Tyrant fashion recap: How to Live

Grab your snacks and pull up a chair (and possibly a hanky) because this hour of Tyrant was nothing if pure chaos, with people and politics being pulled apart at the seams. While this might not have been the most fashion-forward episode of season 3 — somewhat appropriate, considering bringing out one’s finest gear during war could be considered poor form — the clothing this hour gave tremendous insight into the intention of its wearer and the overall direction of Tyrant’s story. Let’s dive in, shall we?

Leila in gauzy white gives off total savior vibes, which seems fitting given she’s learned her role as presidential candidate is best served as someone to “rescue” the people. That being said, she’s decked out in the creamy shade from head to toe as she meets with the Americans and asks them to withdraw support from Bassam. It’s a bold request, and though Leila might not get the answer she wanted, she has a plan B by way of stirring up the military forces opposed to Bassam’s rule. More on that later, though.

Oh, Daliyah. Girlfriend looks fiery in red, which pairs well with the amount of so-called trouble she stirs up this hour. By doing what, you might ask? Well, she begins by convincing Fauzi he needs to escape Abbudin, given that Bassam has labeled him a traitor. Together with her son, the trio leaves town, only for Daliyah to reveal she has no intention of permanently leaving Abbudin. “You can’t stay, but someone has to,” she says. Fauzi has doubts as to whether she’ll be safe, but despite everything that’s happened, Daliyah thinks Bassam won’t hurt her. (Because he loves her, natch.) Surprisingly, this does little to dissuade Fauzi’s passion. He leaves her with a ring and a promise to take care of her son.

NEXT: A threesome that’s not at all what you think

Well, what have we here? In a scene inspired by every soap opera to have ever existed, it’s a showdown between wife and mistress, with the husband thrown in the middle for good measure. Ouch! For the record, this intimate tête-à-tête kicked off with Molly inviting — nay, coercing — Daliyah to an audience at the palace. It’s the first face-to-face the two have had since Molly’s return, and it’s every bit as delicious as one might imagine, complete with chilly stares and biting accusations. (“You took my place in his bed!” “You get everything you want, don’t you?”) Things might have grown even uglier if it hadn’t been for Bassam walking in. Molly makes him feel like he has to choose between Daliyah or his own dead daughter. The result? Bassam places Daliyah under arrest right then and there, ordering guards to “Take this woman into custody.” The clothes in this scene say it all: Everything is made to appear black or white, with no room for shades of grey (or uncertainty).

Here’s a look at another of the show’s female protagonists in red — stunning, right? It’s worth pointing out that Leila and the Sheik always make a point of color-coordinating during their joint appearances, their stop at a military camp included. That said, red is the color of blood, a sign of both life and mortality — something the Sheik should be reminded of, since he narrowly escaped being killed by poison at the hands of his wife, Nafisa. Pressured into the poisoning by her jailed brother, Nafisa has a last-minute change of heart — a move that unexpectedly brings the married couple closer. Even so, it’s not all smooth from here on out. As Abbudinian forces approach Leila’s opposition, war is nearly about to ensue…until General Cogswell interrupts the whole affair. “Today is not the day for civil war,” he says, as Ahmed — now a soldier in the army — stands by his side. What this means for both his political career and his future with Leila is unclear, though one thing’s for certain: Chris North looks darn good in a military uniform.

The episode ends on a bleak note when Bassam visits Daliyah in prison. For him, the hour’s events are justified by his position; for her, it’s a blatant betrayal of their love. Though you can hardly make out her prisoner’s garb in this photo, it’s an apt hint of dark days to come — for her, for Bassam, and for Abbudin.

What did you think of the episode? It was a bit slow, yes, but in a way that could set up a really fantastic finale. While I’m hoping to see some really chic styles to end the season on a high note, there’s plenty of burning questions to be answered, too — and only time will tell if fans get the answers they’re looking for.