One of the biggest twists in the fourth season finale of "Teen Wolf" was Derek's (Tyler Hoechlin) evolution, and for fans who don't quite understand the idea of the former alpha werewolf turning into an actual wolf, series' executive producer Russell Mulcahy and creator Jeff Davis offered some explanation.
Mulcahy told TVLine that Derek's evolution is some sort of a rite of passage. "In the mythology, there are various interpretations, but he's evolved to a different level," he said of Derek. "It's a rite of passage, a natural evolvement in the mystery of the werewolf syndrome."
"It all comes from the mind of Jeff Davis; he's brilliant, and he keeps me on my toes," Mulcahy added.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Davis said that Derek transformed because he reached a "level of control that could change his body so completely that he can disappear into nature." In the realm of "Teen Wolf," it is considered the most powerful part of being a werewolf, according to Davis. "If you can do that, then you've truly reached your zenith of power," explained the 39-year-old creative force behind the show.
When asked to point out the differences between being an alpha and being able to transform into a real wolf, Davis said that Derek's ability to evolve means he got a "great power" and though he may never be an alpha again, "he has reached a level of power that he can manipulate his body... but he's just not the leader of a pack."
"In many ways, it's like having a very powerful second in command almost," explained Davis. "He is Lancelot. If Scott [Tyler Posey] is King Arthur, then Derek is very much Lancelot.
Davis added that he loves Derek's evolution, because it can also be taken figuratively. "To me, it's the evolution of this character who, in the first season, is kind of a bad guy and is not against doing bad things," he told EW.
Last July, MTV renewed "Teen Wolf" for a 20-episode fifth season which, like the third season, will be split into two parts. The Hollywood Reporter.