Salem online via TV Fanatic.

Did Mary make the right move bringing Mercy into the coven?

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.