Let’s Keep This Party Going!

Can you believe what Alice has been through?! Holy pickles, that poor woman has had quite a crazy character arc in this show! The Knight of Wands was called out by Lilia in Episode 5, right before Agatha drains Alice’s magic and takes her life force.

The Knight of Wands is Alice’s card. We know this because, as a few people have already identified, the rock formation behind her is actually the wall of Red Rocks Park & Amphitheatre in Colorado. This card traditionally represents the spirit of a hero; someone who is brave, rebellious, and ready to bring about positive change. Sounds like Alice.

Episode 5 marked the moment in Alice’s arc when her defense of Agatha, despite the risks, showcased her willingness to protect those she cares about, even at great personal cost. This was a critical point for Alice, where the immense sacrifice she made in that moment revealed her true depth as a character. RIP Alice.

Defensive Stance

Alice’s card is drawn in a defensive position, looking like she’s ready to block something coming at her. I was hoping this would be a nod to her Chinese culture because they commonly use this fighting stance with the Bo staff. You can tell that it’s a defensive position because she’s bearing her weight on her back foot as if anticipating getting pushed backwards.

This was pointed out to me to be almost exactly like the stance Alice took when using her magic to push Evanora, the ghost of Agatha’s mother, who visits them and tells Agatha, “You were evil from the moment you were born. I should have killed you when you came into this world.” This confrontation with Evanora showcases her selflessness and the sudden unleashing of her power.

Let’s compare Alice’s stance to another card, that YouTuber A Bit Of Everything showed me is eerily similar. In the Seven of Wands, a man is standing at the top of a hill, wielding a staff, seemingly defending his position against six more from below. His stance suggests he’s fighting to maintain control over something hard-won, like his territory or achievements. What stands out is that the man is wearing two different shoes, which could imply that he was caught off-guard or unprepared for the challenge. It might also suggest uncertainty in his position or beliefs, symbolizing a lack of clarity in defending what he stands for. Both characters are in defensive positions, anticipating confrontation but in different ways. Alice’s pose indicates readiness and awareness, drawing from her roots, while the man in the Seven of Wands hints at someone thrust into defense, possibly without full confidence in their footing.

Considering what happened in Episode 5, both of these could be correct.

Recap: When Agatha’s mother started to possess her a second time, Alice jumped in and blasted Evanora with her magic, even as the others warned her against it. Alice’s magic dispelled Evanora, but immediately Agatha began to absorb it.

The defensive stance Alice takes in the artwork could be a nod to her Chinese heritage, especially given her mother’s role as a mystical guardian in Hong Kong. Martial arts play an important role in many Chinese heroes’ stories, connecting their physical and spiritual journeys. Her weight balanced on her back foot indicates preparedness and a solid foundation, much like her comic book and MCU backgrounds. Alice is deeply rooted in family traditions.

Family Crest

Look VERY closely at the crest directly above Alice’s head. That is the shape of the demon that has been haunting her family for generations.

Let’s break down the rest of the symbolism.

A red coat of arms symbolizes a warrior or martyr with military experience. (Quite fitting, given Alice’s background as a police officer and her combative nature.) The golden filigree around the edge is made of Acanthus Leaves, which represent an admiration for the arts. Perhaps symbolizing Alice’s appreciation for both the magical arts and her mother’s music.

The animal on the crest is more in line with ancient demonic lore, and has a crown floating above its head. In the Ars Goetia, a spell book from ancient times, there is a demon named Stolas who is depicted as a crowned owl or raven. Stolas is a “Great Prince of Hell” who commands 26 legions of demons. Curiously, the crown style is actually in the Eastern style of art, recognizing that Alice is Asian. The fact that the family crest incorporates this mix of Eastern and Western symbols reinforces Alice’s dual identity, caught between her Asian heritage and the Western environments she’s lived and fought in.

The Jackal

At the very top of Alice’s card, there’s a small line drawing of what appears to be a jackal. Jackals hold important roles in various mythologies, often embodying intelligence, cunning, and protection. In Egyptian mythology, Anubis is a jackal-headed god who is associated with death, mummification, and the afterlife. This connection could be linked to Alice’s struggles with death and the curses tied to her family.

In Chinese mythology, the dragon-jackal hybrid Ya Zi Ya Zi is known for its aggressive nature and its role as a protector. Often depicted with a sword in its mouth, this creature reflects themes of vengeance and defense. Alice’s own reference to anger burning away her pain in Episode 4 draws a parallel between her and Ya Zi Ya Zi’s ferocity. Both the jackal and Alice share a need for aggression as a way of coping with deeper emotional wounds.

This symbolism hints at Alice’s inner conflict and her desire to protect those she loves, even when faced with immense personal cost. It also shows off her role as a protector in her group, taking on both defensive and offensive stances to fight against the forces threatening her friends.

Considering the tumultuous journey Alice has been on, do you think Marvel honored her comic book legacy? Especially with that death scene in Episode 5. Let me know what you think!

Live strong and fight another day!

– The Researcher –