The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5 ending explained: Does the Mighty Nein figure out Caleb’s Empire ties?

The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5 picks up right after Owelia ambushed the group. Titled Little Spark, the latest installment in the series brings plenty of action and emotional reckoning, especially for Caleb Widogast. Owelia's ambush and a flashback to his past reveal Caleb's dark past and one of the key turning points in his life that drove him to become who he is today. 

The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5's conclusion reveals Caleb's ties to the Empire, shocking the group and making Beau want to kill him, before he goes on a warpath that leads to Owelia's death. Caleb's backstory provides a strong insight into why he is the way he is today - reserved and full of self-loathing. 

Owelia's presence and eventual death also hint at what's coming for Caleb's future, and for the entire group by association.

How did The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5 reveal Caleb's ties to the Empire to the group?

Kicking off after the ambush in the previous episode, Caleb Widogast tries to convince the team in The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5 not to fight Owelia. He reasons out that they couldn't beat her, but the group has other plans. They end up overpowering Owelia and take her as a prisoner. But instead of answering Beau's questions during the interrogation, Owelia questions Caleb about his past.

The mystery sparks an emotional confrontation between Caleb and Beau, especially after Owelia mentions the Volstruckers - she knows what Volstruckers mean. Upon taking off the binds in Caleb's arms during the tense moment, she has her confirmation - Caleb is a Volstrucker. 

The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5 concludes with Caleb sitting down in front of the group after killing Owelia, ready to reveal his secret, and starting to tell the true story about his past. 

The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5: Did Caleb kill his parents?

The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5 is told in different timelines - the present and Caleb's past, from his humble beginnings to becoming a ruthless wizard. Flashback scenes in the episode reveal that Caleb killed his parents and cat by setting their house on fire and locking down every door and window to make sure they wouldn't escape. 

It was the second mission he carried out with Astrid and Eadwulf after they were recruited as Volstruckers. They answered directly to Ikithon, and it was Ikithon's orders that Caleb killed his family. They, among the people in their town, were branded as traitors to the Empire. Caleb, Astrid, and Eadwulf were tasked to get rid of them because of that.

The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5 teases more Volstruckers coming after Caleb

Owelia meets her end in Caleb's fire magic in The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5, but not before she leaves him with an ominous revelation that teases more danger coming for Caleb and the rest of the Mighty Nein by association. Owelia tells Caleb that more Volstruckers are going to come after him.

Even if she dies, someone else will follow because, as it turns out, Ikithon is desperate for Caleb to come back. From the episode's flashback scenes, Caleb has appeared to be Ikithon's favorite, always calling him special. The wizard has a lot of belief in what he can do.

Watch The Mighty Nein season 1 episode 5 exclusively on Amazon Prime Video.